kanha kisli tourist places

Top Things to Do in Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Places to visit in kanha national park.

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1. Kanha National Park

2. Bamni Dadar

3. Kanha Craft Center By Pashoopakshee

4. BLive Electric Bike Tours - Kanha

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• Kanha National Park
• Bamni Dadar
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Delightful Kanha

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• The largest national park in Madhya Pradesh with 940 sq. km under it is considered to be one of the best administered parks in Asia
• Has a significant population of Royal Bengal Tigers
• Bamni Dadar offers a spectacular view of the setting sun and the dense forest of Kanha
• Over 350 species of birds and flora are found in this national park
• Barahsingha was very close to extinction when a successful breeding programme at Kanha National Park brought the animal back.

The largest national park in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park, is located in the Maikal Hills of the Satpuras spreading over two districts - Mandla and Balaghat. With a 940 sq. km expansion, it is considered to be one of the best administered and managed wildlife National parks in India. 

It was declared a reserve forest in 1879 and notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1933. In the 1930s, Kanha was divided into two sanctuaries Hallon and Banjar, of 250 sq km and 300 sq km respectively. Its status came into existence in the year 1955.

Kanha National Park Safari Booking

The best way to explore the Kanha tiger reserve is in a 4 Wheel-drive Open Jeep safari that travels through the lush green forests basking in the elegance of Kanha. The safaris in Kanha National park are held in the mornings and afternoons. Jeeps can be booked online from https://forest.mponline.gov.in and if you are staying at Kanha jungle camp, you can opt for their vehicles and guides. The Kanha wildlife safari is held in four different zones including Kisli, Mukki, Kanha, and Sarhi. During monsoon season, the safaris of core zones are shut down but you can always explore the Buffer zones of this national park any time of the year. The buffer zones mainly include - Khatia Zone, Khapa Zone, Phen Zone, and Sijora Zone.

During the Kanha National Park safari, keep an eye out for

Mammalian Species:

Kanha is home to some 22 species of mammals that include royal Bengal tigers, leopards, striped palm squirrel, common langur, jackal, wild pigs, Chital, Barasingha or swamp deer, blackbuck, and sambar. Interestingly, Kanha Tiger Reserve is also respected globally for saving the barasingha from near extinction. Thus, 'Bhoorsingh the Barasingha' became the official mascot for Kanha National Park.

Less Commonly Seen Species:

Apart from these majestic animals, patient watching can also reward a sight of Indian hare, dhole or Indian wild dogs, barking deer, Indian bison or gaur, Indian fox, sloth bear, striped hyena, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, ratel and porcupine. 

Avian Species: 

Kanha Kisli National Park is also famous for 200 species of birds that include cattle egret, pond heron, black ibis, common peafowl, crested serpent eagle, racket-tailed drongo, hawk, red wattled lapwing, flycatcher, woodpecker, dove, babbler, Indian roller, white-breasted kingfisher, grey hornbill, and the mysterious Red-headed vulture. 

For online jungle safari in Kanha National Park, visit: https://forest.mponline.gov.in

Kanha National Park Circuits

There are three entry gates to Kanha - Khatia (Kisli), Mukki, and Sarhi. The south zone or Mukki can be easily approached from Nagpur or Raipur while the Khatia and Sarhi are accessible from Jabalpur. To experience the primitive facility of Kanha Jungle Camp, it is advised to search for hotels in the direction of Mukki gate. Traversing Kanha National Park will give you a glimpse of the actual locations from National Geographic's award-winning documentary film, "Land of the Tigers".

Forest Department guides accompany visitors around the park on mapped-out circuits which enable viewers to see a good cross-section of Kanha's wildlife. The main attractions of the Kanha National safari also include a sunset point, known as the most beautiful area of the park. The dense luxuriance of Kahna's forest can be seen from here and some of the spectacular mammals (herbivores) can also be spotted from this place. 

Apart from this, tourists can also enjoy walking and cycling in the pristine air of the buffer zone, take a safari in an open jeep and visit nearby excursions (villages) to experience life in the remote jungle. 

Best Time To Visit

Kanha National park is open for its visitors every year from October 15th to June 30th.

The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and the atmosphere is cool.

From March to June, the vegetation of this National park is dried giving leverage to tiger sightings.   

How to Reach Kanha National Park?

Nestled in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National park has excellent Air, Road, and train connections from most parts of India. There are two major entry locations of Kanha, Khatia, and Mukki entrance gate. Khatia's entrance gate lies in the Mandla district, whereas Mukki is settled in the Balaghat district of MP. 

The Khatia gate opens the entrance to Kisli, Kanha, and Sarhi zone and the Mukki entrance gate covers the Mukki range of the national park. Khatia gate is well connected to Jabalpur & Nagpur, while the Mukki gate is connected to Jabalpur, Raipur, and Nagpur. 

By Road: 

Being well connected to major destinations of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh, Kanha National Park is a perfect getaway for wildlife enthusiasts. 

By road, Kanha National Park is well connected with the following big cities: 

Nagpur - 300 Km 

Jabalpur - 160 Km 

Raipur - 250 Km

Bilaspur - 250 Km 

Bhilai - 270 Km 

The Nearest Railway stations to reach Kanha National Park are Gondia and Jabalpur. Gondia is located 145 Km away from the Khatia entrance gate and Jabalpur is located 160 Km away from the Mukki entrance. 

The nearest airports to Kanha National Park are Jabalpur 160 Km, Raipur 250 Km, and Nagpur 300 Km. 

Places to visit in Kanha National Park

Kanha museum.

Kanha museum located inside Kanha National park is maintained by the Forest Department of the state. Located close to Khatia (Kisli) gate, this museum can be visited throughout the year and it is an ideal place for people interested in wildlife, botany, and zoology.  

Lapsi Kabar

A courageous, expert hunter and guide named 'Lapsi' lost his life while battling a ferocious tiger in an attempt to protect his sportsmen colleagues. In his memory, a gravestone was erected at the spot where he fought the tiger. Today, Lapsi Kabar is an important spot in Kanha National Park.

Shravan Tal

A small pond located in the Kanha tiger reserve is considered to be the spot where Shravan Kumar carried his blind parents and fetched water from this pond. While fetching water, Shravan was killed by Dashratha, the father of Lord Rama. Hence, the pond is named after Shravan Kumar.

Sindoor Trees

Sindoor used regularly in Indian households is extracted from this tree variety which is found in abundance here.

The Park is respected globally for saving the Barasingha from near extinction. No doubt, it is one of the best managed parks in Asia and a part of Project Tiger.

National Geographic's award winning 'Land of the Tigers' was shot here, but the park is home to leopards, wild dogs and Barasingha as well. A safari in Kanha will surely get you thrilled, the way you were on your first trip to the zoo, as a child. Safari Booking: https://forest.mponline.gov.in

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Kanha meadows, sindoor trees.

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Tourists have claimed to have seen tigers here on many occasions making this spot famous for tiger spotting

Preserving skeletons of reptiles and animals, this museum also gives an understanding of the tribal culture in the region

The pond where Shravan Kumar, the devoted son in Ramayana, came to fill water for his blind parents

Sindoor, used regularly in Indian households, is extracted from this tree variety which is found in abundance here

ACCOMMODATIONS

MPT Baghira Jungle Resort Mocha, Kanha

Price: INR 4190 - 5490 Phone: 07649-277244

View Details

Salban Kanha Homestay in Kanha

Price: 3000 Phone: +91 7692835206, +91 8510839333

Restaurants And Bars

Sterling kanha resturants (mocha), multi cuisine resturant.

Phone : 9003302727, 98936 44999

The multi cuisine restaurant at Sterling Kanha is the perfect place to indulge in comfort food. The Restaurant provides breakfast and dinner buffet and an ? la carte menu to choose from. The Aloo Dal Badi and Urad Daal Ki Subji will surely tantalise your taste buds.

Bagh Villas Resturant (mukki)

Phone : 9111003371, 9111003372

Recognizing the need for the freshest organic ingredients, a small organic garden has been created at Bagh Villas where vegetables, salads and herbs are grown. We purchase seasonal vegetables from the kitchen gardens of the villagers and local farm produce supporting local communities. The menu consists of varied cuisines but our chefs are always open to requests and will also happily hold food classes for those interested in our recipes.

Nearby destinations

Divine Amarkantak (159 KM)

Situated at an altitude of 1000 m, Amarkantak is a well frequented Hindu pilgrimage center that is popularly known as 'Teerthraj' - 'the king of pilgrimages'.

Funfair of Jabalpur (131 KM)

Under the brightly lit moon, 100 feet tall mountains of marble change forms as the river Narmada passes through it. This view is so scenic that it stays with you for long. But this is just one of the

Travel tools

Destination map, local guide directory, tours and operators, destination brochure, tourist guides, best season to visit.

The best time to visit Kanha is from October to April.

Things to Do in Kanha National Park, India - Kanha National Park Attractions

Things to do in kanha national park.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Kanha National Park

2. Bamni Dadar

3. Kanha Craft Center By Pashoopakshee

4. BLive Electric Bike Tours - Kanha

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• BLive Electric Bike Tours - Kanha

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Kanha national park – complete travel guide (2021).

Want to experience the dense green jungles of India with wild beasts lurking at every corner? Then perhaps you ought to visit Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha National Park . Nestled at the heart of Central India, encircled by the Maikal range, this wildlife reserve is sprawled across a whopping 1945 sq km of the area! Adventure freaks, here’s your chance to grab hold the opportunity to venture into the deep, dark jungles of Kanha National Park and look out for a variety of animals, from the mighty tigers to the tusked elephants, the Barasingha or swamp deer, and plenty of flora and fauna to marvel at.

Table of Contents

History of Kanha National Park –

Originally Kanha was a sanctuary established in the year 1933 which was later, in 1955 declared to be a National Park. The beautiful name “kanha” is derived from the soil which is found here, known as Kanhar . Rudyard Kipling was inspired to write, The Jungle Book seeing the beauty of Kanha itself!

How to reach Kanha National Park –

Kanha National Park has essentially two gates namely Khatia Entrance Gate on the Mandla district and Mukki Entrance in the Balaghat district. While the former gate is well-connected to cities like Nagpur and Jabalpur, the latter is connected to cities like Nagpur, Jabalpur, and Raipur.

If you want to undertake a thrilling road journey then you must be happy to know that Kanha National Park is well-adjoined with plenty of roads from Jabalpur, to Khajurao, Nagpur, and Raipur. Cab and bus services are also readily available.

To reach Kanha’s Khisli Gate you can opt for a ride via the NH12 starting from Jabalpur to Mandla.

In case you’re planning to reach the Mukki Gate, you can also take the road from Nagpur that connects with other cities like Gondia, Baihar, and Balaghat.

• Jabalpur – Kanha National Park – 160kms(4 hours)
• Pench National Park – Kanha National Park – 200kms(4 hours)
• Bandhavgarh National Park – Kanha National Park 250kms(4 hours)
• Bilaspur – Kanha National Park – 250kms(5 hours)
• Bhilai – Kanha National Park- 270kms(5-6 hours)
• Raipur – Kanha National Park – 250kms(5 hours)
• Nagpur – Kanha National Park – 300kms(6-7 hours)

The most convenient way to visit Kanha National Park by rail is to reach Jabalpur railway station and from there you can head for the road ahead which is well-connected to cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow. One needs to cover a distance of 160kms( 4 hours )from Jabalpur railway station to reach Kanha.

You can also board a train and reach Gondia station for your journey to Kanha. But, if you’re traveling from Delhi, there are no trains to Gondia, it’s only available for passengers from Kolkata and Mumbai. It takes approximately 145kms ( 3 hours ) from Gondia station to Kanha.

Since Kanha National Park doesn’t have its own airport, the nearest one is at Jabalpur and Raipur. From Jabalpur it takes 160kms to reach the Park while from Raipur it takes 230kms .

You can very well board the flight from any major city like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Air India, Go Air, Indigo, and Jet Airways are ready to serve you anytime!

Best time to visit Kanha National Park

April – May

If you’re seeking to track the tiger trails then the months from April to May are the ideal time to visit Kanha National Park. The region is dry from the scorching sun, and most of the wild animals can be spotted at nearby waterholes to quench their thirst. Hence it becomes easier for you to locate the members of the cat family. But beware, the temperatures can soar up to an exhausting 40 degrees at that time, so make sure you’re ready to bear the prickling heat!

Note: Kanha National Park remains closed during the monsoon season from July till mid-October.

Things to do at Kanha National Park –

You will be provided with a jeep with a maximum capacity of 6 people along with a guide. Venture into the forest and feel the eerie silence engulfing you everywhere, only interrupted by the sound of birds and crickets. Coming sightings are the Barasingha, different species of birds, wild boars, and unique flora and fauna. The jeep-safari is a fun-filled ride that can be enjoyed with friends and family!

You can also enjoy the thrilling elephant safari at Kanha and Kisli, exploring deeper into the dense forest and gazing at everything from a closer level. It’s quite exciting, perched on the back of the mighty tusked animal and swaying slightly going through the thickness of the forest. Elephant rides cannot be pre-booked and need to be availed only after reaching Kanha National Park, based on the availability of the elephants there.

NOTE- For the Kanha wildlife safari you can pre-book your tickets from the website mponline.gov.in Entry tickets are available at the Kanha National Park entrance gate .

Visiting times: Morning: 6:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Evening: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

SAFARI PERMIT FEE: RS 1500 for a jeep of 6 people

                                      RS 250 for a solo-seated jeep

                                     Children below the age of 5 are exempt

GUIDE FEE: RS 350

Places to visit near Kahna national park

While here you are to enjoy the ravishing nature and the thrilling adventure of the forests there are also a few places near Kanha National Park where you can have a gala time. Here’s how:

1. Kanha Museum

People who are interested in knowing more about the Kanha National Park, its history, the topography of the place, and other interesting aspects can very well visit the Kanha Museum. The strange skeletons of various wild carnivores, herbivores, and reptiles will make you marvel. There’s also a lot of information available about various species of flora and fauna, their characteristics, and several specimens and photographs for wildlife enthusiasts as well.

Distance from Kanha National Park: 11kms

VISITING TIME: 9a.m. – 6p.m.

Cameras allowed.

2. Mandla  

Mandla is another amazing place for you to visit if you’re in Kanha National Park. Filled with beautifully carved forts and religious temples, Mandla is the perfect place for some serenity and calm, especially made for spiritual people. The Rangrez Ghat and the Rapta Ghat provide stunning views of the glistening Narmada flowing by and offer’s a picturesque location for photography lovers.

Distance from Kanha National Park: 35kns

3. Dhuandhar Waterfalls

The land of shiny marble rocks! Jabalpur is a place where you will find brilliantly carved showpieces made purely out of marble. You can sit by the rocks on a moonlit night and watch the marble rocks change color rendering a magical experience! The Dhuandhar Waterfalls is another sight to behold with the sprinkles of its mighty lashes slapping across your face! You can also visit the stunningly gorgeous Madan Mahal.

Distance from Kanha National Park: 164km  

4. Bandhavgarh National Park

Can’t get enough of forests? Well, worry not, as apart from Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh also has another breathtaking forest known as Bandhavgarh National Park that has a diverse range of wildlife for you to look out for. The Royal Bengal Tiger is the most precious creature found in this national park and the evident giant pug marks guarantee that! Different flocks of birds and a wide range of flora are also a common sight once in Bandhavgarh.

Distance from Kanha National Park: 215kms

Places to stay

As a popular tourist destination, Kanha National Park has numerous lodges and resorts at various prices for you to have a comfortable, and luxurious stay while you enjoy the view from your rooms. Most of the resorts and lodges have their own jungle tour and will help you in arranging an exciting safari. Also, it’s recommended that you pre-book your rooms to avoid the rush during tourist season and enjoy a smooth and seamless stay!

