Kanha Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Kanha Tiger Reserve, located in the Maikal Hills of Madhya Pradesh, is one of India’s finest and most celebrated protected areas. Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973 under Project Tiger, Kanha is internationally renowned for its spectacular sal forests, extensive grasslands, rich biodiversity and pioneering conservation programmes. The reserve played a crucial role in saving the endangered Hard-ground Barasingha from extinction and inspired Rudyard Kipling’s descriptions of the forests in ‘The Jungle Book’.

Quick Facts

Particular	Details
State	Madhya Pradesh
Districts	Mandla and Balaghat
Tiger Reserve Notification	1973
Total Area	2,074.00 sq km
Core Area	917.43 sq km
Buffer Area	1,156.57 sq km
Landscape	Maikal Hills, Central Indian Highlands
Forest Types	Moist and Dry Deciduous Forests with Sal and Bamboo
Major Rivers	Banjar, Halon and numerous perennial streams
Best Time to Visit	October to June

Location

Kanha Tiger Reserve lies in the Maikal range of the Satpura hills in eastern Madhya Pradesh. It forms one of the largest and best-connected tiger habitats in Central India and is linked with several surrounding forest divisions.

History

Kanha was first notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1933 and became Kanha National Park in 1955. It was among the original nine Tiger Reserves established under Project Tiger in 1973. The reserve gained worldwide recognition for successfully recovering the endangered Hard-ground Barasingha through scientific habitat management and conservation breeding.

Landscape, Geography & Habitat

Spread across 2,074 sq km, including a core area of 917.43 sq km and a buffer area of 1,156.57 sq km, Kanha is characterised by gently undulating plateaus, broad meadows, dense sal forests, bamboo brakes and perennial streams. Its famous grasslands, locally known as maidans, provide ideal grazing habitat for herbivores and excellent hunting grounds for tigers.

Flora

The reserve is dominated by magnificent sal forests interspersed with bamboo, saja, bija, lendia, mahua, arjun, jamun, tendu and numerous medicinal plants. Rich grasslands and wetlands further enhance habitat diversity.

Fauna

Kanha supports a healthy population of Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Dholes, Sloth Bears, Indian Wolves in surrounding landscapes, Gaur, Hard-ground Barasingha, Sambar, Chital, Barking Deer, Four-horned Antelope, Wild Boar and Indian Giant Squirrel. More than 300 bird species have been recorded, including Crested Serpent Eagle, Green Pigeon, Paradise Flycatcher and numerous woodland birds. Reptiles include Indian Rock Python, Cobra, Krait and Monitor Lizard.

Rivers & Water Bodies

The Banjar and Halon rivers originate within or flow through the reserve. Numerous streams, wetlands and natural waterholes provide perennial water for wildlife.

Other Attractions

Kanha Museum, Bamni Dadar (Sunset Point), Kisli, Mukki and Sarhi tourism zones, nature trails and interpretation centres are major attractions.

Weather & Climate

Summers are warm with temperatures occasionally exceeding 40°C. The southwest monsoon brings substantial rainfall between June and September, while winters are cool and often misty during early mornings.

How to Reach

Nearest airport: Jabalpur. Other nearby airports include Raipur and Nagpur. Nearest railway stations: Jabalpur, Gondia and Nainpur. The reserve is well connected by road from Jabalpur, Mandla and Balaghat.

Best Time to Visit

October to June is the principal tourism season, with March to May offering excellent opportunities for tiger sightings around water sources.

Accommodation

Forest Department rest houses and Madhya Pradesh Tourism accommodation are available at Kisli, Mukki and other authorised tourism zones, subject to advance booking.

Conservation Highlights

Kanha is internationally recognised for conserving the Hard-ground Barasingha and remains one of India’s most successful Tiger Reserves. Scientific wildlife monitoring, habitat improvement, anti-poaching patrols and community participation continue to strengthen conservation efforts.

Visitor Tips

Book safaris well in advance, carry binoculars, wear neutral-coloured clothing, maintain silence during wildlife viewing and strictly follow Forest Department regulations.

Did You Know?

• Kanha inspired many descriptions in Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’.
• It is globally renowned for saving the Hard-ground Barasingha from extinction.
• Kanha was among the original Tiger Reserves created under Project Tiger in 1973.

Last Updated

July 2026