Kanha Tiger Reserve (Timings, Entry Fee, Safari Online Booking & How to Reach)
Situated in the “Maikal” hills of the Satpuras, Kanha Tiger Reserve is consisted of Mandla and Balaghat districts in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Spread across an area of 940 sq. km, the reserve presents not just rich flora and fauna but also beautiful scenery and refreshing environment. Kanha was declared a sanctuary in the year of 1933. And in the year of 1955, it was declared as a national park. Kanha Tiger reserve came into being in 1973. This was done under the Project Tiger by Government of India.
Flora @ Kanha Tiger Reserve
The prominent kinds of forests at the reserve are Moist Peninsular Sal Forests, Southern Tropical Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest and Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Mixed Forest. Vegetation of the reserve is also consisted of Sal, Saja, Lendia, Dhawa, Tendu, Bamboo, Palas, Bija, Mahua, Aonla, Achar, etc.
Fauna @ Kanha Tiger Reserve
Along with having a considerable good population of tigers, the reserve also has species of endangered barasingha. Along with these, other animals that one can spot are Chital , Sambar , Barasingha , Barking deer , Chousingha , Gaur , Langur , Wild pig , Jackal, Sloth bear, Wild dog, Panther, etc.
Wide variety of reptiles can also be seen such as Python, Indian Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Indian Krait, Common Rat Snake, Common Skink, Indian Monitor, Fan Throated Lizard, Indian Garden Lizard, etc. Along with these, many fishes like Giant Danio, Common Rasbora, Green Snakehead, Mud Perches, Brown Snakehead, etc. can also be seen.
The reserve also boasts close to 300 species of birds providing good opportunities for bird watching.
Best time to visit Kanha Tiger Reserve
The best time to visit the reserve is during the months of February to June. The reserve is open from October to June for tourists. However, it can be closed earlier too by the management depending on the rains.
Reaching Kanha Tiger Reserve
- By air: The nearest airport is at Jabalpur which is 185 km from Kanha. There is one flight from Delhi to Jabalpur also. Another airport which is located quite close is Nagpur airport which is at a distance of 260 km.
- By rail: The nearest railway station is Jabalpur Railway Station. One can hire taxi or take a bus from Jabalpur to the reserve.
- By road: The reserve is well connected via road. From Jabalpur it takes around three hours via road to reach the reserve. Equal amount of time is required from Bilaspur which is key place for tourists travelling from eastern part of India.
Accommodation @ Kanha Tiger Reserve
Tourists have umpteen numbers of accommodation facilities in and around Kanha to choose from. Some of these are Krishna Jungle Resort, The Wild Chalet Resort, Tuli Tiger Resort, Royal Tiger Resort, Kanha Jungle Lodge, The Hiawatha Resort, The Celebration Van Villas, Kipling Camp, Shergarh Resort, Infinity Resort, Muba at Mukki, The Sanjay Tiger Resort, etc.