Thus, Kanha National Park has widely spectacular treasures for you to explore, giving you the experience of a lifetime. It’s a trip you will remember for all the times to come. So, pack your bags and set on the journey of Kanha’s amazing beauty and wild animals to marvel at. Kanha National Park awaits you!

Uttima Shukla

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Top 10 activities to enjoy in and around kanha national park.

“One can measure greatness and the moral progress of a nation by how it treats its animals” – Mahatma Gandhi

With a strong will to save the natural habitat of animals in the wildlife, Kanha National Park was created in 1955. Spread across an area of 940 km square, Kanha National Park has its imprints over Balaghat and Mandla. Being the largest National Park in Madhya Pradesh, it mothers not just the big wild cats, leopards and barasingha but a huge variety of avifauna too.

When in Madhya Pradesh , Kanha is indeed a place to quench your thirst for an unforgettable trip, as the place not only allows one to have a thrilling experience of witnessing the rich wildlife, but also enjoying several activities. Check out some of the best things to do in Kanha National Park in our blog right here! Start your journey between the cool months of October to March as that’s the best time to visit Kanha National Park .

Check out:   Kanha National Park Tourism Packages

How to Reach Kanha National Park?

By Air: At a distance of 160 km from Kanha, Jabalpur is the nearest airport to land on linked with Delhi and Mumbai.

By Rail: Jabalpur is the nearest place to the National Park.

By Road: The city of Jabalpur is the nearest place to Kanha National Park.

Recommended Tour Packages

• Kanha Bandhavgarh Tour with Khajuraho
• Kanha Bandhavgarh Ranthambore Tour with Agra
• Kanha Wildlife Safari Package

Get Set Go for the Jeep Safari

Catch a glimpse of the furry wild cats, gaurs, blazing black deer, and many more species as you drift through the dense forest of Kanha National Park. Dwell in with the animals by wearing neutral colours for the safari as you drive slowly in your open jeep.

The Jeep Safari in Kanha National Park can be enjoyed twice a day for a specified time which neither disturbs the animals on odd hours nor does it lessen your possibility to spot the wild beings. Stay cautious and aware of what is happening in the Safari because if lucky you might sight a ‘barasingha’ which is found only here.

Other Interesting Blog to Read

• Best Destinations for Wildlife Safari Holidays in India

Sight the Crimson Sunset from Bamni Dadar

See colours merge in the wide sky from Bamni Dadar. Counted as one of the most attractive spots of the National Park, Bamni Dadar is 275m above Kanha and hence you would surely be awestruck by the beauty the sunset from this height beholds.

Take out that camera and capture animals like Gaur, Samba, Barking Deer and the Four Horned Antelope or let the place capture you with its beauty.

• Most Popular National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

Go Splurge on the Local Craft!

Hunt through the local market around the Kanha National Park where you can find a variety of handicrafts especially curated by skilled craftsmen. Not only will you find traditionally inherited goods like woodworks being sold here but also a vibrant variety of t-shirts available here.

The local markets are as high-spirited as the people residing around, the warmth that runs through their heart can be seen by the way they greet the visitors, so go splurge!

Also Read: Information About Night Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park

Explore the Wildlife Richness in Kanha Museum

With a milieu that would fetch in people who have interest in animal history and love, photography is the best way Kanha Museum can be described. As you make your way through the gallery, you will come across the beautifully sculpted structures of the species, which would surely give you the real effect!

Photographs and every minute detail from how the struggle for the conservation of the flora and fauna, shaping up of the National Park, to topographic information, all of it is represented in the museum. Maintained with optimum care by the Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh, the museum adds up to the beauty of the National Park.

Also Read: Hot Air Balloon Safari in Bandhavgarh

Witness the Beauty of the Kawardha Palace

Yellow lights and glimmering sky from dusk to dawn, add up to the beauty of the ravishing Kawardha Palace here, near Raipur in Chhattisgarh . Located at a distance of 91.6 km away from the National Park, it’s worth travelling those extras kilometres to witness the white beaut.

The palace built in 1930, covered with 11 acres of gorgeous greenery and exquisiteness is still owned by the Royal Kawardha family. What attracts the tourist to the palace is the alluring architecture with intricate details and the skyscraping Darbar Hall with a decorous dome where you will find most of the people unwind, preferably in the winter season. Apart from this, there is a setup of a bar, lounge, and library where you can relish the rich royal treatment.

• Best Places to Visit on Family Holiday in Madhya Pradesh

Go Slow to Spot Some Exotic Birds

As you pay a visit to Kanha National Park, you will see the smallest to largest creatures being harboured here. See those fine wings of water birds like herons, storks, teals, kites, and eagles falling in the birds of prey category and scavengers like vultures swing in the sky.

With the Park being divided into 4 parts, the avifauna also varies. And as they have the freedom to soar high, you might not spot the same birds as you did before but if lucky enough you can spot up to 60-70 birds as the National Park has enormous diversity when it comes to these gliders.

Kanha witnesses a large number of wildlife photographers every year from the month of November to May, as that’s the best time to click some crisp pictures here.

• Popular Bird Sanctuaries in India

Relish Sightseeing Tour of Jabalpur

Heart of the state that’s what Jabalpur – one of the most popular tourist destination of Madhya Pradesh. Clinged to the Narmada river it is one of the largest growing city famous for its food, religious and tourist places. Worshippers from all over the world don’t miss a chance to dwell their senses in the aarti at the Kachnar Temple.

It’s renowned for the beautifully designed statue of Lord Shiva reaching the height of 76 ft. and Nandi Maharaj his vehicle right in front of the statue. Another temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, you should not miss is Chausath Yogini Temple, one of the oldest heritage sites in India. The temple was carved on a hilltop in the 10th century and has a total of 64 shrines set in circular motion.

Another relief to the eyes is the Gwarighat Gurudwara. It’s a beautiful Gurudwara on South bank of the river. Besides this, the Marble Rocks and Dhuandhar Falls at Bhedaghat are the most visited sites in Jabalpur. Just 98 ft. above, the Dhuandhar Falls is also called the Smoke Cascade for the reason that when the water falls down on the hard rocks, the visitors witness a smoky view, and thus the name.

Some 40 km south is the Bargi Dam, one of the first dam built over the span of 16 years. It’s used for water and power generation and irrigation besides this the backwaters of the dam form a huge lake, where at present takes place activities like water scooter, cruise ride, boating and there is a resort built too with all the amenities intact.

• Top Places to Visit in Bhopal Madhya Pradesh

Lose Yourself to the Rustic Beauty of Amarkantak

Popularly known as the Teerthraj, Amarkantak is a mystic land with a religious sense which takes hold of your heart and leaves it pure. With the Narmada originating from here, to your surprise, the lush greenery around Amarkantak has a rich variety of medicinal plants. This religious land is best known for its Dudh Dhara Waterfalls having white milk like water.

Nurtured on the western side of Amarkantak Valley, thus this waterfall flows freely from a height of 10 ft and is a sight not to miss in the rainy season. Besides this, you can soothe your senses here at the Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple and the Narmada Udgam Temple, one of the primeval temples of Kalachuri period. The temples are best known for their brilliant architecture on the banks of Narmada river.

Check out: Best Jungle Resorts to Stay in Kanha National Park

Savour the Melange of Nature and Architecture at Mandla

Towering forts, wildlife, serene temples, and curing springs, that’s how Mandla is best known for. See water flowing around the Rangrez Ghat and Rapta Ghat to Narmada River flowing in various narrow streams making its way through limestone, magnesium and basalt rocks.

The city is adorned with extraordinary beauty and lush greenery. With an old Lord Shiva Temple situated in the middle of the river, Sahastradhara is a popular tourist destination here in Mandla. Drive for another 18 km and you might come across the Garam Pani Kund with magical curing powers with water well abundant in sulphur.

• Popular Tourist Circuit in Madhya Pradesh

Take a Road Back in Time at Ramnagar

Love visiting ancient forts? Travel 24 km from the scenic city of Mandla and there you will find the 17th Century built Moti Mahal. The towering three-storey fort with rustic walls was built by the Gond Kings and has its place on the banks of the Narmada river.

Enjoy a relaxed evening here and see the sun rays making its way through the lively passage of the mahal. Travel another 4 km and you will sight the tranquil three-story rectangular fort curated for Chimney Rani, the Begum Mahal.

Inspired by the exceptional Mughal architecture, the Mahal is built with black stones transported specially from Kala Pahad.

• Top Reasons Why We Need to Save Wildlife

We hope this blog was helpful and that the next time you plan a trip to Kanha National Park, you’d have plenty to relish. If you liked this blog, please don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE it.

Also, if you want us to help you plan a trip to Kanha National Park, give us a call at +91-9212777223 or drop us an email at [email protected]. Tour My India offers some of the best wildlife tour packages that not only cater to all your needs but also come in a budget of your choice. So, choose us and our specially designed travel packages to take delight in the radical architecture of the beautiful palace and forts and the wide stretches of grassland in Kanha National Park.

Other Important MP Tourism Links

• Wildlife Tourism in Madhya Pradesh
• Adventure Tourism in Madhya Pradesh
• All Inclusive Madhya Pradesh Tour Packages

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Disclaimer: We do not take credit for some of the licenced paid images used in our blogs, whether from Google Images, Fotolia & Shutterstock. All such images are the copyrights of their respective owners and we try to provide credit for them wherever we can. If, however, any copyright image has been used on our blog, the concerned person can either mail us directly to remove the image or provide credit to whomsoever the image may belong to.

Published: 14 Jan, 2021

About the author

Tanisha Sharma

Tanisha Sharma, born and brought up in Delhi is a travel writer who longs to travel the entire world someday, exploring all the heritage sites. She also tirelessly volunteers at various animal NGOs and is quite keen about working for wildlife conservation. She loves reading romantic and fictional novels and also devotes her time listening to music. Also she likes to visit places where she can savour her favourite junk foods like momos and pizza.

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Guide to Kanha National Park & Tiger Reserve

Table of Contents

All you need to know about going on tiger safari in Kanha National Park, India — plus best Kanha hotels and lodges

MANY PEOPLE ASK ME what my favourite place in India is. Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is at the top of the list. Madhya Pradesh Tourism’s website summarizes it quite succinctly: The largest park with the biggest cats . The only problem with this description is that it leaves out the magic.

To me, there is almost no greater adventure than waiting in an open jeep, in the pre-dawn gloom, for the Kanha National Park gates to open, and then driving into the sal forest as the golden light of dawn illuminates the primeval scene. The air is filled with the songs of a myriad brilliant birds as herds of graceful spotted deer and regal Barasingha graze in the rolling meadows. Meanwhile, lurking silently in the shadows …a flash of stripes, a roar, power and poetry in feline form … the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger.

Book a tiger safari with India for Beginners! 

You can book an India for Beginners custom tiger safari here and I will help you plan the perfect wildlife safari!

Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

There is much, much more to see, do, enjoy, and explore in Kanha National Park (or any national park in Madhya Pradesh) than hunt for tigers. But the moment the guide or naturalist picks up the scent — a pugmark on the road or an animal’s alarm call — the chase is on. And it’s incredibly exciting. The jeep driver makes an educated guess as to where the tiger will appear and heads in that direction. You never know what will happen, and many times the tiger does not appear. And it doesn’t matter. It’s still amazing to be in such a beautiful place, a pristine environment for animals and wildlife, where they run free in a protected environment.

But when a tiger does appear, you will feel a sense of euphoria that is unexplainable and unmistakable. Even the guides and naturalists, who see tigers every week, feel it. The tiger simply electrifies the forest . When a tiger appears, every animal becomes alert. Deer, jackals, monkeys, and other animals track the tiger’s movements and sound alarms, not only for their own kind, but for all. No matter how much stealth she uses, the tiger is never out of view, never unseen. She is always watched by the eyes of the forest. Also, tigers are territorial and hunt and move about in a predictable range. The well-trained guides and naturalists know the tigers in Kanha National Park, and know their movements and whereabouts.

And this is the reason that tiger safaris in India are so exciting, and so often result in success. Within a protected area, criss-crossed with roads, they roam free. In a place like Kanha National Park, that is extremely well managed, the tiger, as the apex predator, has an abundance of food – primarily deer and wild pigs.

Read more on Breathedreamgo

• Visiting & experiencing Madhya Pradesh
• All about tiger safaris in India
• Guide to Bandhavgarh National Park
• Pugdundee Safaris lodges: Home base for tiger safaris
• Guide to the animals of India
• Guide to Satpura National Park .
• Guide to Corbett National Park

Getting to Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is open from October 16 to the end of June. It closes for the summer / monsoon season. You always stand a decent chance to see tigers in Kanha, but the best time is March to June, when it gets hot and the tigers (and other animals) are forced to the waterholes.

Kanha is one of the most popular parks in India, and in peak season it books up completely. Booking your safari, tour, and/or lodge visit about three months in advance, or more, is highly recommended.

At 940 square kilometres in the core zone, and 1,009 square kilometres including the buffer zone, Kanha is the largest park in Central India. The park occupies a large forested area in the southern part of Madhya Pradesh, near Mandla. It is quite near the very centre of India, Nagpur, and within driving distance of three other major tiger reserves: Satpura, Pench, and Bandhavgarh. Many people do a one or two-week tour and visit several parks.

There is no airport or train station nearby. You can fly into Jabalpur if you’re staying near Katia Gate (Kanha Earth Lodge, Kipling Camp); and Raipur if you’re staying near Mukki Gate (Singinawa, Bagh Villas). Then it’s a four- or five-hour car drive. The buses are slow and uncomfortable, and there’s no train (yet), so a pricey car drive / taxi is hard to avoid.

If you book with one of the lodges that I’m reviewing here, they can help arrange your transportation, too, and book your jeep safaris. If you come on a Tiger Safari tour with India for Beginners, we will take care of all your transportation and drives.

What to expect from a wildlife safari in Kanha National Park

There are many reasons as to why Kanha is such a sensational park. One is that parts of this park have been a wildlife sanctuary since 1933. In 1955, about 300 square kilometres was declared a national park. And in 1973, 940 square kilometres became one of India’s original nine Project Tiger Reserves.

Kanha is located in the Satpura range of the Maikal hills, in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. There are four main types of vegetation: moist deciduous forest, dry deciduous forest, valley meadow, and dadar meadow. Sal trees dominate the moist deciduous forest, giving Kanha its special character.

Here is information about seasonal temperatures in Kanha, from the Madhya Pradesh Tourism website: “The winter months (November to early March) are cool and dry, with the day temperature rarely going above a comfortable 32°C, and the night temperature dipping as low as 2°C with occasional frost. The summer months (March to mid-June) are hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 42°C in the day to 20°C at night. The park is closed to visitors once the monsoon breaks in mid to late June. The Park reopens again on 16th October.”

At 940 square kilometres in the core zone, and 1,009 square kilometres including the buffer zone, Kanha is the largest park in Central India. The park occupies a large forested area in the southern part of Madhya Pradesh, near Mandla. There are three gates, Katia/Kisli, Mukki, and Sarhi; four core zones, Kanha, Kisli, Mukki, and Sarhi; and three buffer zones, Khatia, Khapa, and Mukki. Kanha is my favourite zone, but all of them are beautiful and worthwhile.

Not all of Kanha’s core zone are open to tourism. In fact, only a percentage is.

When you book a jeep safari, you will enter the park in a Maruti Gypsy (a jeep-like open vehicle) along with a driver (who may also be a naturalist) and a maximum of four other people. At the park gate, a government certified guide will join your vehicle, and tell you which zone you are assigned to.

There are two wildlife safaris in Kanha National Park each day, morning and afternoon. The park is closed on Wednesday afternoon, which is market day in Katia.

