Sloth bear scratching against tree trunk on forest trail at Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Kanha National Park

Kanha Tiger Reserve sits across Mandla and Balaghat districts, Madhya Pradesh, in the Maikal hills of the Satpura range — prime tiger land and the epitome of Kipling country, with sal forests of sunlight and shadow, a myriad of streams, rolling meadows, and all the wildlife imaginable.

Kanha’s tiger population stood at 105 in the 2022 All-India Tiger Estimation, the most recent officially released national census, published by the National Tiger Conservation Authority — part of Madhya Pradesh’s state total of 785, the highest of any Indian state. The sixth national census cycle began in late 2025 and is expected to report updated figures through 2027, part of the same tiger conservation story unfolding across India’s national parks; officials involved in the count have specifically flagged Kanha as one of the reserves likely to show growth this cycle, alongside newer connected reserves like Nauradehi and Sanjay Dubri.

 

Visiting Kanha — Season & Safari Rules (2026)

When the park is open
Kanha is open from mid-October to 30 June, closing for the monsoon from 1 July to 30 September. Exact reopening dates are confirmed each year by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department through the official safari booking portal — we check current-season status before finalising any itinerary, so get in touch and we’ll confirm availability for your travel dates.

Weekly closures
The core zone closes for both the morning and evening safari every Wednesday; buffer zone safaris remain available on Wednesday afternoons.

Safari timings
Timings shift with the season — broadly 6:00–11:00 AM and 3:30 PM to sunset in winter, adjusting earlier in the morning and later in the evening through the hotter months. Exact gate times are confirmed on the day by our guide.

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What Our Clients Say

Travelling is not just a journey, it's a story.

RAP Safaris curated a bespoke three week itinerary for me that included 17 safaris across five national parks, as well as visits to key attractions in Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra and Jaipur. Rakesh and his team organised everything for me including all ground transportation, accommodation and most importantly, my park permits and gypsies/drivers/guides. I had wonderful first visit to India and will definitely work with RAP Safaris when organising my next visit.

What I appreciated most about RAP Safaris was their conservation-first approach. The workshop wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was about understanding the ecosystem, respecting wildlife, and documenting nature responsibly. I well remember seeing an elephant with its calf, and Rakesh’s concern as one from our group was getting overwhelmed and expressing it in words.For photographers or nature lovers travelling from Australia to India, a safari tour with RAPS is an unforgettable way to experience one of Asia’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes. I found it incredible and I recommend it.

I had a good experience with Rakesh. His guidance during the safaris and photography sessions was exceptional. To witness those big cats in Jawaharlal Nehru National Park was a wow experience - a majestic tiger emerged silently from the forest and walk across the track just meters away was a moment I will never forget.Tadoba was equally exciting, with several tiger movements, I got good opportunities to photograph these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. My group size was small, the forest guides were knowledgeable, and RAP Safaris' overall organization was smooth and professional. I had an overall good experience.

I had a good experience with Rakesh. His guidance during the safaris and photography sessions was exceptional. I have carried those memories with me ever since. it was about understanding the ecosystem, respecting wildlife, and documenting nature responsibly. I felt incredibly blessed to sight a Tigre a breathtaking moment that I enjoyed without having to compromise on luxury. The place we stayed was also beautiful. It had that proper safari feel comfortable beds, great setup, and just the right vibe to relax and enjoy the experience. Thank you RAPSafaris for a flawless wildlife tour in India. I highly recommend this experience to Australian wildlife lovers, especially those who enjoy expertly guided tours. He really made sure everything was smooth and that we had the best time.

"I've always loved India's rich culture, but I was truly amazed by its incredible conservation success! The Asiatic lion population is back up to over 800. My wildlife tour made unforgettable memories—the luxurious, eco-friendly lodging and amazing home-style food were "wow." Our guide, Rakesh, was a natural storyteller, making the lions' journey from near extinction feel incredibly real. As an Australian of Indian origin, he totally understood how to connect me back to my roots."Would highly recommend RAPS safari for wildlife exposure

While nature fascinates me, I have always had a personal rule: I do not like to step outside of my luxury and comfort zone.Today, I am sharing a fantastic memory from my recent trip to Pench Wildlife Safari. I felt incredibly blessed to sight a tigress and her cubs together—a breathtaking moment that I enjoyed without having to compromise on luxury.Every detail, from the surface transfers to the quality of the food, was handled seamlessly by the team. This allowed me to simply focus on the meaningful, adventurous safaris while maintaining my primary requirement for comfort. For anyone who wants to experience the wild without giving up the finer things in life, I highly recommend Rakesh-ji’s wildlife safaris.