Kanha National Park is one of the most famous and well-maintained tiger reserves in India. Located in Madhya Pradesh, it is home to majestic Bengal tigers, leopards, barasingha (swamp deer), and many other fascinating species of wildlife. Apart from being a hotspot for biodiversity, Kanha also plays a key role in India’s conservation efforts. It was one of the first reserves to be included under Project Tiger and is especially known for successfully saving the barasingha from extinction. For people living in or around Delhi, Kanha is a fantastic destination to witness raw wilderness without having to travel internationally.

This blog will guide you through all the essential details for planning a wildlife safari from Delhi to Kanha. We’ll cover travel options, the best safari zones, the booking process, and a detailed itinerary for a 4-day trip.

Distance Between Delhi and Kanha National Park and the Route Map

Kanha National Park is about 1,076 km away from Delhi by road. If you choose to drive or hire a cab, it would take roughly 18-19 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way. However, this might be tiring and not the most practical option for most tourists.

A more comfortable alternative is to take a train or a flight. There are direct trains from Delhi to Jabalpur, which is the nearest major railway station to Kanha. The train journey takes around 17 to 18 hours. From Jabalpur, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park, which is around 123 km away and takes about 2 hours.

If you prefer flying, you can take a direct flight from Delhi to Jabalpur or Nagpur. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours. From either city, you can reach Kanha by road in 4 to 5 hours. This is the fastest and most convenient option, especially if you have limited time.

Safari Zones and Safari Booking Process at Kanha National Park

Kanha is divided into four main safari zones:

• Kanha

• Kisli

• Mukki

• Sarhi 

The Kanha Zone is the most popular and centrally located. It has a high chance of tiger sightings. The other safari zones, both the core and buffer, are known for their beautiful landscapes and peaceful safari experience, with chances of spotting rare species. It’s a good idea to experience different zones during your stay to increase the chances of seeing diverse wildlife.

Booking a safari at Kanha is simple if done in advance. You can easily make a Kanha online safari booking through the online portals of trusted travel websites. It's best to book at least 60 to 90 days in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season (October to June). To complete your booking, you’ll need to provide valid ID proof (such as an Aadhaar card, a driving license, or a passport). It is advisable for foreign nationals to mandatorily have their passport and visa information with them.

There are two types of jeep safaris available daily:

• Morning Safari

• Afternoon Safari

Each safari lasts for about 4 to 5 hours, and a maximum of six people are allowed in one jeep. Trained guides and drivers accompany each vehicle to ensure safety and enhance your wildlife experience.

Suggested Itinerary: 3 Nights / 4 Days Kanha Wildlife Safari from Delhi

Day 1: Begin your journey early in the morning by catching a flight or train from Delhi to Jabalpur. Upon reaching Jabalpur, take a pre-booked cab to Kanha National Park, which takes around 2-3 hours. Check into a jungle resort near Kanha. Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, and prepare for the next day's adventure.

Day 2: Wake up early for your first morning safari in one of the prime zones like Kanha or Kisli. After the safari, return to the lodge for breakfast and rest for a while. Around noon, visit the Kanha Museum located inside the park, which showcases the biodiversity and conservation history of the region. In the afternoon, head out for your second safari- this time in a different zone, like Mukki, to explore more of the park's wildlife.

Day 3: Start your day with a peaceful guided nature walk in the buffer zone. It’s a great way to connect with the forest on foot and spot smaller species of birds and insects. After breakfast, check out of your resort and drive back to Jabalpur. On the way, stop at Bhedaghat, a famous spot on the Narmada River known for its marble rocks and waterfall. Enjoy a boat ride here before heading to your hotel in Jabalpur for an overnight stay.

Day 4: After breakfast, head to the airport or railway station for your return journey to Delhi.