• The morning drive starts about 6 am, and you can spend five hours in the park. You have to be out the gate by 11 a.m.
• The afternoon drive starts at 3 p.m. and lasts 3 hours. You have to be out the gate by 6 p.m.

Please be mindful of the park rules, which are posted at the gate. They are meant to protect the animals and ask visitors to be mindful of noise, to not take anything from the park, etc.

Animal and bird life

Kanha is a great park because of the profusion of birds and of animals of India that thrive there. And of course the tigers.

There are at least 60 adult tigers in Kanha, as given on the 2010 census. Since that time, there have been many litters of cubs, too, and the population is increasing. Kanha is considered a great place to spot tigers because the density is good. There are many people who keep a close eye on the tigers, and know them by sight, and you can follow along and learn all about them from several resources, including:

• Tiger Nation
• Pugdundee Safaris blog
• On Facebook, you can search for groups like Tigers of Kanha and Tigers of Central India, which are updated almost daily with tiger activity.

On every drive to the park, you will never be disappointed – even if you don’t see a tiger. There are herds of spotted deer and Barasingha, troupes of langur monkeys, packs of wild dogs and golden jackals – 22 species of mammals in all. Plus, gaur, wild pigs, and jungle cats. Kanha is the only place where you can see the magnificent Barasingha swamp deer in the wild: the park’s captive breeding program brought them back from the brink of extinction.

Bird, glorious birds

Approximately 300 hundred bird species and 120 butterfly species. Birders especially love Kanha.

I kept a running list of birds I spotted at Kanha – 66 in total. These are just a few:

• Red junglefowl Indian peafowl Lesser whistling duck Cotton pygmy goose Rufous woodpecker Lesser goldenback Shikra Great egret Brown-headed barbet Malabar pied hornbill Indian roller White-throated kingfisher Green bee-eater Jungle owlet Little grebe Black stork Oriental turtle dove Indian thick-knee Yellow-wattled lapwing Oriental honey buzzard Grey headed fish eagle Red-headed vultureCrested serpent eagle Rufous treepie Scarlet minivet Greater racket-tailed drongo

But don’t be disappointed if you don’t see a tiger. Kanha is a beautiful park. The sal and bamboo forests are cool and dark. The meadows are sunny and replete with the tall grasses that many animals feed on. Flowering trees and shrubs burst into bloom at different times of the year. And the seasons bring changes, from the lushness of the monsoon to the dryness of late winter.

To see some of the many birds and animals in Kanha, check out my  Wildlife in Kanha National Park: Photo Essay

What to pack for your wildlife safari

You always stand a decent chance to see tigers in Kanha, but the best time is March to June, when it gets hot and the tigers (and other animals) are forced to the waterholes. From November to February, it can be very cool – even cold – in the park, especially for the morning drive. You will need to wear layers of clothing, and take it off as the day heats up.

Light coloured, neutral clothing – in shades of white, beige, khaki, pale green – are the best, as they don’t distract the animals. A sun hat and bandana are always recommended. It can be very dusty, and you may want to cover your mouth and nose with the bandana. I also recommend taking a water bottle, tissue paper, and hand disinfectant. Toilet facilities are not always up to par, though they are better at Kanha than any other park I’ve seen.

Lodges like Pugdundee, Singinawa and Bagh Villas supply breakfast, which you eat at a breakfast point in the park, so there is no need to bring your own food when you stay and book your safaris with these lodges. On cold mornings, they also provide you with blankets and even hot water bottles – it can be chilly in the morning from November to February, though very warm and pleasant in the afternoon.

Kanha National Park hotels, lodges, camps

There are lots of places to stay near Kanha National Park. Many lodges, guest houses and hotels are located, in every price range, near Katia Gate. And there’s another concentration near Mukki Gate. Here, I am reviewing four, and I truly believe they are four of the best that Kanha has to offer. I made a special effort to stay in all four places. (I also know I am missing a couple of great places, so perhaps I will add them once I get a chance to experience them.)

Kanha Earth Lodge, Kanha National Park, Katia Gate

Kanha Earth Lodge is the premier lodge of Pugdundee Safaris. It’s architecturally stunning, constructed of natural materials like wood and stone, and blends beautifully into the environment. Accommodation is in 12 spacious villas, and the lodge also has a pool and several outdoor dining areas. Like all Pugdundee Safaris lodges, they treat guests to all kinds of special experiences and surprises such as field dinners, and outings to local villages and the sunset point.

The lodge is located about a 30-minute drive from Katia Gate, far from the commercial activity the park attracts. Guests can walk with Pugdundee naturalists in the surrounding forest, which is alive with bird and animal life; or cycle to nearby villages.

Kanha Earth Lodge has won many awards for sustainable and responsible practices, such as giving guests a reusable bottle and providing water refilling stations. There are so many great reasons to stay at a Pugdundee Safaris lodge, but number one is the naturalists. When you stay with Pugdundee, you are escorted into the park with one of their top-notch, outstanding and English-speaking naturalists.

You can read much more about Pugdundee Safaris Lodges here: Home base for tiger safaris in India .

Kipling Camp, Kanha National Park, Katia Gate

Kipling Camp was established in 1982, it was one of the first wildlife camps in India, and it’s also the closest lodge to Katia Gate. In fact, it’s so close, it’s in the buffer zone – and tigers and leopards are known to cross the property. The lodge has a relaxed, genteel atmosphere, which somehow seems to be in perfect harmony with the environment and the tiger safari culture. Not a surprise: it’s owned by well-known tiger conservationist Belinda Wright and her family, and it has retained the charm of a bygone era. This is the kind of place that makes people exclaim, “Don’t change a thing!” I concur. It’s perfect.

Accommodation is in small bungalows, simple and comfortable. In mine, I found a perfect spot to situate my writing desk on the verandah, facing the sal forest and towards the park gate. Here, I could watch spotted deer nibbling at the grasses, and easily imagine a big cat walking the boundary … and in fact, sometimes they do.

The open-air lodge building has a sitting room, a dining area, and a small library. The evenings when Ms. Wright is in residence can be very lively, with card games, and visitors who exchange tall tales of the forest that keep you on the edge of your seat.

A very special feature of Kipling Camp is the presence of perhaps India’s most famous elephant, Tara. She is the star of a book by Mark Shand called Travels on my Elephant . Mark Shand gifted Tara to the Wright family in 1988, and she has lived at Kipling Camp ever since. The team at Kipling Camp are very protective of Tara, and dissuade any attempt to make her into a tourist attraction. However, they do allow guests to walk to the river with her, and her mahout Luvkush, for a daily bath. And it is a very special experience indeed.

There are three in-house naturalist at Kipling Camp. Naturalist Jeswin Kingsly has a B.Tech in marine engineering, trekking skills from NALS (where he was a trainer), and until recently he worked with WWF and was the Program Coordinator at Wildlife Wranglers in Coimbatore. Jeswin is a bird watcher of repute, a snake and animal rescuer and a wildlife photographer. He has worked on wild tigers and elephants and has a particular interest in butterflies.

Naturalist Raghu Shukla was also born and brought up on the edge of Kanha, where he and his family still live. He has worked at Kipling for the past 12 years, as a Naturalist and the Assistant Manager. Raghu is a passionate conservationists who has taken thousands of visitors into Kanha National Park.

Naturalist Rahim was born and brought up on the edge of Kanha National Park and he has worked at Kipling Camp for over 20 years. He is a passionate naturalist who knows Kanha and its surrounding area like the back of his hand. Rahim is considered to be the best bird guide in Kanha. In his spare time, he loves to plant and nurture trees.

The staff at Kipling Camp were very helpful to me, and made sure I was able to get an add-on ticket and go into the park with some other guests. Rahim was my guide when I went into the park with Kipling Camp. I could sense that he had an intuitive understanding of the ecosystem, and it was fascinating to go on a drive with him.

[Note: getting an add-on ticket is now more challenging as it requires three days advance notice.]

Singinawa Jungle Lodge, Kanha National Park, Mukki Gate

Singinawa Jungle Lodge  is a very special place. The lodge is run with care and passion by owner Tulika Kedia and a very impressive team of professionals. From the managers through the house staff to the naturalists, they are an incredibly talented and dedicated bunch – including naturalist David Raju, co-author of the fantastic book Photographic Field Guide – Wildlife of Central India .

While Singinawa has everything you would expect in a high-end safari lodge, it has much more as well. The main lodge building is sensational, with a grand staircase, tastefully decorated comfortable rooms, and lots of outdoor space to eat, have a drink or lounge after the day’s activities are done. The wood furniture, tribal art, and wildlife photos capture the spirit of a tiger safari in central India with perfection.

The villas and bungalows are spaced throughout, with lots of privacy. They are spacious, also tastefully decorated, and with large, modern washrooms. The pool is gorgeous, and artfully set into the landscape, and I particularly loved the roofless change rooms.

Singinawa is a large property at 110 acres, and shares the same habitat as Kanha’s core and buffer zones. The team takes great care to nurture and protect the property, on which birds and animals thrive. Elevated terraces and walking trails can provide great opportunities for bird and wildlife viewing. Just shortly before my visit, tigers were seen mating just outside the property fence, and more than 115 bird species have been recorded on the property.

But Singinawa is much more than a luxury lodge. It is also a place dedicated to supporting the community, the environment, and the wildlife experience. Tulika Kedia is not just passionate about wildlife, she is also a passionate supporter of indigenous art and she created the Kanha Museum of Life and Arts on the property. Here she displays pieces from her collection of art from the Baiga, Bhils, and Gond communities. These artworks are extremely accomplished, but more, they tell a story of the earth and the sacred bond of connection between us. They dazzle us with colour, imagery and story, and also teach us to honour the earth, our mother.

As conservation is a focus at Singinawa, I was asked to plant a tree before my departure. After several days of experiencing the forests and communities of Kanha through the Singinawa lens, I felt a deeper sense of connection and understanding. I did not simply stay at Singinawa, I experienced all the wisdom the people and place has to offer.

Bagh Villas, Kanha National Park, Mukki Gate

The newest addition to the luxury lodge category at Kanha hits the sweet spot in just about every way. Bagh Villas is a stunning property, lavished with loving care and attention by the owners Akhilesh and Lia. I will never forget walking through reception to see the lengthy infinity pool, with a backdrop of wetlands, lined on one side by gracious luxury tents in the traditional Shikar design. Wow is the only word to describe this place!

Bagh Villas is run by a husband-and-wife team, Lia and Akhilesh, who contrast and complement each other, each bringing a different set of skills and expertise to the lodge, and that’s precisely what makes it so special. Akhilesh is a passionate and knowledgeable naturalist who loves travel, exploration, and the great outdoors. While Lia is a highly experienced spa director with a flair for international cooking and an eye for décor and detail. Together, they have created a place that is a genuine wildlife lodge with lots of extra special touches such as an international menu, chic décor, and a serene and beautiful spa.

Sitting by the pool in the evening, watching the full moon rise over the forest and wetlands, and having a drink and snacks with Lia and Akhilesh is one of my favourite incredible India experiences. I also loved my luxury tent. Elevated on a wooden platform, it featured air conditioning and a verandah facing the lake – an ideal spot for relaxing and observing bird and animal life. A full-size bathroom and large, comfortable bed completed the picture, a perfect blend of outdoor living with comfort and convenience.

Bagh Villas is both an immersion in luxury and a true wildlife lodge experience. With Akhikesh at the head of team, an experienced naturalist will accompany you into the park in one of Bagh Villas’ jeeps – of which they seem to have many. They are very passionate about wildlife, birding, and conservation and are happy to introduce guests to the park as well as the surrounding communities.

More reading on Breathedreamgo about wildlife tourism in India :

• Start here for my complete guide to Tiger Safaris in India .
• Check out our guide to the Best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh .
• Nearby Bandhavgarh is another great tiger reserve, see my Guide to Bandhavgarh National Park .

NOTE: I was hosted by Pugdundee Safaris, Kipling Camp, Singinawa Jungle Lodge, and Bagh Villas to experience the properties and game drives in Kanha National Park. My opinions and views are my own, and I write with the needs of my reader in mind.

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Wildlife in Kanha National Park: A photo essay

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About Mariellen Ward

Professional travel writer Mariellen Ward is the founder of award-winning Breathedreamgo. Mariellen has a BA in Journalism and has been travel writing and blogging since 2005. She has won many awards, including a National Tourism Award from Incredible India Tourism, and writes for some of the world’s leading publications including BBC Travel and NatGeo Traveller India.

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Kanha National Park

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Landscape
• 1.5 Climate
• 3 Fees and permits
• 9.1 Camping
• 9.2 Backcountry
• 10 Stay safe

Kanha National Park is in Madhya Pradesh in India . Kanha National Park is one of the most beautiful and well managed of all national parks in India. Tourist throng here to see the magnificent big cat tiger and one of the rarest deer, the Hard ground Barasingha (Swamp Deer), also known as the jewel of Kanha National Park. Many endangered species have indeed been saved here.

Understand [ edit ]

Many wildlife species are present in Kanha National Park. These wildlife species create the core of the Kanha national park, Kanha Kisli National Park which was taken under Project Tiger Reserve in 1974. This park is the only habitat for rare hard ground Barasingha in India.

This 'Tiger Country' is the ideal home for both predator and prey. The romance of the Kanha National Park has not reduced over time – it is still as beautiful as described by Rudyard Kipling in The Jungle Book .

Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve extends over an area of over 1,940 km² of which 940 km² is designated core area and the rest buffer. The major feature of this region's interesting topography is the horseshoe shape valley and the whole park area is surrounded by the spurs of the Mekal. The Surpan River meanders through Kanha's central Maidans, grasslands that cover the extensive plateau. Kanha National Park offers home to rare hard ground barasingha.

Kanha's sal and bamboo forests and rolling grasslands, are by far the most striking features of this region where sighting Swamp deer, Sambhar, Chital, Gaur and other denizens of jungle is common.

History [ edit ]

The park was created in 1955 by a special law and, since then, it has dedicated itself in preserving a variety of animal species. It was declared a tiger reserve in 1974 and since then has been under constant vigilance and conservation activities are being followed diligently.

Landscape [ edit ]

Flora [ edit ].

Shorea robusta, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Terminalia tomentosa, Dendrocalamus strictus

Fauna [ edit ]

Chital Cervus axis, sambar Cervus unicolor, barasingha Cervus duvauceli branderi, barking deer Muntiacus muntjak, chausingha Tetracerus quadricornis, gaur Bos gaurus, langur Presbytis entellus, wild pig Sus scrofa, jackal Canis aureus, sloth bear Melursus ursinus, wild dog Cuon alpinus, panther Panthera pardus, tiger Panthera tigris.

The main wildlife attractions in the reserve are Tiger, Gaur, Sambhar, Chital, Barasingha, Barking deer, Sloth bear, Jackal, Fox, Porcupine, Jungle cat, Python, Hare, Monkey, Mongoose and leopard. Including many reptiles, insects and butterflies you can enjoy the creation of God in its colour and splendor.

The bird species include Storks, Teals, Pintails, Pond herons, Egrets, Peacock, Pea fowl, Jungle fowl, Spur fowl, Partridges, Quails, Ring doves, Spotted parakeets, Green pigeons, Cuckoos, Rollers, Bee-eater, Hoopoes, Drongos, Warblers, Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, Finches, Orioles, Owls, and Fly catchers amongst many others.

Climate [ edit ]

The climate of this region is tropical. Summers are hot and dry with a maximum and minimum temperature of 42°C and 24°C. Winters are cold with an average maximum and minimum temperature of 24°C and 1°C, respectively. The annual average rainfall is 152 cm. The park is closed from July to mid October during monsoon.

