A Royal Bengal Tiger inside Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve

Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve are the largest National parks in Central India in the Madhya Pradesh state of India.

Hard Ground Barasingha, a Swamp Deer species, is the major attraction in this park. It was on the verge of extinction, and this park was instrumental in increasing its population. The National park of Kanha is the habitat for the Indian Gaur (an ox species), the largest wild animal in the park, which used to be the home of wild Indian elephants.

Hard Ground Barasingha at Kanha National Park

Barasingha (a swamp deer species) has been re-introduced into this National Park. Barasingha’s antlers carry a minimum of 3 tines (prongs); thus, the name Barasingha means 12 tines. Full-grown Barasingha usually is between 10 to 14 times, which may increase to 20 in rare cases.

Large-sized Munna male tigers are another specialty of this National Park.

Hallon and Banjar rivers, two tributaries of the holy river Narmada, flow through the National Park. The Jungle Book, a story by English author Rudyard Kipling, is believed to be inspired by this park, as he lived initially as a small kid and later as a youngster in these areas.

How do I Go to Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve?

Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve are in the Balaghat and Mandala districts of Madhya Pradesh state in Central India.

Jabalpur is the nearest airport to the National Park at a distance of around 175 kilometers, and Nagpur is 260 kilometers from the Park at Kanha.

Raipur is at 210 kilometers distance from Kanha Park and Tiger Reserve. Mandla is 60 kilometers distance from the National Park.

There are three gates to enter this National Park. If you are coming from Nagpur, Kisli Gate is the most convenient. Another gate to the National Park is at Mukki, and a third gate to enter the Tiger Reserve and National Park is at Serai.