Kanha Tiger Reserve is located in the Maikal ranges of the Satpuras. The landscape is dominated by lush Sal forest and mixed forest, combining hills, valleys, rivers, marshes, and meadows that support exceptional biodiversity. Kanha is one of the original reserves of Project Tiger and is among the most well-managed tiger reserves in India. The reserve is also known for the Hard Ground Barasingha.
• Open Season: October 15 to June 30 — all core and buffer zones operational
• Weekly Closure: Wednesday evening safari closed in core zones only. Buffer zones are not affected
Wildlife
Kanha supports a strong Bengal tiger population alongside the reserve's signature species — the Hard Ground Barasingha, a rare deer species found exclusively here. The reserve also supports leopards, wild dogs (dholes), sloth bears, Indian bison (gaur), Indian pythons, jackals, and hyenas. Spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, and blackbuck are present in large numbers throughout the reserve. Over 300 bird species have been recorded.
Safari Zones
Kanha has four core zones — Kanha, Kisli, Mukki, and Sarhi — and three buffer zones — Khatia, Khapa, and Sijhora. Each zone is accessed through a designated entry gate — the gate you reach depends on which zone you have booked. Khatia and Mukki are the two primary entry gate hubs and serve multiple zones each.
Core Zone: Kanha
The central and most iconic zone of the reserve. Contains the famous Kanha meadows — the largest open grassland areas in the reserve where barasingha are regularly sighted. Strong tiger presence. Entry via Khatia, Mukki (morning only), or Sarhi gates.
Core Zone: Kisli
Adjacent to the Kanha zone. Dense Sal forest mixed with open areas. Consistent tiger and leopard sightings. Entry via Khatia, Mukki (morning only), or Sarhi gates for single seat.
Core Zone: Mukki
The southern core zone. Diverse terrain of forest, streams, and open areas. Good gaur and dhole sightings alongside tigers. Entry via Khatia or Mukki gates.
Core Zone: Sarhi
The eastern core zone. Mixed forest and grassland terrain. Tiger and barasingha sightings reported. Entry via Khatia or Sarhi gates.
Buffer Zone: Khatia
The buffer zone adjacent to the Khatia gate area. Open terrain with good wildlife activity. Entry via Khatia gate.
Buffer Zone: Khapa
Accessible from Mukki gate. Forest and grassland terrain with tiger and large mammal sightings.
Buffer Zone: Sijhora
Accessible from Sarhi gate. Mixed forest terrain with consistent wildlife activity.
Safari and Permits
Safari Timings
Two safari sessions operate daily — morning and evening. Each morning session runs approximately 4–5 hours and evening session runs approximately 3 hours.
Oct 1–Mar 31
6:00 AM – 11:30 AM
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Apr 1–Jun 30
5:30 AM – 11:30 AM
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Safari Types
Jeep (Full Vehicle): 6-seat open jeep. Entire vehicle can be booked by a group.
Jeep (Single Seat): Individual seat booking in a shared jeep with other tourists. Guide and driver shared across the vehicle.
Canter (Single Seat): A 20-seat open vehicle with shared booking only. It is more economical per seat.
Guide is mandatory on every safari. Guide and vehicle charges are paid separately at the gate on safari day and are NOT included in the online permit fee.
Permit Booking
All safari permits are booked through the official Madhya Pradesh Forest Department portal. There is no authorized alternative.
• Official Booking Portal: forest.mponline.gov.in
• Advance Booking: Opens daily at 11:00 AM for the date 120 days ahead.
• Premium Tatkal: Opens 7 days before safari date at 11:00 AM.
Foreign National ID: Passport required at booking and at the gate. The same original ID used for booking must be carried.
Entry Fees
Fees below are permit fees for Session 2025–26. Vehicle and guide charges are paid separately at the gate.
Full Vehicle — Core
• Normal date: ₹5,280 + Portal fees
• Premium date: ₹6,600 + Portal fees
Single Seat — Core
• Normal date: ₹880 + Portal fees
• Premium date: ₹1,100 + Portal fees
Full Vehicle — Buffer
₹1,320 + Portal fees
Premium dates apply to core zones only — weekends and selected public holidays carry a 25% surcharge. Buffer zone has no premium surcharge. Portal fees is approximately ₹50.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation allowed one day before safari date before 5:00 PM. Cancellation amount calculated as per slab on department fees plus ₹100 cancellation charge.
Premium Tatkal: No cancellation, reschedule, or add-on permitted under any circumstances.
Reschedule: Cancellation after reschedule is not permitted.
There is no refund for cancellations due to weather, rain, or natural causes.
Getting There
Jabalpur is the primary access city for Kanha Tiger Reserve — Khatia gate, the main entry point. Kanha has three main entry gates at different locations. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes and transport info below.
Kanha Tiger Reserve Access City — Jabalpur
Rail Stations: Jabalpur Junction (JBP) — 140 km from Khatia gate
Airports: Jabalpur Airport (JLR) — 150 km from Khatia gate
Bus: Jabalpur Bus Stand (ISBT)
Travel to Jabalpur (JBP) by train and hire a taxi to your zone gate. If flying, Jabalpur Airport (JLR) has scheduled services — travel onward to your gate by taxi. No direct bus services connect to the park gates.
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