Get in [ edit ]

Jabalpur has the nearest airport and railway head, about 3 hours away. Mandla is the nearest city. Khatia (3 km from Kisli) and Mukki are the two main entry points to the Kanha National Park. Kisli is 165 km south from Jabalpur via Chiraidongri, and Mukki is 203 km via Motinala and Garhi. For travellers from Bilaspur (182 km), Raipur (190 km) and Balaghat (83 km), Mukki on State Highway No. 26 is more convenient. From Nagpur, Kisli is 259 km via Nainpur and Chiraidongri, and Mukki is 250 km via Balaghat.

With flight connectivity from Mumbai and Delhi it has become a very good option for travellers to come via Jabalpur.

Fees and permits [ edit ]

To enter the national parks tourism zone, tourists must pay an entry fees of ₹1370 per entry but entry for Mukki, Kanha, Kisli, Sarhi, Zone is ₹1370 per entry. Additional ₹360 guide charges. The national park can be visited only by Gypsies which are available in plenty at the entry gate or else can be booked via resort you are staying at. One Gypsy is allowed to carry maximum 6 tourists. For student groups entry fees can be made 50% on special request to the field director office in advance.

Foreign tourists have to pay double the entry fees of Indian tourist i.e. ₹1370 Entry Fees + ₹360 Guide Charges + ₹2000 gypsy charges= ₹3730 Mukki, Kanha, Kisli, Sarhi. For Kanha Kisli national park zone, guide charges and ticket charges are same. All rates are in Indian rupees.

The park is closed between 30 June and 30 September annually.

Get around [ edit ]

The best way of taking a safari in the park is in open Gypsy which are available and can be booked on reaching or directly through www.mponline.gov.in a government website. Present booking charges for safaris are ₹1230 per safari. Rates for morning and evening rides are between ₹1500 to ₹2500 and ₹1000 to ₹1700 respectively. If you are reaching in main tourist season or week ends and holidays its better to book your Gypsy and pay your entry fees in advance or else you may just watch people going in yourself sitting at your resort.

Zones [ edit ]

Kanha national parks tourism area is divided into 4 zones - Kanha, Kisli, Sarai and Mukki with Kanha zone being the premium zone. Although all the zones are equally good as far as bio diversity is concerned but tigers in Kanha and Kisli zones are more accustomed to Gypsy and human traffic and so much easily sighted. To check Tourism maps of Kanha National Park see: Kanha National Park Tourism Zone maps [dead link]

See [ edit ]

• Bamni Dadar is well known as the sunset point. It is famous among the tourists coming to visit Kanha National Park. Almost every tourist who comes to visit Kanha Sanctuary also visits sunset point. Sunset is the best time to capture the scenic beauty of Kanha National Park in the camera. Animals like Sambar, Barking Deer, Gaur and the Four Horned Antelope can be easily seen here.
• Kanha Museum: Kanha Museum is located inside the park and is amazing place to visit. This is the best place to get information about the topography and different interesting aspects about the park.
• Medicinal Plantation: Medicinal Plantation Conservation Area (MPCA) is located at village Boda Chhapri 2 km from village Mocha and worth a visit. But do remember to ask for a naturalist with good knowledge of plants and do not go on your own as this place is well inside dense forest. Best is to contact the local forest officers for permission and guide.

Do [ edit ]

Kanha tourism is divided in 4 zones Kanha, Kisli, Sarhi and Mukki with Kanha zone being the premium zone. It is good if you take morning safari to Kanha zone and evening to Kisli or Sarhi zones. [1] [dead link]

• Elephant Safari : This is one of the best ways to give a closer view to the animals of Kanha national park. Tourists can enjoy the amazing sightseeing as well as enjoy the wild animals in their natural habitat.
• Jungle walk (Nature trails): One of the best way to explore and understand the local bio diversity is on foot. Forest department has made jungle trails near Khatia entrance gate and Village Chhapri. To go on trail contact your accommodation provider or at the entrance gate. Nature trail at village chhapri is highly recommended for bird watchers.
• NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGE Jungle Safari ( Kanha Tiger Safari ), Kanha National park in Madhya Pradesh , ☏ +91 74538 57908 , [email protected] . 6 am to 11 am or 3 pm to 6 pm . Kanha National Park is a famous wildlife reserve located in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is one of the best places in India to spot tigers and other wildlife species. If you're interested in experiencing a safari in Kanha National Park, here's some information to help you plan your visit: Safari Zones: Kanha National Park is divided into several safari zones to manage tourism and wildlife conservation effectively. The zones include Kanha, Kisli, Mukki, and Sarhi. Each zone has its own unique terrain and wildlife sightings, so it's recommended to check with the park authorities or your safari operator to determine which zone would be best for your visit. Safari Types: There are two types of safaris available in Kanha National Park: Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari. Jeep Safari: This is the most common and popular way to explore the park. The safaris are conducted in 4x4 open jeeps, accompanied by a trained guide and a driver. Jeep safaris allow you to cover more ground and increase your chances of wildlife sightings. Elephant Safari: Elephant safaris provide a unique experience as you ride on the back of an elephant guided by a mahout (elephant handler). These safaris offer a different perspective and allow you to navigate through areas inaccessible to jeeps. However, availability may be limited, and it's recommended to book in advance. Safari Timings: The park has specific timings for safaris, and they vary slightly depending on the season. Generally, there are two safari slots per day: Morning Safari: The morning safari usually starts early around sunrise and lasts for approximately 4 hours. This is an ideal time for spotting wildlife as animals are more active during the cooler hours of the day. Evening Safari: The evening safari begins in the late afternoon and lasts until sunset. Although the chances of spotting animals may be slightly lower compared to the morning safari, it offers a different ambiance and lighting for photography enthusiasts. Booking Safaris: To go on a safari in Kanha National Park, you need to make a reservation in advance. You can either book directly through the official website of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department or through authorized safari operators. It's advisable to make your bookings well ahead of your visit, especially during peak tourist seasons. Rules and Regulations: While on a safari, it's important to follow the rules and regulations set by the park authorities. These guidelines are designed to ensure the safety of visitors and the well-being of the wildlife. Some common rules include maintaining silence, not littering, and staying within designated safari routes. Best Time to Visit: Kanha National Park is open for visitors from October to June. The park remains closed during the monsoon season (July to September) due to heavy rainfall. The best time for wildlife sightings is during the cooler months from November to March when the vegetation is sparse, and animals gather around water sources. 7500 . ( updated Jun 2023 )

Buy [ edit ]

There are a lot of options for buying stuff as Kanha is a highly commercialized forest.There are a huge number of stores available. You can try buying local handicrafts and t-shirts or key chains and woodworks. You can even buy stuff from the stores. most items are overpriced so use your sense and negotiate.

Drink [ edit ]

Popular brands of liquor are available at the wine shop at Mocha.

Sleep [ edit ]

• 22.33547 80.49193 1 Kanha Village Eco Resort ( Kanha Village ), Near Kanha NP, Village Boda Chhapri, Mandla ( 2 km from Mocha Bus Stand ), ☏ +91 997 785 3263 , [email protected] . Check-in: 1PM , check-out: noon . An eco-friendly wildlife resort with construction from locally available biodegradable material like clay, straw, etc. Bath area areas cement and RCC construction. Cottages have family pool, Air conditioners, mini-refrigerator, writing table, and sitting area. Adjacent to a pond and dense forest so if lucky possibilities of viewing wildlife from resort is always there. Resort got "Best Eco Tourism Initiative Award 2010". They assert that they are the only place in Kanha which is following responsible and sustainable tiger tourism rules. US$120 .  
• Kipling Camp , Village Mocha ( District Mandla ), [email protected] . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . Kipling Camp was one of the first private wildlife resorts in India and is set in acres of unspoilt jungle and a lake. Kipling is also the home of Tara, the much-loved elephant who starred in Mark Shand’s best-selling book “Travels on my Elephant”. Tara loves to be bathed and scrubbed in the Banjar River, a great experience for many guests.  
• The Krishna Jungle Resort , Village Mocha ( District Mandla ), ☏ +91 761 4004023 . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . US$150 per person on Jungle Plan .  
• 22.077 80.698 2 Gawa Kanha Resort , Malajkhand, Near Mikki Gate, Balaghat , ☏ +91 80708 08029 . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . Spread over 40.2 acres, the Guava (called “Gawa” locally) orchard at Malajkhand is home to a wonderful biodiversity. The orchard contains 2,200 fruit-bearing guava trees. The orchard also houses a herbal nursery where many carefully selected medicinal plants are seeded and nurtured with immense care. The resort is also being developed into a complete biodiversity park, with a large variety of flora and fauna available on its campus. The resort is a marvel of energy conservation. Except for a little usage for some emergency needs, the resort is completely managed through its own renewable energy setup of full of solar powered plants. One can take beautiful nature walks or roam around to the nearest townships in its electric powered golf cars. ₹4000/₹2600 on twin sharing basis .  
• Shergarh tented camp . With only six tents, Shergarh is arguably the most personal of Kanha's many accommodations. Activities include morning and afternoon game drives, hiking, and a selection of bicycles.  
• Kanha Earth Lodge , Kanha National Park, Village - Narna , ☏ +91 124 4222657 . Kanha Earth Lodge is tucked in a forested area of 16 acres adjoining the buffer zone of Kanha in a small tribal hamlet. It is set in deep jungles away from the tourism hub of Kanha, 9.5 km from the Khatia/Kisli park gate. There is good opportunity to view a variety of mammals and birds around the lodge itself. The lodge's architecture was inspired by the Gond tribal villages which are situated on the fringes of Kanha, making it blend with the forest and rural architecture. Local material and manpower was used extensively in building the lodge; many construction workers were trained and are now part of the permanent lodge team.  
• Singinawa Jungle Lodge , Village Kohka, Tehsil Baihar, Kanha National Park , ☏ +91 124 4908610 . Check-in: 1PM , check-out: noon . Singinawa Jungle Lodge is located near Mukki gate and Baihar. This lodge has luxurious accommodation having 12 cottages and 2 jungle bungalows. They also have spa, swimming pool and more. Good place to experience the wildlife, natural beauty of Kanha and jungle safari.  
• Kanha Resort , Chapri Road, gram: mocha, Dist. Mandla Kanha National Park , [email protected] . Kanha resorts is spread in 10 acres of with 16 AC cottages. It is surrounded by all over thick valley of forest.  
• 22.336 80.488 3 Kanha Eco Lodge , Unit of Kanha Village Eco Resort, Near Kanha national park, Village Boda Chhapri, Panchayat Mocha ( take a left turn from village Mocha towards village Boda Chhapri, reach T joint after 2.5 km and take left turn towards village Kutwahi; after 200 m turn right on mud road towards Kanha Village eco Resort and reach Kanha eco lodge, adjacent to mother unit ), ☏ +91 997 785 3263 , [email protected] . Kanha Eco Lodge is an eco friendly budget wildlife lodge with 8 mud houses having modern amenities. It has a multi cuisine restaurant, swimming pool, TV lounge and serves Jain food also.  
• 22.336 80.488 4 Grand Tiger Resort , Near Mukki Gate Kanha National Park Village Manjitola ( 1.1 km from the Mukki Gate of Kanha National Park ), ☏ +91 888 950 2888 , [email protected] . Check-in: 12:30PM , check-out: 11:30AM . The resort is spread over an area of around 3 acres and is surrounded by lush green forest filled with sal and bamboo trees. Offers accommodation in elegant A.C. rooms equipped with modern amenities, including hot and cold running water, a badminton court, doctor on call, drive-in parking, Internet connection on request, jungle safaris, laundry service, a multi-cuisine restaurant, nature walks, backup power, a souvenir shop, a swimming pool and a volleyball court.  
• Hotel Kanha Treasure , Hotel Kanha Treasure, Opp Kanha National Park, Near Mukki Gate, Village Samnapur ( Mukki Gate of park, 3 min walking distance ), ☏ +91 903 905 5445 , [email protected] . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . AC and non-AC cottages, big swimming pool, children's swimming pool, table tennis, gym, playground, music systems, safari, "jungle feeling" resort. $53 non AC deluxe cottage Including All Meals . ( updated Feb 2017 )
• Kanha Kisli National Park , kanha national park ( mukki ), ☏ +91 903 905 5445 , [email protected] . ( updated Feb 2017 )
• hotel kanha , ☏ +91 98933 92495 , [email protected] . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . Safari available in Kanha National Park. ₹3500 . ( updated Apr 2019 )

Camping [ edit ]

Backcountry [ edit ], stay safe [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• Kawardha Palace is a three-hour drive from the Kanha National Park. This beautiful resort was built in the period of 1936-39 by the king Dharamraj Singh. This resort is spread in the area of eleven acres and beautiful Italian marble is used to built this resort. Other places near to Kawardha Palace are Mandawa mahal, Krishna Temple, Madan manjari Mahal and Bhoremdeo Temple.
• Bandhavgarh - Golbro Tiger View Resort (GTV Resort), near petrol pump, Tala, Bandhavgarh website
• Kanha Kisli National Park - Kanha Kisli National Park - Contact Shailesh Savaria - 9893392495. [2]

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KANHA NATIONAL PARK | WILDLIFE SAFARI & TRAVEL GUIDE TO KANHA

• Kanha National Park Overview
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About Kanha National Park

Country: india | state: madhya pradesh, #7 of 21 places to visit in madhya pradesh | places to visit in india, ideal trip duration: 1-2 days, base station: mocha (15 kms), nearest city to kanha national park: jabalpur (184 kms), best time to visit kanha national park: october to june, peak season: november to february, kanha national park weather: summer: maximum - 44° c and minimum - 21° c winter: maximum - 25° c and minimum - 7° c.

