Kanha National Park is one of the most beautiful wildlife parks in India. It is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. This national park spreads over an area of 940 square kilometers of forests, meadows, and rivers. This national park has been the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s popular novel “The Jungle Book.” People visit this national park to get a glimpse of tigers, barasingha deer, leopards, wild dogs, and many species of birds. But visiting Kanha National Park is not as simple as visiting other tourist spots. You cannot just arrive at the park and enter. Everything here works on a permit system, and if you do not make proper arrangements, you will end up losing the opportunity to visit the park. This is why Kanha National Park safari booking needs to be made properly in advance, especially if you are visiting the park between October and March.

Safari Zones in Kanha National Park and Which One to Choose

Kanha National Park is divided into four main safari zones. These are Kanha, Kisli, Mukki, and Sarhi. All of these zones have their own entry gate and permit quota. Kanha and Kisli are the most popular ones, as these areas cover the core area of the park, and the chances of spotting a tiger are high. Mukki is located on the southern side of the park and is less crowded. So, it is a good option if you want fewer crowds. Sarhi is the least visited of all and is ideal for bird watchers and those who prefer a more serene environment. Once you make your Kanha National Park safari booking, you will be required to choose a zone. First-timers can choose either Kanha or Kisli. Each of these zones has a limited number of vehicles per session, and hence, they get booked quickly on weekends and during holidays.

Kanha Safari Timings, Types, and What to Expect

Kanha has two safaris every day. The morning session starts between 6:00 and 6:30 AM. It ends by 11 AM. In the evenings, the session starts at 3 PM. It ends before sunset. It is recommended to go for the morning safari because the animals are active during the cooler hours. You have the option of two types of vehicles. You may go for a jeep safari. A jeep safari is for six people and allows you to go deeper into the forest on marked routes. The second option is the canter. It is a larger vehicle. It carries 20 people. It is on a fixed route. It is cheaper. It is recommended for large groups. It is recommended for families looking for a budget option. A jeep safari costs between INR 3,500 and INR 5,500. It is per vehicle. It depends upon the zone and the season. Canter rides cost between INR 500 and INR 1000. It is per person. It is recommended to know the above before you go ahead with Kanha National Park safari booking.

Kanha Safari Permit Rules and Booking Process

All safari permits for Kanha National Park are issued and booked through the official online portal of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department. You will have to register on the site, select your date, zone, and session, and finally, proceed to payment. You will need details of all passengers traveling in your vehicle at the time of booking. This is important as the names on your permit will have to match your ID cards on the actual day of the safari. If there is a mismatch, you will not be allowed to enter the park. The permits can be booked up to 120 days prior to the safari for online booking. Some permits will be available for same-day booking at the gate, but these will be snapped up very quickly and cannot be relied on. The best course of action is to finish your Kanha National Park safari booking 30-45 days prior to your trip.

Conclusion

Kanha National Park is open from October to June every year. The park remains closed from July to September, as it is the monsoon season. The best time to visit Kanha National Park is from November to February, as the weather is pleasant and the trails are clear. If you plan to visit Kanha National Park in April and May, it is easy to spot animals as they congregate near water sources due to the dry season, even though it is summer and the heat is very strong. Also, remember to pack cotton clothes for summer and warm clothes for winter mornings. Once inside Kanha National Park, plastic is strictly prohibited, so remember to leave your plastic bottles at the resort and carry a flask. The last thing to remember is that your guide plays a huge role in your overall experience. A good guide knows everything about animals and knows where to look. So, always request a guide for your Kanha National Park safari booking, and do not treat it as a race to spot a tiger. Take your time, and the forest will show you more than you expected.