Kanha National Park
Madhya Pradesh · central · 600m
Where Mowgli roamed — India's most famous tiger reserve
Why Special
India's most famous tiger reserve — the inspiration for Kipling's Jungle Book. Sal and bamboo forests, meadows (maidans) where Barasingha (swamp deer) were saved from extinction.
Infrastructure Reality
Network Coverage
Jio and Airtel work at gate areas. BSNL patchy. No signal deep inside forest.
WiFi: Most resorts
Medical & Emergency
Hospital: Mandla District Hospital (80km) (80 km)
Ambulance: 108 (limited reliability in forest area)
Police: Khatia
Getting There
Jabalpur→Kanha: 160km 4hrs via NH30
Roads: NH30 good. Last 30km single lane but paved.
Public transport: Flights to Jabalpur. Local buses/shared jeeps to Khatia gate.
Fuel & Stay
Fuel: Khatia gate area
Stay: ₹1500-12000/night
40+ options (resort, lodge, homestay)
Emergency: Khatia and Mukki gates have walk-in options off-season.
Helpline: MP Tourism: 0755-2774340
The stay decisions worth flagging in Kanha National Park.
Kanha is India's largest tiger reserve (940 sq km core) — the Jungle Book park. Stay scene is safari-lodge heavy: Taj Banjaar Tola (flagship), Singinawa Jungle Lodge, Kanha Jungle Lodge, Mahua Kothi-sister Pugdundee properties. Lodges cluster at Mukki gate (quieter) and Kisli gate (most sightings). Park closed Jul-Oct. Peak safari Mar-Jun when water sources concentrate wildlife.
Banjaar Tola (Taj Safari) is the Kanha flagship — 90 acres of private sal forest, two camps of nine tents each. The Relais-style luxury tents outclass most MP wildlife lodges. Other options like Kanha Jungle Lodge and Singinawa are mid-range alternatives at 50-60% less. The delta buys you the Taj luxury-tented-camp experience, not better tiger sightings.
Banjaar Tola, A Taj Safari
90 acres of private sal forest along the Banjaar River. Two camps of nine tents each — terraced lounges, pools, Gond artwork, Bastar bell metal. Premier Kanha luxury lodge. Twice-daily safaris, naturalist-led.
No value pick here that's worth the flag. See alternatives below.
No location pick here that's worth the flag. See alternatives below.
No x-factor pick here that's worth the flag. See alternatives below.
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How to Reach
🌍 For International Travelers
Cultural Context
Kanha is India's premier tiger reserve and the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book. Respectful silence on safari is expected. No bright clothing — wear earth tones (khaki, olive, brown). Tipping naturalists and drivers is customary (₹500-1000/safari).
What to Wear
Neutral earth-toned clothing for safari. Covered shoes. Warm layers for winter morning safaris (Nov-Feb). No perfume or cologne — tigers are scent-sensitive.
Food Safety
Resort food is safe and varied. Village dhabas outside gate areas serve basic Indian meals. Bottled water only. Carry snacks for long safari drives.
Common Scams to Watch For
- Safari price inflation for foreigners — confirm official rates at park office
- Unlicensed guides offering private jungle walks (illegal and dangerous)
- Fake tiger sighting guarantees
Cards & Cash
Resorts accept cards. Park fees and village shops cash only. Carry ₹5000+ in cash.
English Spoken
Moderate at resorts and with trained naturalists. Low in surrounding villages. Hindi useful.
Phone & SIM
Jio and Airtel work at gate areas. No signal deep inside forest. Buy SIM in Jabalpur before arriving.
Nearest Embassy
New Delhi (~750km). Honorary consulates may exist in Bhopal.
Standard Indian e-Visa. No special permits for Kanha. Safari booking online at mpforest.gov.in.
Meet the Locals
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