At a distance of 15 km from Mocha, 59 km from Mandla, 106 km from Balaghat, 146 km from Gondia, 184 km from Jabalpur, 224 km from Raipur, 264 km from Nagpur, and 421 km from Bhopal, Kanha National Park is nestled in the Maikal range of Satpuras in Madhya Pradesh. Located in Mandla and Balaghat districts, it is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh and among the popular tourist places to visit in Madhya Pradesh . Positioned in the central region of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha was established as a sanctuary in the year 1933. It was declared as a National Park in 1955 and eventually made a Tiger Reserve in 1973. Kanha is one of the first Tiger Reserves to work for Project Tiger in India. Sprawling over an area of 2059.7 sq. km, it comprises of 940 sq. km core zone, 1009 sq. km of the buffer zone and 110.79 sq. km of neighbouring Phen Sanctuary. The park encompasses Banjar and Hallon valleys, Sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and winding streams. Kanha got its name from the texture of the soil found in the park, which is locally called Kanhar. Kanha National Park is one of the most well managed, tourist-friendly & popular tiger reserves of India. Kanha has the highest density of tiger population in the state with around 80 big cats wandering aimlessly in the forest area. Besides its rich tiger population, there are also around 100 leopards, a huge population of deer and antelopes, including some 400 southern swamp deer (barasingha) which exist nowhere else in the world. One can also see plenty of langurs, Indian bison, wild boar and jackal along with 260 bird species here. Besides, Kanha National Park is also famous for its beautiful jungles, stunning streams, and magnificent landscapes. Kanha is also the jungle that inspired Rudyard Kipling to come up with the very renowned 'The Jungle Book'. National Geographic's award-winning 'Land of the Tigers' was also shot here in the jungles of Kanha National Park. Kanha National Park is divided into four core zones namely Kanha, Kisli, Sarhi, and Mukki. Of all these, Kanha is the oldest zone and the most popular zone of the park while Mukki zone is the second main entry zone of the park. It also has three buffer zones - Khatia, Khapa, and Sijora along with Phen Sanctuary which serves as the satellite core of Kanha and is known for leopard and sloth bear sighting. These zones are also available for jungle safari. There are three entry gates of Kanha National park, Khatia, Mukki & Sarhi Gates. Khatia & Mukki are the prime entry gates to the park. From Khatia Entrance gate one can explore Kisli, Kanha & Sarhi zones of Kanha National Park while the Mukki entrance gate covers Mukki range of the national park. The park authorities offered three types of safaris to its visitors - Jeep Safari, Canter Safari, and Elephant Safari. Permits for day visits to these zones are available online on Park website. There are 2 jeep safaris conducted per day one is early in the morning and the other one is in the late afternoon. The Jungle Safari is done only with vehicles registered with the park administration as private vehicles are not allowed inside the park. It is always advisable to book safaris prior to arrival, especially during weekends as there are only a limited number of vehicles allowed inside the Kanha National Park. Apart from the jeep safari, one can indulge in activities like Elephant Joy Rides, Canter Safari, nature walk, night jungle patrol, birding, village visit, etc. here. The Forest Department provides basic accommodations at forest rest houses at Kisli and Mukki and also at Khatia Jungle Camp. There is also a wide range of other accommodations right from the budget hotels to luxury resorts in the vicinity of Mukki and Khatia gates of Kanha National Park. Mocha is the gateway to Kanha and the nearest airport is at Jabalpur, 182 km away. Jabalpur Junction is the nearest major railhead which has well train connectivity with Patna, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Lucknow, Bangalore, Allahabad, Mysore, Gaya, Bhopal, Mumbai, Gorakhpur, Guwahati, Varanasi, Dhanbad, Bidar, Puri, Surat, Vadodara, Delhi, Raipur, and Ajmer. Mocha Bus Stand, about 15 km from Kanha, is the nearest bus stand and is well connected by bus with Jabalpur and Mandla. Kanha National Park remains open every year from 15th October to 30th June and closed during the monsoon season from 1st July to 15th October. The peak season to visit the park is from October to February as the climatic conditions are excellent while March-June months are ideal for better Tiger sightings. Safari Timings: 6.30 AM - 11 AM & 2 PM - 5.30 PM from Oct - Feb and 6 AM - 10 AM & 3 PM - 6 PM from Mar - June, Closed on every Wednesday evening, on Holi, Diwali & during monsoon. Safari Permit Fee: Rs. 250 for Single Seat in Jeep, Rs. 1500 per Whole Jeep (max 6 Persons). Jeep hiring cost & guide cost extra (around 2500 per jeep and 480 per guide).

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Nearest Airport: Jabalpur - Jabalpur Airport / Dumna Airport (182 Kms)

Direct flights to jabalpur, nearest train station: jabalpur junction (184 kms), direct trains to jabalpur, nearest bus station: mocha (15 kms), direct buses to mocha, distance chart, distance chart & driving directions to kanha national park, top 10 places to visit in kanha national park, kanha jeep safari.

#1 of 13 Places to Visit in Kanha National Park

At a distance of 15 km from Mocha, Kanha Zone is the oldest and the most popular safari zone of Kanha National Park. This zone is primarily visited through Khatia entrance gate, located near Khatia village. Khatia Gate is the most popular of all the three gates of Kanha National Park, the other two being Mukki and Sarhi gate. Kanha Zone comprises of all kind of landscapes like valleys, plains, meadow areas, some hilly terrains, water bodies, etc. The density of tiger population in this zone is high. One can visit the Kanha Meadows, Shravan Tal, Bahamani Banjar, Dasarath Machhan and Kanha Museum in this zone during the safari. Jeep Safari is one of the best ways to explore the exotic wildlife and thick woods of Kanha National Park. Khatia entrance gate falls on Mandla district and is easily accessible from Jabalpur & Nagpur. From here, one can explore Kisli, Kanha & Sarhi zones of Kanha National Park. If you are staying in a resort near Mukki entrance gate or Sarhi entrance .....

Kanha Canter Safari

#2 of 13 Places to Visit in Kanha National Park

At a distance of 15 km from Mocha, Kanha Zone is the oldest and the most popular safari zone of Kanha National Park. This zone is primarily visited through Khatia entrance gate, located near Khatia village. Khatia Gate is the most popular of all the three gates of Kanha National Park, the other two being Mukki and Sarhi gate. Kanha Zone comprises of all kind of landscapes like valleys, plains, and meadow areas, some hilly terrains, water bodies, etc. The density of tiger population in this zone is high. One can visit the Kanha Meadows, Shravan Tal, Bahamani Banjar, Dasarath Machhan and Kanha Museum in this zone during the safari. Besides, this zone is ideal for nature photography as it has beautiful and evergreen Sal forests. Apart from Jeep Safari, Canter Safari is the best way to explore the flora and fauna of Kanha. Canter Safari is available only in Core Zones. It is an open bus safari with a seating capacity of 12 tourists. It is considered as a ray of hope for those helpless .....

Mukki Jeep Safari

#3 of 13 Places to Visit in Kanha National Park

At a distance of 50 km from Mocha and 65 km from Kanha Gate, Mukki Zone is the second most popular safari zone of Kanha National Park. This zone is primarily visited through Mukki entrance gate, located near Mukki village. Mukki was the second zone to be opened for tourists after Kanha Core Zone. It is the southern part of Kanha forest and is the nearest entry point for tourists, coming from Raipur, Gondia, and Nagpur. This zone is popular for tiger sighting as the density of tiger population in this zone is high. The jungle safari from Mukki gate passes through the Kudh meadows, Sondhar Tank and meadows, Lapsi Kabar, Bishanpura and Kukri Pani. Jeep Safari is one of the best ways to explore the exotic wildlife and thick woods of Kanha National Park. Accompanied by a trained guide, the jeep safari takes you into the heart of the national park on fixed routes at fixed timings in the mornings and afternoons. The Jungle Safari is done only with vehicles registered with the park .....

Mukki Canter Safari

#4 of 13 Places to Visit in Kanha National Park

At a distance of 50 km from Mocha and 65 km from Kanha Gate, Mukki Zone is the second most popular safari zone of Kanha National Park. This zone is primarily visited through Mukki entrance gate, located near Mukki village. Mukki was the second zone to be opened for tourists after Kanha Core Zone. It is the southern part of Kanha forest and is the nearest entry point for tourists, coming from Raipur, Gondia, and Nagpur. This zone is popular for tiger sighting as the density of tiger population in this zone is high. The jungle safari from Mukki gate passes through the Kudh meadows, Sondhar Tank and meadows, Lapsi Kabar, Bishanpura and Kukri Pani. Apart from Jeep Safari, Canter Safari is the best way to explore the flora and fauna of Kanha. Canter Safari is available only in Core Zones. It is an open bus safari with a seating capacity of 12 tourists. It is considered as a ray of hope for those helpless tourists who reaches Kanha without any advance booking safari tickets and .....

Kisli Jeep Safari

#5 of 13 Places to Visit in Kanha National Park

At a distance of 7 km from Mocha and 8 km from Kanha ticket counter, Kisli Zone is one of the core zones of Kanha Nationa Park. This zone is primarily visited through Khatia entrance gate, located near Khatia village. After the introduction of Sarhi Zone, Kisli Zone was carved out from Kanha Zone and thus it becomes the fourth safari zone of Kanha National Park. It was earlier treated as Kanha zone so its importance is always considered equivalent to Kanha Zone. Forest area falling in this zone is considered to be very scenic and photogenic. Kisli Zone is very well explored by safari guides and thus here tiger sighting probability is also high. In this zone, one can find animals like Indian Gaur, Hard-ground Barasingha, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Jackal, Wolf, etc. Kopedabri, Langha Dadar, Bandri Chapar, Sandukkhol, Mochi Dadar, Phuta Tal, Soonaghat, Bandela Behera, Amahi, Magar Nala and Salghat are the important areas visited in Kisli zone during jeep safari. Jeep Safari .....

Kisli Canter Safari

#6 of 13 Places to Visit in Kanha National Park

At a distance of 7 km from Mocha and 8 km from Kanha ticket counter, Kisli Zone is one of the core zones of Kanha Nationa Park. This zone is primarily visited through Khatia entrance gate, located near Khatia village. After the introduction of Sarhi Zone, Kisli zone was carved out from Kanha Zone and thus it becomes the fourth safari zone of Kanha National Park. It was earlier treated as Kanha zone so its importance is always considered equivalent to Kanha Zone. Forest area falling in this zone is considered to be very scenic and photogenic. Kisli Zone is very well explored by safari guides and thus here tiger sighting probability is also high. In this zone, one can find animals like Indian Gaur, Hard-ground Barasingha, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Jackal, Wolf, etc. Kopedabri, Langha Dadar, Bandri Chapar, Sandukkhol, Mochi Dadar, Phuta Tal, Soonaghat, Bandela Behera, Amahi, Magar Nala and Salghat are the important areas visited in Kisli zone during jeep safari. Apart .....

Elephant Safari

#7 of 13 Places to Visit in Kanha National Park

At a distance of 15 km from Mocha, Kanha Zone is the oldest and the most popular safari zone of Kanha National Park. This zone is primarily visited through Khatia entrance gate, located near Khatia village. Besides Jeep Safari, tourists can go for elephant safari on a pre-decided route which has been marked by Park Authorities. Also known as Elephant Joy Ride, this safari makes the tour more enjoyable and complete as it allows one to get access to those forested areas which are not accessible by normal jeeps. The chances of Tiger sightings are high during elephant safari in Kanha. This is booked on first cum first serve basis. Earlier, Elephant Safari is offered to tourists through a program called 'Tiger-show' which was the easiest way to enjoy small elephant ride, during morning safari round. It was closed in the year 2012 in all the national parks of Madhya Pradesh, including Kanha National Park due to the shortage of trained elephants. After the closing of 'Tiger-show', .....

Sarhi Jeep Safari

#8 of 13 Places to Visit in Kanha National Park

At a distance of 58 km from Mocha and 62 km from Khatia Gate, Kisli Zone is one of the core zones of Kanha Nationa Park. This zone is primarily visited through Sarhi entrance gate, located near Sarhi village. Sarhi zone in Kanha National Park is created after Kanha zone and Mukki zone. It is the northern part of Kanha tiger reserve and mostly untouched for a long time. It is said that vegetation in Sarhi zone is dense due to which here tiger sighting is a little bit challenging but in the summer season, the sighting is good. This zone is known for good sighting of Sloth Bear, Nilgai, Dholes (Wild Dog) and Leopards. Here the jungle is very beautiful thus it is the best place for nature photography. Besides, one can also explore places like Halloen River Valley, Jamuntola, Umerkhera Camp, Ronda Camp, Mahuadabri, Ganeri-Dadar and Khuluwa by undertaking jungle safari drives in Sarhi Zone. In order to do jungle safari in Sarhi zone, tourists can enter from Khatia gate or Sarhi .....

Khatia Jeep Safari

#9 of 13 Places to Visit in Kanha National Park

At a distance of 4 km from Mocha, Khatia is the buffer safari zone of Kanha National Park. This zone is primarily visited through Khatia entrance gate, located near Khatia village. Khatia Zone lies in the western region of Kanha tiger reserve. It covers the forest area adjoining to core area near Khatia entrance gate. Khatia Zone comprises villages and forest area. It is the best solution for walk-in tourists who have not made any advance booking and core zones safari tickets are sold out. Also, It is best suitable for those tourists who have booked their resorts close to Khatia entrance gate as Khatia Zone safari will use same Khatia gate for entrance to undertake jungle safari in this zone. Since 2017, it was made online for tourists so that they can do Kahtia Zone safari tickets booking in advance, for desired dates. One can book the entry ticket either online at www.mponline.gov.in or through travel agents or if available one can also get this from the booking window .....

Khapa Jeep Safari

#10 of 13 Places to Visit in Kanha National Park

At a distance of 32 km from Mocha, Khapa is the buffer safari zone of Kanha National Park. This zone is primarily visited through Mukki entrance gate, located near Mukki village. Adjacent to Mukki core zone, Khapa safari zone lies in the south-west of Kanha tiger reserve. It is close from Mukki entrance gate thus tourists staying at resorts close to Mukki gate side can easily visit this buffer zone. It is a nice forest where we can enjoy less tourist crowd. It is believed to be good for birding, due to the presence of some water bodies and marshy lands. It is gaining popularity among tourists. It is new for the tourism world and available for safari drives since the year 2017. Here prominent tourist attractions are mammals like Leopards, Jackal, Sambar, Tigers, Indian Gaur, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, etc. Prominent tigers of Khapa Zone are T-72, MA-1. During a safari in this zone, our guests have seen tigress with 3 cubs from Balaghat male. One can book the entry ticket .....

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Kisli Gate Tourism

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Opening and Closing time of Kisli Gate

Disclaimer: It's important to check the most current information before planning your visit, as opening hours can vary and might be subject to change due to special events, maintenance, or unforeseen circumstances. A reliable way to confirm the opening hours is to contact the local tourism board, check the official website (if available)

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• Kanha National Park: A Detailed Travel Guide

• Madhya Pradesh

When it comes to the treasure of wildlife in India, Kanha National Park is the country’s prized possession located in its heart, Madhya Pradesh. The state boasts of a number of wildlife sanctuaries that are abodes of thousands of flora and fauna species but this wildlife sanctuary holds a charm that is unmatchable by any other.

The wildlife park occupies 940 sq. km of verdant forests encompassing tropical moist and dry deciduous forests, meadows, lakes and much more. Kanha is also the jungle that inspired Rudyard Kipling to come up with the very renowned ‘The Jungle Book’.

Though the wildlife park is home to an extensive range of animals like Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, etc., the major highlight is the Royal Bengal Tiger that rules its wilderness.

Besides, Swamp Deer is another major highlight of the park. Kanha Tiger Reserve offers a high probability of tiger sighting due to the dense tiger population, which makes it a popular destination among wildlife enthusiasts and photographers eager to capture a glimpse of the elusive cat in their camera. You may even spot nocturnal animals like fox, hyena, and porcupine outside the park limits.

Inarguably the best way to experience the park’s wildlife and wilderness from a negligible distance is to indulge in the adventure of Kanha National Park Safari.

You even have a choice to choose between an open jeep safari and elephant safari, the both of which hold a distinctive kind of thrill and fun of their own. The activity takes you into the core regions of the forest where the chances of spotting big cats are comparatively much higher.

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Types of Safaris in Kanha National Park

Jeep safari.

The thrill of exploring the exotic jungle in an open jeep is unmatchable. Kanha National Park Safari offers a ride into the dense forests and introduces the wildlife in its natural habitat. During the safari one can spot different flora and fauna including the royal Bengal tiger and enjoy nature photography.

It is a must activity that one should indulge in while visiting the park to keep the adrenaline high.

Safari Timings:

Summer: Morning:  6:30 am to 11:00 am

               Evening:  4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Winter:  Morning:  6:00 am to 11:00 am

             Evening:  3:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Safari Cost:  - INR 6500 per vehicle (for Indians)

                    - INR 9500 per vehicle (for Foreigners)

Note: Kanha National Park Safari is closed for evening safari on every Wednesday.

Duration: 3 hours.

Elephant Safari

Discover the vivid wildlife of Kanha Tiger Reserve while sitting on the back of an elephant. You can roam amidst of the lush green deep jungle, luxurious meadows, stunning ravines and vibrant streams.

The chance to encounter a tiger is more in an elephant safari as this safari helps the visitors to visit the parts which are not accessible by jeeps. This is a thrilling activity that will fascinate you and introduce you to the true beauty of nature.

Safari Cost:  - Approx. INR 500-700

Types of Flora and Fauna in Kanha National Park

Best of Bhopal

Places to Stay near Kanha National Park

Kanha earth lodge.

