OT Staff & Waquar Habib
Kanha is one of India’s best tiger habitats. With a healthy tiger population, your chances of spotting this iconic big cat in the wild are high, especially during summer.
The rare hard ground barasingha, also called the swamp deer, was saved from extinction in Kanha. It’s one of the major sites in India where you can see this subspecies in the wild.
Kanha’s rich ecosystem supports over 70 species of trees, 300 bird species, and animals like leopards, wild dogs, hyenas, sloth bears, and gaur, making it a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise.
The lush sal and bamboo forests of Kanha provide a breathtaking green canopy. These unique central Indian forest landscapes offer a serene experience and serve as key tiger habitats.
Kanha’s landscapes, wildlife, and tribal life are believed to have inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. A safari here feels like stepping into the world of Mowgli and Bagheera.
With species like the crested serpent eagle, racket-tailed drongo, and Indian pitta, Kanha is a haven for birdwatchers—particularly between November and March when migratory species also arrive.
The reserve has model villages and eco-development zones that involve local communities in tourism. Visitors can witness sustainable conservation and support locals through homestays, crafts, and cultural experiences.
Beyond jeep safaris, Kanha offers guided nature walks, the Kanha Museum, and interpretation centres like Khatia and Mukki, where you can learn about the reserve’s flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.
Kanha sets high standards for responsible tourism with its regulated safari routes, plastic bans, eco-lodges, and trained guides ensuring minimal impact on wildlife and forest health.
Despite its remote charm, Kanha is well-connected via Jabalpur, Raipur, and Nagpur. Its seclusion from over-commercialised tourist hubs keeps the wilderness experience authentic and immersive.