The moment you hear of an Indian jungle safari, the first name that immediately strikes a chord is Kanha Tiger Reserve. In the midst of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha is more than a forest—it is an experience that you will carry with you forever. From hair-raising tiger spotting to serene walks in the forest, each moment spent here is pure magic. But in order to really enjoy here, good planning of your visit is necessary. That is selecting the appropriate Kanha jungle safari package and residing at the finest resort or hotel at Kanha.
I went to Kanha twice, and the experience on both occasions was entirely different yet exhilarating. Here in this blog, I am going to tell you everything you must know about safari packages, resorts, and planning your Kanha trip the intelligent way.
Kanha National Park is renowned globally due to its association with Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book. As you wander within the forest, it is easy to envision Bagheera gliding quietly in the darkness or Sher Khan dominating the grasslands.
But Kanha is not all stories. It is among the finest tiger reserves of India, with a thriving population of tigers. The park has, besides the tiger, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, jackals, and the endangered barasingha (swamp deer), the state animal of Madhya Pradesh. The combination of dense sal forests, broad meadows, and streams turns the park into a photographer’s paradise.
Whenever you book a jungle safari package at Kanha, it typically arrives in the form of a combination of safari, stay, and food. This is convenient because you don’t have to individually book your resort first and then fight for safari permits separately.
Most packages comprise:
When I booked my package, it was for 2 safaris, accommodation in a mid-range resort, and meals. It was ideal for my budget and provided me sufficient time to spend enjoying both the resort and the woods.
The option of your residence is a major part of your overall jungle experience. After a long safari, you require a good place to rest, nice food to eat, and a calm night spent under the stars.
If you are looking for a luxury experience, Kanha has some stunning jungle resorts with cottages, pool, spa, and upscale dining. These resorts provide the experience of staying within the forest but with luxury amenities. They are ideal for families, couples, or overseas tourists seeking an international-standard stay.
This is the most sought-after option. You have large rooms, good food, and decent service at affordable prices. Most of these resorts are situated near safari gates such as Khatia Gate or Mukki Gate, which saves time in the morning.
If you are visiting alone or with friends on a shoestring budget, you can find plenty of guesthouses and small houses close to Kanha. They are not posh, but they are clean, comfortable, and almost close to nature.
???? My tip: Always stay at a resort or hotel close to the gate for your safari where your permit is reserved. E.g., if your safari is from the Mukki Gate, stay in a resort close to Mukki. This spares you from early-morning drives that last long.
When I first visited Kanha, I had stayed close to Mukki Gate. The resort was having plain but cozy cottages, and they gave us hot tea in the early morning hours before the safari. At 5 AM, we set out in our open jeep with the air still cold and foggy. The forest was quiet, with only birds waking up to life around us.
We traveled far into the sal forest, and then our guide suddenly halted the jeep. He indicated fresh pugmarks (tiger tracks) on the road. My pulse began to race. We slowly drove for 10 minutes, and at last we spotted him—a tiger strolling gracefully through the tall grass. It was an experience I will never forget.
Following the safari, it seemed like another form of relaxation to come back to the resort. Sitting by the bonfire with fellow travelers, swapping stories of viewing, made it all the more special.
Booking a Kanha safari is easy but must be done in advance. Here’s how:
When you book a package with a resort, they usually arrange safari permits for you too, making resort booking in Kanha a convenient option.
Kanha is open from October to June.
I myself liked to go there in winter, when the forest appeared green and fresh, but in summer, the possibility of seeing big cats is certainly greater.
A visit to Kanha Tiger Reserve is not only a safari, it’s a total experience of adventure, wilderness, and tranquility. Selecting the ideal Kanha jungle safari package aids in planning everything in an effortless manner, including bookings of safaris as well as food and accommodation. And, residing at the ideal resort or hotel in Kanha makes your journey even more luxurious and memorable.
Whether you are a first-time guest or a frequent wildlife enthusiast, Kanha has something new to surprise you. For me, it was the sighting of a tiger, the silence of the woods, and the warmth of evenings spent at the resort that made my journey unforgettable.
Therefore, if you are planning your safari vacation, select the package that you can afford, opt for a good accommodation close to your safari gate, and prepare yourself for a jungle adventure in Sher Khan’s land!