Spread across an area of 16 acres amidst the raw nature of Kanha’s buffer zone, Kanha Earth Lodge is a popular accommodation option that offers luxury yet maintains a rustic charm to let you stay connected with the wilderness that sits outside.

The classy architecture of the resort is impressive. The resort encompasses 12 bungalows that are laced with all modern amenities and luxuries to pamper you and make your vacation memorable.

Amenities & Activities:

- Luxury Cottages - Dining Hall - Infinity Pool -  Outdoor barbeque and bush dinner areas - Bird Watching & Nature Trails - Jeep Safaris & Elephant Safari - Cycling - Village Visit

Price: The starting rate for rooms is INR 13,000 per night.

Location: Kanha Earth Lodge, Sarekha Village -Narna Kanha National Park, Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Kanha National Park: 28 Km.

Whether you are planning a fun day out with your friends or you want to have a great picnic experience with your family, you can pick among the waterfalls in Madhya Pradesh and spend a delightful day creating memories in the shadow of the tumbling waters.

Banjaar Tola, A Taj Safari Lodge

Situated along the banks of Banjaar River, Banjaar Tola redefines lavishness in the middle of the raw nature of Kanha National Park. This elegantly designed resort is known to deliver all the comforts of a luxury resort along with a sense of being amidst nature.

There is a total of 18 tents with river and park views which is sure to add a sense of tranquillity to your stay experience. Enhance your jungle vacation experience by making Banjaar Tola your abode for a couple of days.

- River View/Park View Tented Suites - Spa & Gym - Outdoor Pool - Jeep Safari & Elephant Safari - Nature Trails & Bird Watching - Stargazing - Village Visit

Price: The starting rate for rooms is INR 15,000 per night.

Location: Kanha National Park, Manjitola Mukki Tehsil Baihar Balaghat, Baihar, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Kanha National Park: 2.5 Km.

Madhya Pradesh is the dream of every nature and wildlife enthusiast , Whether it is rafting, boating, tiger spotting, or even short hikes or nature trails, these stunning reserves surpass all your expectations. 

Best of Indore

Chitvan Jungle Lodge

World-class amenities and well-trained staff showing warm hospitality are what makes Chitvan Jungle Lodge stand apart. It is a popular choice among wildlife enthusiasts who regularly visit the national park.

Amazing views of the surrounding wilderness can be witnessed while staying at the lodge. The accommodation options at Chitvan Jungle Lodge are available in 4 categories, namely Ja, Prithvi, Akash, and Mahasagar.

Every category features a different type of rooms with category exclusive interiors and facilities.

- Accommodation: Akash (Ether) Suites / Jal (Water) Suites / Prithvi (Earth) Suites /  The Mahasagar Suite - Dining Hall - Jungle Safari - Bird Watching & Nature Walk

Price: The starting rate for rooms is INR 7,000 per night.

Location: Kanha National Park, Post Mukki, Tehsil Baihar, District Balaghat, Samnapur, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Kanha National Park: 4 Km.

Whether you are on a pursuit to explore the rich cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh or you want to explore the natural heritage of the state at various national parks, Madhya Pradesh resorts are well-versed with the art of delighting their guests with their top-notch services and facilities.

Kipling Camps

It is one of the finest accommodation options in Kanha National Park as its homely ambiance teeming with an air of tranquility offers you a perfect stay experience, and you feel like home even though away from home.

This camp, boasting of rustic charm since 1982, is located near the Kisli Gate of Kanha National Park. The resort features attractive cottages that are equipped with modern amenities facilitating a rejuvenating vacation.

- Cottages - Campfire - Jungle Safari - Spa - Bird Watching

Price: The starting rate for rooms is INR 18,000 per night.

Location: Kanha National Park, Mocha, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Kanha National Park: 3 Km.

Madhya Pradesh is your ultimate stop to taste the real thrill of adventure because whatever your idea of getting adventurous may be, it has amazing options for you to satisfy your yearning for action.

Tuli Tiger Resort

Best of Jabalpur

Singinawa Jungle Lodge

If your plan is to explore the exotic wildlife of Kanha National Park with a touch of class, complete your holiday experience by accommodating yourself at this jungle resort renowned for its stylish standalone cottages.

The resort encompasses 12 luxury cottages made of stone and slate in an area of 55 acres over a grassland. Besides, there is a grand dining area where you can enjoy sumptuous delicacies to enhance the overall affair.

Amenities & Activities: - Luxury Cottages & Jungle Bungalows - Spa - Swimming Pool - Nature Trails - Museum - Impressive Dining Space - Jeep Safari & Bicycle Trails - Village

Price: The starting rate for rooms is INR 20,000 per night.

Location: Kohka, Tehsil Baihar, Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Kanha National Park: 13 Km.

Whether you are travelling alone or with family, Madhya Pradesh got a lot of things to do on trip ranging from visiting ancient temples, wildlife sanctuaries, historical monuments and many more.

Mogli Resort

It is among the best stay options for budget travelers visiting the national park as it is known to deliver a “value for money” experience to guests. Offering all modern facilities at reasonable rates, Mogli Resort features 36 cottages in an area of 9 acres.

From accommodation to food, everything at this resort is aimed at delivering their guests an unforgettable visit to Kanha National Park.

- Cottages - Swimming Pool - Library - Campfire - Restaurant - Jeep & Elephant Safari

Price: The starting rate for rooms is INR 2,000 per night.

Location: Village-Khatia, P O. Kisli, MANDLA, Khatia, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Kanha National Park:  1 Km.

 No matter if you are visiting the state to explore its rich wildlife or to take a plunge into the ocean of divinity here, historical places in Madhya Pradesh hard to resist and should be a part of your itinerary.

Other Places to Visit near Kanha National Park

Kanha museum.

Best of Pench National Park

Kawardha Palace

Kawardha Palace is a stunning palace with a rich cultural heritage. It was built in the 1930s by Maharaj Dharamraj Singh using finest Italian marble and stone. It is a perfect architectural blend of Italian, Colonial and Mughal styles surrounded by the lovely Maikal hill ranges.

It is stretched over 11 acres of lush green garden. This beautiful palace is presently famous as a heritage hotel. You shouldn’t miss this visual delight on your visit to Kanha.

Highlights: Exceptional architectural beauty and heritage stay. 

Location: Kawardha, Chhattisgarh.

Distance from Kanha National Park: approximately 85 Km.

Madhya Pradesh  is a delight for every kind of traveller , whether you are travelling for a religious trip, or having some time camping in the jungle, Madhya Pradesh sums it all.

Best of Pachmarhi

Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is a perfect blend of vast wildlife and natural splendor. The park is renowned worldwide for its enchanting scenic beauty and rich and varied flora and fauna. The thrill of exploring the jungle area on jungle safari is unmatchable.

You can catch glimpses of the Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, black buck and many others. There is a castle on top of a hillock located in the middle of the park. You can trek for an hour to reach the top and enjoy the superb view of the landscape and lush green grassland. The visit to this park will surely lead to making memories for the lifetime.

Highlights: The rich biodiversity and ecosystem of the Natural Park and scenic beauty.

Location: Umaria, Madhya Pradesh.

Summer: Morning: 5:30 am to 10:00 am

               Evening: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Winter: Morning: 6:30 am to 11:00 am

             Evening: 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Bamni Dadar

Best of Khajuraho

Pachmarhi, also known as Satpura Ki Rani ( Queen of Satpura) is located amidst Satpura Range. It is blessed with numerous attractions like ancient caves, majestic waterfalls, divine temples and striking monuments.

Some of the outstanding sites to visit here are Pandav cave, Dhoopgarh, Bee falls, Chauragarh Peak, Handi Khoh, Pachmarhi Catholic Church , Mahadeo Hills, etc. Visit this tranquil hill station to enjoy the breathtaking sight of the falls enveloped in verdant greenery and its natural beauty.

Highlights: Religiously significant sites and also a trekker’s delight.

Location: Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Kanha National Park: 300 Km.

Whether you are looking for some history exploration or some exhilarating adventure like water sports, taking one of the road trips in Madhya Pradesh is the way to go.

Things to Do in Kanha National Park

Jungle safari.

Kanha is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in India and its reputation is owed to the high probability of tiger sighting.

In order to sight tigers and other wild animals in the wilderness of Kanha, one must indulge in the activity of Kanha National Park safari as it gives you an opportunity to visit the core jungle area on jeep or elephant back.

Highlights: The major highlight would be the sighting of a tiger in action. Besides, you can witness and capture a wide range of flora and fauna during jungle safari.

Summer: Morning: 6:30 am to 11:00 am

               Evening: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Winter: Morning: 6:00 am to 11:00 am

             Evening: 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Safari Cost:  - INR 6500 per vehicle (for Indians)

Zones:  Kanha, Mukki, Kisli, and Sarhi Zones.

Wildlife Spotting

Kanha National Park is known for housing an extensive range of wildlife within its bounds. The lush green forests of the park teeming with exotic fauna are a delight for any nature lover or wildlife enthusiast.

You can spot wildlife in various parts of the park when you enter the core regions during the act of jungle safari. Here, you have a chance to spot animals like tiger, leopard, elephant, barking deer, and many more species.

Highlights: The excitement and the thrill of spotting wild animals roaming freely in their natural habitat and capturing them in your camera.

Location: Kanha, Mukki, Kisli, and Sarhi Zones.

Best of Gwalior

Cycling near Banjaar River

Tiger Spotting at Kanha Tiger Reserve

Kanha National Park is famed as the major tiger reserve. It is the most admiring destination for the varieties of fauna, especially the royal Bengal tiger. The park provides extraordinary safari experience in order to spot a tiger.

The thrill of sighting a tiger in its natural abode is inestimable. The probability of spotting a tiger is relevantly higher here.

The chances of getting close to a tiger keep the excitement during safari very high and you shouldn’t miss this thrilling opportunity.

Bird watching

Best of Orchha

Nature Photography

This tropical land never ceases to surprise you with photogenic views. On your expedition what awaits you are the open meadows and grasslands, breathtaking landscapes, glinting streams, striking ravines and deep dense jungle.

Besides, there is an extensive range of wildlife to make it to your frames. This picturesque park owing to its raw serene nature attracts many people to capture the essence of the park in their cameras.

Kanha Tiger Reserve surely is ideal and eye-catching for the nature photography.

Highlights: The national park boasts about an exceptional range of flora and fauna, so you can click some great shots here.

River Crossing

How to Reach Kanha National Park

By Jabalpur:

-Nearby Airport: The nearest airport is Dumna Airport, Jabalpur which is approximately 160 km from Kanha National Park that is about 4 hours drive via road.

-Nearby Railway Stations: The nearest railway station is Jabalpur Junction railway station.

-Buses: There are various buses that ply from Jabalpur to reach the national park. The frequency and the connectivity between the two are very good.

-Distance from Jabalpur: It is located at a distance of 165 kilometers Jabalpur.

-Nearby Airport: The nearest airport is Dumna Airport, Jabalpur; Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur.

-Nearby Railway Stations: The nearest railway station is Jabalpur junction railway station and Gondia National Park.

-Buses: There is no direct bus connectivity to Kanha National Park from Indore.

-Distance from Indore: The distance between Indore and the national park is 610 km.

-Nearby Railway Stations:  Jabalpur junction railway station and Gondia junction railway station are the nearest railway station between Delhi and Kanha Tiger Reserve. There are direct trains you can opt from Delhi to reach both the stations.

-Buses: There is no direct bus service between Delhi and the national park.

-Distance from Delhi: It is located at a distance of 995 km from Delhi.

-Nearby Airport: The nearest airport is Dumna Airport, Jabalpur and Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur.

-Nearby Railway Stations: The nearest railway station is Gondia junction railway station. After that, you can take a bus to reach the national park which is 145 km away.

-Buses: There is no direct bus from Nagpur to reach Kanha National Park.

Best of Ujjain

Best Time to Visit Kanha National Park

Essential Things to Keep in Mind

Madhya Pradesh Top Attractions

Lakshmi Narayan Temple is one of the huge structures and the three most important temples in Orchha. Built by Bir Singh Deo in 1622, Lakshmi Narayan Temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and is a blend of temple and fort architecture.The murals in the interiors of the Lakshmi Narayan Temple will charm visitors as they preach various spiritual and secular lessons and form the life incidents of Lord Rama. Paintings inside the temple appear as fresh as yesterday-painted art.The telling structure is built with a composition of lime and mortar and is well preserved. The temple attracts a lot of history buffs and followers of Hinduism owing to its religious importance. Despite the temple being dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, there is no idol of her in the temple, and this uniqueness makes it one of the interesting places to visit in Orchha.Timings: 9 am – 5 pm.Entry fees: No entry fee is required to visit the temple.Location: Lakshmi Narayan Temple is located near Ram Raja temple in Orchha Fort complex.Distance from Orchha Bus Stand: 16 km.Whether you are history buff or just an explorer seeking solace in the lap of nature, Madhya Pradesh has something for everyone, Checkout these abstract places in Madhya Pradesh.

Decidedly the grandest Hindu temple among the Khajuraho Group of Temples, the origin of Kandariya Mahadev Temple traces back to 1050 BC. The temple was built as a tribute to the Hindu Lord Shiva and houses a magnificent Shiva Linga crafted with pure marble. Adorned with intricate carvings and great sculptures, countless statues and spires grace the temples interiors, the most remarkable of which is the main spire that replicates Mount Kailash in miniature!Timings: The temple is open from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM.Entry Fee: The entry fee is INR 10 per person.Location: Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.Distance from Khajuraho Bus Stand: The temples sits nearly 1 km away from Khajuraho Bus Stand.Discover the best of things to do and activities in Khajuraho. 

One of the oldest structures amongst the temple groups of Khajuraho, Lakshmana Temple was built by the Chandela kings. The divine trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva graces the entrance of the temple, though the temple is really dedicated to the Hindu Lord Vishnu, and harbours a portrayal of Vaikuntha-Vishnu as its sanctum. The exceptional architecture is enhanced by over 600 deities whose images are aesthetically showcased on the exteriors of the temple.Timings: The temple is open 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM every day.Entry Fee: The entry fees is INR 10 per head.Location: Lakshmana Temple, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.Distance from Khajuraho Bus Stand: The temple is located at a distance of 900 m from Khajuraho Bus Stand.Madhya Pradesh is famous for holy places, check out ancient temples in Madhya Pradesh.

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Kanha Calling - A Guide to Kanha National Park

One of the first Tiger Reserves to work for Project Tiger, Kanha was made a Tiger Reserve in 1973. Nestled in the Maikal range, it is the largest park of Central India and falls in the districts of Mandla and Balaghat.

Sprawling across an area of 2059.7 sq km it comprises of 940 sq km core, 1009 sq km buffer zone and 110.79 sq km of Kanha and neighboring Phen Sanctuary.

History at a Glance

It is commonly believed that Kanha got its name from the texture of the soil found there, which is locally called Kanhar. With the introduction of The Jungle Book in 1894 the breathtaking landscapes of Kanha and Pench hailed to popularity. The natural landscape and highland beauty of Kanha has been appreciated worldwide making it one of the prime wildlife destinations.

Accessibility

By Air: Jabalpur is the nearest airport to Kanha at a distance of 170 km from Kanha and traveling time is 3.5 hours.

Second best option is Raipur airport. Distance to be covered by road from Raipur to Kanha is 225 km and traveling time is 4.5 hours.

Another way is to take a flight till Nagpur. Distance to be covered by road from Nagpur to Kanha is 270 km and traveling time is 5.5 hours. Kanha Earth Lodge provides with reliable cab services from the airport till the lodge.

By Rail: Jabalpur is the most convenient rail head to visit Kanha. Distance to be covered by road from Jabalpur railway station to Kanha is 170 km and traveling time is 3.5 hours.

Gondia another rail head is convenient for the people travelling from Mumbai and Kolkata. Distance to be covered by road from Gondia to Kanha is 120 km and travelling time is 3 hours. Kanha Earth Lodge provides with reliable cab services from the railway station till the lodge.

M.P. Sampark Kranti is the most suitable train to reach Jabalpur from Delhi. Details could be checked and bookings can be done on www.irctc.co.in and www.indianrail.gov.in.

By Road : Kanha National Park is well-connected by road with Jabalpur 170 Km, Khajuraho 445 Km, Nagpur 270 Km, Mukki 25 Km, and Raipur 219 Km. NH12 from Jabalpur to Mandla will take you to Kisli gate. Mukki gate is accessible from Nagpur via Gondia, Balaghat and Baihar. Bus and cab services are available.

Tickets can be booked on individual airline sites or from www.cleartrip.com or www.makemytrip.com

Best Season to Visit the Park

Kanha National Park like all the other parks of Madhya Pradesh remains open for visitors from the month of October till the month of June. Each season has its own delight. Visiting in the month of October will get you some beautiful sightings of the jungle and wildlife. You get the treat of enjoying nature at its best since post monsoon the park becomes more beautiful and dense with lush greenery. Also it is a good time to indulge into birding.

During winters, sightings are good and it is an appropriate time for all the birders to visit the park since numerous migratory birds inhabit the park during winters.

Though summer is hot but it has its own charm. For hard core tiger lovers it is one of the most appropriate times to visit the park. The frequency of animal sighting becomes higher during summer. Different wildlife can be sighted near the ponds where they come to quench their thirst.

Accommodation

Coveting luxury and closeness to nature at the same time? Kanha Earth Lodge is the answer to the question. Spread in sixteen acres of natural forest it is a beautiful Lodge that has been awarded many times for its eco-friendly architecture .

Inspired by Gond tribal architecture the lodge has used local stone and waste wood in its construction.

It is situated just 30 minutes from the Kisli park gate, rendering the lodge close enough to the park yet at the same time far away from the clut of hotels ensuring a true wilderness experience for the guests. The lodge has a craft shop, swimming pool and a beautiful organic garden where you can go for an early morning stroll.

What are the other activities organized at Kanha Earth Lodge?

Cycling, Jeep Safari, Birding Walk, Tribal Village Visits, Crafts Workshop, Nature Walk are some of the other activities arranged by the lodge in and around it. Apart from it, the Kanha Earth Lodge also organizes for special Bush Dinners where the guests can enjoy food under the sky. Local tribal dances are also organized on special occasions for the entertainment of guests.

The Adventure of Wildlife Safari

Kanha like other major National Parks of Central India remains open from 16th October to 30th June. The timings might vary slightly depending upon the season.

Safari tickets can be booked online through the website: mponline.gov.in. You can also book the tickets through the resort in which you are going to stay. The entry tickets can also be collected from the booking window at the entrance gate of the National Park. Additional expenses such as booking charges, park rates, guide fees etc are termed under the additional expenses other than the entry tickets.

Trespassing different routes is not allowed. Like all the other parks of M.P., Kanha allows a total number of six people in a jeep, out of which four are tourists and the other two are the guide and the driver who are mandatory.

There are four zones in Kanha namely, Kisli, Kanha, Mukki, and Sarhi. Mukki is more easily accessible from Nagpur while Sarhi is more easily approached from Jabalpur. Passing through the jungle on a safari and reaching out at the other corner of the jungle to have breakfast in wilderness will bring your fantasy world to life.

What other activities can you do once you are in Kanha?

A Walk to Kanha Museum: A beautiful museum which holds valuable work of natural history of Kanha.

Nature Walk: Although Safari remains the prime attraction of the jungle, Nature Trails are for those who wish to explore nature closely on foot and for those who find joy in every little wonder of the jungle. Accompanied by a trained naturalist this is an amazing way to know about flora, butterflies, insects, birds and small mammals that come across your walk.

Jungle Fascination in Kanha National Park

Budbudi - the Tigress

Mammals: Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Chital, Barking Deer, Gaur, Indian Jackal, Chousingha, Jungle Cat, Sambar, Langur are some of the mammals that inhabit the park. Hard-ground Barasingha, the state animal of Madhya Pradesh is found only in Kanha National Park in India.

Hard-ground Barasingha

Hard-ground Barasingha also known as the “Gem of Kanha”, slim and bushy-tailed Dholes or Indian Wild Dogs are also found in Kanha. Moreover, beautiful Blackbucks can also be seen in Kanha which are recently reintroduced in the park.

Birds: Kanha is home to around 300 species of birds both resident and migratory birds such as Indian Roller, Indian Grey Hornbill, Cattle Egrets, Bee-eaters, Drongos, Black Ibis, Common Teal, Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Peafowl, White-eyed Buzzard, Kingfishers, Jungle Owlet, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Lesser Whistling Teal, Steppe Eagle, Little Grebes and many more.

Jungle Owlet

Apart from these, birds of prey like Osprey and Black Baja are also found in the park. Shravantal is a small water body inside the park where chances of sighting birds are quite favourable.

Reptiles: Python, Indian Krait, Russell's viper, Indian Monitor, Common Rat Snake, Common Skink, and Indian Garden Lizard are some of the common reptiles that reside in the park.

Flora: The forest cover inside the park is largely tropical moist deciduous type. Kanha boasts over 200 species of flowering plants and the major flora can be discovered here are Sal, Saja, Lendia, Dhawa, Tendu, Palash, Mahua, and Bamboo. Kanha also inhabits Kulu or Ghost Tree and Sendhoor Tree or Vermillion Tree out of which vermillion is made.

Nearby Places to Visit

Bandhavgarh National Park – Located 250 Km from Kanha, Bandhavgarh is also known as the Tiger land of Madhya Pradesh.King

Accommodation - Snuggle yourselves in cozy Tree houses of Tree House Hideaway that would take you back to your childhood memories of making tree houses or you can stay in King’s Lodge and enjoy spectacular opulence of the Lodge.

Activities – Jeep Safari, Elephant Joy Ride, and Visit Baghel Museum

Pench National Park – Located 357 Km from Kanha, Pench is known as The Land of Mowgli.

Accommodation – Pench Tree Lodge

Activities – Jeep Safari, Visit Ram Temple, Kohka Lake and nearby markets.

Jabalpur – Known as the Marble City, Jabalpur is famous for its cultural and political history.

Where to go – Dhuandhar Falls, Chausath Yogini Temple, Balancing Rock, Dumna Nature Reserve

Some Essential Tips

• Bookings should be done 120 days in advance since the park tickets are limited.

• It is mandatory to carry ID cards for safaris. The ID needs to be the same as the one with which you booked your safari.

• Carry binoculars, camera and a bird book to identify birds to make your trip more fruitful.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes. Do check your shoes every time before wearing them to avoid scorpions and other creatures.

• Carry proper woolens in winters and an effective sunscreen in summers.

• Carry Hats/Caps and personal medicines (if any)

• Wear muted forest colours like earthy greens or beiges and avoid perfumes and deodorants. Whites & any bright colours should be avoided.

• Afternoon shift of Jeep Safari remain close for visitors on Every Wednesday.

• You can visit travel sites like IRCTC and Cleartrip for all railway and flight related information. To check information regarding bus schedules visit mptransport.org

• Call +91 9212777223

24 Jan, 2018

12 best places to visit near kanha national park.

Take out your travelling shoes from the closet and be ready with your backpack for a long vacation in Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Whether you are a nature or wildlife lover, or a history buff, this place is packed with a lot of attractions to impress you. Apart from being one of the largest and high tiger density national parks in India, the park has a plethora of tourist destinations near it where you can quench your thirst of touring some amazing places in the diverse state of Madhya Pradesh. From catching the sights of imposing big cats to relishing your time in Bamni Dadar and Raneh Falls, you can expect to have a gala time exploring the gems of Madhya Pradesh that are in close proximity to Kanha. Check out this blog to discover more incredible places to see during your Kanha excursion.

Kanha Museum

Being a wildlife lover whenever you plan an excursion to Kanha National Park, you must visit the Kanha Museum, which is another important nearby tourist attraction in KNP. The museum is under the authority of Forest Department and is the ideal place to get some information about the topography and other interesting aspects of the park. Sprawled over a large area, Kanha Museum displays the history of the reserve and exhibits the skeletons of various carnivore, reptile, and herbivore creatures. From exciting experience to interesting facts and notes, the museum renders a lot of attractions for the wildlife buffs. Also, in order to offer better comprehension of wildlife habitat to tourists, this historical center also houses a few charts, specimen, photographs, and models which give a detailed insight of the food chain and the wildlife inhabiting the forest. The major attraction of the museum is the evening sound shows which is a must see.

Known for sky-high forts and sacred temples, Mandla is one of the best tourist destinations near Kanha National Park. As a nature-filled place, Mandla serves its visitors with the dazzling views of RangrezGhat and Rapta Ghat including the catchment area of hushed Narmada River and its tributaries in which the town of Mandla lies. And what makes this place more enthralling is the fort which is encircled by Sahastradhara River, and thus, gives some glorious vistas to savour.

Kawardha Palace

Stretch your expedition to Raipur in Chattisgarh where Kawardha Palace awaits to soak you in the royal ambiance. Sprawled over an 11-acre of lush green territory, this Italian marble and stone-made palace is located 91 km from the Kanha National Park. For visitors, this monument encompasses panoramic views of Maikal Hill Range. Staying in Kawardha Palace is something which you must do if your pocket allows. In order to offer an imperial treatment, this royal residence that has been converted into a heritage hotel is crammed with all the luxuries, including an evening bar cum library room.

Amarkantak, which is also known as Teerthraj, is located at a distance of 159 km from Kanha National Park. Festooned with rich natural heritage, the mystic land is overloaded with plants with medicinal properties which make this place noteworthy from the ecological perspective as most of them are of rare species or are hard to find. Being the emerging point of Narmada, Sone, and Johila Rivers, Amarkantak is best known for its DudhDhara Waterfalls that has foaming water that looks like milk. Other than this, there are a few places to see which you should not skip during your excursion here. Kalachuri era’s Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple and Narmada Udgam Temple are amongst the top attractions in Amarkantak. The temples brag an incredible architecture along with spiritual hues for tourists to savour. This enthralling town also gives an opportunity to take a plunge into the cultural essence of central Indian tribes through village tourism opportunity.

Often known as the soul of Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur is the city of coloured-marble rocks. It is just 164 km away from Kanha National Park and is an enthralling city that bestows many attractions to travellers to savour. From its renowned misty Dhuandhar Falls and Madan Mahal Fort to nature’s walk in Dumna to Bhedaghat, Jabalpur has a parcel of bewitching experiences. What would be more fun here than sitting under the gleaming light of the moon and savouring the picturesque view of changing marbles of 100-feet tall mountains with River Narmada passing through them. For the individuals who come here to seek blessings of the Almighty, the place bids a number of spiritual attractions. From 10 century old Chausath Yogini Temple of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva to enchanting Gwarighat Gurudwara on South Bank of the Narmada River, Jabalpur houses some of the sacred-most places of worship. Amongst which is Kanchnar Temple that is a famous for a mighty 76-ft tall statue of Lord Shiva. Coming to Dhuandhar Falls - the most visited place in Jabalpur. The fall, which in english can be translated as the ‘Smoke Cascade’ because of the mist which is formed when the water hits the rocks below, gives tourists a jaw-dropping sight to catch. Also, famed as the third largest city of Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur houses a couple of historical forts and war memorials in the form of, Madan Mahal Fort and Rani Durgawati Museum for a historical tour. These destinations all together make Jabalpur a “place for nature lovers, history buffs, and devotees as well”.

Bandhavgarh National Park

If you are an ardent fan of flora and fauna and want to add more stories in your treasure chest of wildlife experience during KNP excursion, then you must visit Bandhavgarh National Park, which is just 215 km away. Spread over a territory of 105 km, Bandhavgarh is the best place to hear the roar of the Royal Bengal Tiger. The park is crammed with diverse wildlife and varied topography that ensure a brilliant combination to experience. Apart from the wildlife aficionados, the reserve also lures nature lovers as it is not simply constrained to amazing wildlife sighting and safari tours. Shopping in Bandhavgarh market, trek to Bandhavgarh Fort, sightseeing at Bamera Dam, and seeking blessing at Jwalamukhi Temple are some of the top things to do here apart from a wildlife tour.

Bamni Dadar

Capture the bewildering sight of the sunset from Bamni Dadar which is also known as the sunset point of Kanha. Bamni Dadar offers captivating views of the exquisite forest as it is the highest plateau located at a distance of 275 km from the reserve. The place still has a take-off region from where British used to fly their aircrafts in order to enjoy the bird-eye view of Kanha National Park. Bamni Dadar offers mind-boggling sunset views. Other than this, you can also catch the sight of the enthralling barking deer, spotted deer, and Indian bison.

Pachmarhi is certainly a hill station worth a visit. Often known as ‘Queen of Satpura’, Pachmarhi is a concealed solitaire of Madhya Pradesh which is settled delightfully in the lap of nature and history. As you extend your excursion to the enthralling land, you will be overwhelmed by the mesmerizing beauty of Satpura Mountain Ranges, scenic spots, rock paintings, and waterfalls. Apart from this, Pachmarhi is also a treasured destination of ancient caves of the Buddhist era.

Panna National Park

Wildlife exploration is something to which most of the adjacent attractions of Kanha National Park are associated with. As you choose to visit Panna National Park, you have the chance to a rich wildlife experience. Hosting a portion of best wildlife species, this Tiger Land of Panna allows its visitors to witness the habitat of mysterious mammals which include tiger, leopard, wolf, hyena, sloth bear, and more. Other than this, avifauna and reptiles are the other wildlife species in Panna along with affluent flora which bestow an ideal wildlife touring time here. From over a 200 species of migratory birds to furious big felines and antelope, the reserve is fit for filling your Panna outing with bewildered moments which you can capture in your camera. Therefore, Panna National Park makes for a place that is an impeccable wildlife destination to visit during your Kanha National Park tour.

Ajaigarh Fort

If you’re visiting Panna from Kanha then you should further add Ajaigarh Fort in the plan as this majestic place is situated only 37 km from Panna. This fort has a flat-topped design and is located in Ajaigarh which is fringed by the Vindhya Ranges. If you are a history and nature lover, undoubtedly, this fort will fill your heart with some awe-inspiring views of Vindhya Ranges and that of Ken River. The fort comprises two temples and two rock-cut tanks which are named after the renowned Ganga and Yamuna streams. In order to reach to the entryway of this historical fort, you will have to climb around 500 steep steps.

Raneh Falls

Located at a distance of 15 km from Khajuraho, Raneh Falls isn’t a place to miss. This attraction near Khajuraho possesses tranquil surroundings and riveting views which give a wholesome holiday experience. The glorious Raneh Waterfall is a canyon formed with crystalline and granite rocks, which is situated on the Ken River and is 30m deep. The highlights of this place are the dozens of falls, some of which are seasonal. Raneh Falls is a perfect stopover destination for the honeymooners as the place offers a romantic ambiance along some beautiful views to share with your loved ones.

While making the list of the closeby attractions to be included in your Kanha tour, put Khajuraho somewhere in the top. One of the best travel destinations in Madhya Pradesh and a prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho is famous for erotic sculptures and Hindu and Jain Temples. For a change, if you want your Kanha excursion not just to be restricted to wildlife and nature, Khajuraho would evidently be there to welcome you. These temples in Khajuraho are categorized as per their geographical location - Eastern, Western, and Southern. You can invest your time, money, and energy to appreciate the exquisiteness of these temples which exhibit some stunning art of sculptures and architecture.

Let’s now talk about how to reach the above-mentioned destinations

Reaching a destination is always a major headache for any traveller, particularly, when you’re travelling with your family. However, in the case of Kanha, you can easily get a taxi/cab from the park to all the above-mentioned destinations.

Whether you’re planning a solo trip, family tour, or honeymoon vacation, Kanha National Park is surrounded by some of the best holiday places to visit in India. Holidays in KNP are not just about the wildlife excursion, but historical, nature, and spiritual tour as well. So, just pack your bags and get ready to have an incredible vacation in KNP. We provide best tour packages for Madhya Pradesh and can also customize it as per your choice, preference, or budget.

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Kanha Kisli National Park

Kanha National Park, located in the enchanting land of Madhya Pradesh, India, is a true gem in the country's vast array of wildlife reserves. Spanning over an expansive area of approximately 940 square kilometers, Kanha National Park is not only the largest national park in India but also one of the most renowned tiger reserves in the world. This majestic wilderness is nestled amidst the lush forests of the central Indian highlands. Its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and special population of the Royal Bengal Tigers captivate visitors. With its thriving ecosystems, picturesque meadows, and diverse wildlife, Kanha National Park offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Kanha National Park is a testament to India's commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. Its status as one of the premier tiger reserves and its remarkable biodiversity make it an essential destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. A visit to Kanha National Park promises an extraordinary adventure, immersing visitors in the wonders of nature and leaving them with lasting memories of this magical wilderness.

Kanha Tiger Reserve History

Kanha National Park, situated in the beautiful land of Madhya Pradesh, has a rich history that spans centuries. The park's journey from a hunting ground for the royals to a renowned tiger reserve and biodiversity hotspot is a testament to the significance of wildlife conservation in India.

Hunting Grounds of the Royals: Long before Kanha National Park was established, the region served as a hunting ground for the royals of the erstwhile state of Rewa. The dense forests and abundant wildlife attracted Maharajas and British officials for hunting expeditions. The area gained fame for its thriving populations of tigers, leopards, and deer species.

Transformation into a Sanctuary: In 1933, the region was declared a wildlife sanctuary by the British, primarily to protect the endangered barasingha, also known as the swamp deer. As it was known then, the Kanha Sanctuary covered an area of about 250 square kilometers and provided limited protection to the wildlife inhabiting the region.

Establishment as a National Park: In 1955, Kanha Sanctuary was upgraded to a national park, becoming one of the first national parks in India. The park's boundaries were expanded to include an area of approximately 940 square kilometers. The establishment of Kanha National Park aimed to provide enhanced protection and conservation measures for the diverse flora and fauna present in the region.

Conservation Efforts and the Barasingha: One of the significant achievements of Kanha National Park's history is the successful conservation of the Barasingha population. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, the people of Barasingha in Kanha have rebounded significantly, making it one of the prime locations to spot this rare and endangered deer species.

Recognition and UNESCO Designation: Kanha National Park's exceptional biodiversity and conservation efforts gained recognition on a global scale. In 1973, the park was designated as one of the initial nine tiger reserves under India's Project Tiger initiative to protect the dwindling tiger population. Furthermore 2011, Kanha National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding universal value and the need for its preservation.

Ecotourism and Sustainable Practices: Over the years, Kanha National Park has embraced sustainable practices and promoted ecotourism to ensure the preservation of its delicate ecosystem. The park authorities have implemented measures to minimize human-wildlife conflict, regulate tourism activities, and educate visitors about the importance of conservation. The revenue generated from tourism plays a crucial role in supporting the park's conservation efforts and local communities.

Kanha national Park Tourist Attractions:

Majestic Royal Bengal Tigers - Kanha National Park is has a huge population of Royal Bengal Tigers, one of the most iconic and majestic creatures on Earth. Tigers are the highlight of any visit to Kanha, and witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience. The park's successful conservation efforts have contributed to the steady growth of the tiger population, making it a prime location for tiger sightings.

Kanha Meadows - Kanha National Park is famous for its expansive meadows, locally known as "maidans." These grassy meadows are interspersed with dense forests and provide a breathtaking backdrop for wildlife sightings. Kanha Meadows are the ideal spots to spot grazing herbivores such as spotted deer, sambar deer, and barasingha (swamp deer), which is an endemic species found only in Kanha. These picturesque meadows offer a serene and peaceful ambiance, perfect for relaxation and photography.

Rich Biodiversity - Apart from tigers, Kanha National Park boasts a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. It is also home to other wildlife, such as leopards, sloth bears, Indian wild dogs, Indian bison (Gaur), and many species of deer. Exploring the park's diverse ecosystem offers a chance to observe and appreciate the wonders of nature up close.

Kanha Museum - For those interested in delving deeper into the park's history, Kanha Museum is a must-visit attraction. The museum showcases the region's rich biodiversity through informative exhibits, interactive displays, and audio-visual presentations. Visitors can learn about the park's flora, fauna, tribal culture, and conservation efforts. The museum also educates visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation and sustainable practices.

Jungle Safaris - Embarking on a jungle safari is the best way to explore the vast wilderness of Kanha National Park. Trained guides accompany the safaris, providing insights into the park's wildlife, flora, and fauna. The thrilling experience of venturing through the dense forests and encountering the resident wildlife is an adventure.

Sonf Meadows - Located in the heart of Kanha National Park, Sonf Meadows is a picturesque spot that captivates visitors with its stunning beauty. The meadows get their name from the golden blanket of wildflowers that adorn the landscape during the blooming season. The scenic beauty of Sonf Meadows, with its panoramic views and vibrant colors, is a sight to behold and a perfect spot for nature lovers to immerse themselves in the serene surroundings.

Bamni Dadar - Bamni Dadar, also known as Sunset Point, is a popular tourist spot within Kanha National Park. Situated at a higher elevation, it offers breathtaking views of the park's landscape and is an excellent vantage point for mesmerizing sunsets.

Tour Packages kanha

Our packages of kanha tour are extensively designed to offer a perfect wildlife holiday for you. The various kanha tour packages offered by our tour company are suitable for everyone, whether a single person or a family or a large group of people as well as available in different budget options.

• 1 Night/2 Days

Kanha Fun Tour Package

• 2 Nights/3 Days

Kanha Holiday Tour Package

• 5 Nights/6 Days

Kanha & Bandhavgarh Tour Package

Kanha & Pench Tour Package

How to plan a trip to kanha tiger reserve.

If you're a wildlife enthusiast or a nature lover seeking an unforgettable adventure, planning a trip to Kanha Tiger Reserve in India should be high on your bucket list. With its thriving tiger population, diverse flora and fauna, and breathtaking landscapes, Kanha offers a genuinely immersive wildlife experience. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, planning and making the necessary arrangements is essential.

Choose the Right Time to Visit: Kanha Tiger Reserve is open to visitors from October to June, with the best time to visit from November to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the chances of tiger sightings are relatively higher. It's essential to check the park's official website or consult with local tour operators to get updated information on opening dates, safari timings, and any specific restrictions or guidelines due to unforeseen circumstances. Trip Duration: The ideal duration for a trip to Kanha Tiger Reserve depends on your interests and the activities you wish to undertake. To fully explore the park, including multiple safari experiences, wildlife sightings, and leisurely moments amidst nature, a minimum of three to four days is recommended. This allows sufficient time to immerse yourself in the park's beauty and maximize your chances of wildlife encounters. Make Accommodation Arrangements: From luxurious resorts to eco-friendly lodges and forest rest houses, there's something for every traveler. It's advisable to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred choice. Staying within or near the park ensures convenience and allows for early morning safari departures. Plan Your Safaris: The highlight of a trip to Kanha Tiger Reserve is undoubtedly the safari experience. The park offers jeep and elephant safaris, and it's advisable to include a mix of both to enhance your chances of wildlife sightings. Jeep safaris provide flexibility and cover a larger area, while elephant safaris offer a unique perspective and the opportunity to explore hard-to-reach areas. It's essential to book your safaris in advance, as there are limited slots available, and they tend to fill up quickly. Hire a Knowledgeable Guide: Hiring a knowledgeable guide is highly recommended to make the most of your visit to Kanha Tiger Reserve. Experienced guides are well-versed in the park's flora, fauna, and tiger behavior. They can significantly enhance your wildlife experience by providing valuable insights, pointing out hidden gems, and ensuring safety throughout the safari. A guide's expertise can make a remarkable difference in spotting wildlife and understanding the park's intricate ecosystem. Pack Wisely: When packing for your trip to Kanha Tiger Reserve, consider the climate and activities you'll be engaging in. Essential items include lightweight and breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, binoculars, a camera with extra batteries, and a water bottle. Respecting the park's guidelines and avoiding wearing bright colors that might disturb wildlife is essential. Additionally, carry a small backpack to keep your essentials and a raincoat or umbrella in case of unexpected showers. Follow Park Regulations and Etiquette: To ensure the conservation of the park's precious wildlife and ecosystems, it's crucial to adhere to the regulations and guidelines set by the authorities. Maintain silence during wildlife sightings, avoid littering, and refrain from feeding or disturbing the animals. Follow the instructions of your guide and the park staff at all times to ensure a safe and responsible experience.

Nearby Places or Cities of Kanha Kisli National Park

Located approximately 170 kilometers from Kanha Kisli National Park, Jabalpur is a vibrant city that is a significant gateway to the park. The city is also home to the famous Dhuandhar Falls, a majestic waterfall that cascades down the river, creating a mesmerizing sight. Additionally, you can visit the centuries-old Madan Mahal Fort and Bhedaghat, known for its towering marble cliffs and ancient temples.

Bandhavgarh National Park

For wildlife enthusiasts seeking more adventure, visiting Bandhavgarh National Park is highly recommended. Situated around 200 kilometers from Kanha Kisli National Park, Bandhavgarh is another renowned tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The park boasts a high density of tigers and offers excellent opportunities for tiger sightings. Apart from tigers, Bandhavgarh is home to diverse wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, deer species, and a wide variety of birdlife. Exploring Bandhavgarh National Park through thrilling safaris will add more adventure to your wildlife journey.

Nestled in the Maikal Hills, approximately 200 kilometers from Kanha Kisli National Park, Amarkantak is a holy town with immense religious significance. It is the source of the Narmada and Son rivers and is considered a sacred place for Hindus. The city is dotted with temples and pilgrimage sites, including the Narmada Udgam Temple, where devotees offer prayers to the Narmada River. Amarkantak also offers scenic beauty, with lush forests, waterfalls, and trekking trails that allow you to immerse yourself in nature.

If you want to experience a bustling city with modern amenities, Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, is a viable option. Around 220 kilometers from Kanha Kisli National Park, Raipur is a thriving urban center that blends modern infrastructure with a rich cultural heritage. The city offers attractions such as the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum, which showcases the region's history and art, and the colorful Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, known for its intricate carvings. Raipur is also a shopper's paradise, with vibrant markets offering traditional handicrafts, textiles, and local delicacies.

A trip to Pachmarhi is a must for those seeking natural beauty and serenity. Approximately 300 kilometers from Kanha Kisli National Park, Pachmarhi is a hill station in the Satpura Range. The town has picturesque landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and verdant forests. You can explore attractions such as Bee Falls, Apsara Falls, and the stunning viewpoints of Dhoopgarh and Rajat Prapat. Pachmarhi also offers opportunities for trekking.

Resorts & Hotels in Kanha

Kanha National Park is one of the most visited wildlife tourist destination in the state Madhya Pradesh which allures travellers across the globe. kanha is embellished with amusing wildlife and an abundance of rich flora and fauna. Wildlife enthusiasts come here from different regions of the country. For accommodation luxury, standard and deluxe hotels and resorts are available here.

Kanha Jungle Camp

Kingfisher Resort

Jungle King Resort

Kusum Resort

Frequently asked questions, q. what is the best mode of transportation to reach kanha kisli national park.

The best mode of travel to the park is by road. One can hire a private taxi or use public transportation like buses. The nearest airports and railway stations are in Jabalpur and Raipur.

Q. Once a safari is booked, can it be canceled or rescheduled?

Safari bookings in Kanha Kisli National Park are non-refundable and non-transferable. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your visit carefully and make sure of your availability before booking.

Q. What is the best payment mode for safari bookings in the park?

Online payment through the official website of the park is the recommended mode for safari bookings. It provides a convenient and secure payment option.

Q. What documents are needed for a safari in Kanha Kisli National Park?

For safari entry, visitors need to carry a valid ID proof, preferably a passport or government-issued ID. It is important to present the same ID proof that was used during the online booking process.

Q. Are private vehicles allowed for safaris in Kanha Kisli National Park?

No, private vehicles are not allowed inside the park for safaris. Only authorized safari vehicles, accompanied by trained guides, are permitted for wildlife excursions.

Q. Can we travel using private vehicle inside kanha National Park?

No, private vehicles are not allowed to go inside the national park. Only registered vehicles with the forest department can enter inside the park.

Q. What is the duration of a safari in Kanha Kisli National Park?

The duration of a safari in the park is approximately three to four hours. It provides ample time to explore the designated safari zones and maximize wildlife sightings.

Q. Are there any restrictions on photography during the safari?

Photography is allowed during the safari in Kanha Kisli National Park. However, the use of flash and intrusive behavior that disturbs the wildlife is strictly prohibited. Respect for the parks guidelines and the animals, well-being is essential.

Q. Are there any specific clothing requirements for a safari in Kanha Kisli National Park?

There are no specific clothing requirements, but it is advisable to wear comfortable and breathable clothing suitable for outdoor activities. Neutral-colored clothing helps blend with the surroundings and minimizes disturbance to wildlife. Additionally, wearing hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent is recommended for protection and comfort during the safari.

Kanha National Park - A traveler's guide

We take you on a virtual trail of Kanha National Park, one of the finest National parks in India. Here’s what you can expect on your trip to Kanha, keep your eyes peeled and stay vigilant. This is your chance to catch the big cats in their natural habitat.

About Kanha National park

Kanha National Park, located in the center of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most well-known and well-kept wildlife sanctuaries in India . The park, which covers an area of 362 square miles and features rich greenery, picturesque views, and a tranquil ambiance, is home to some of India’s most unusual species. Kanha, hailed by many naturalists as the best-kept park in the nation, owes its revival to the extraordinary efforts made by wildlife conservationists who founded it back in 1955.

Kanha is a true natural treasure, with lots of room for both predators and prey to thrive. There is also an abundance of plant life. Kanha has identified 43 different animal species to far. Over 900 species of rare, flowering, and aquatic plants combined, over 325 species of birdlife, and 23 species of reptiles. When Rudyard Kipling wrote “The Jungle Book,” Kanha gained international notoriety. His tales of jungle mythology openly drew inspiration from the flora and fauna of the National Park, both in words and drawings.

The park, which is now known as “Tiger Country,” continues to welcome visitors with a variety of diversions beyond simple nature safaris. Read about it from an explorer’s perspective to get a sense of how exciting of an experience it is and how crucial the park is to environmental conservation in India .

Popular Tigers at Kanha National Park

The number of tigers in India has surpassed 3000 as of this writing. 42 cubs and 83 adult tigers can be found in Kanha National Park alone. The Royal Bengal Tiger , the largest of the tiger subspecies, is the main draw among the many tigers. These magnificent wild cats can grow to be up to 3 metres long and weigh up to 500 pounds. Only 5 of the original 9 tigers subspecies are still alive. Interbreeding between subspecies was observed as the Royal Bengal Tiger’s population started to decline, which was a concern for conservationists.

This procedure has given rise to some quite unusual-looking big cats that have noticeable birthmarks in addition to the traditional striped patterns. This has only raised Kanha’s popularity ratings and prompted such actions in the several Madhya Pradesh surrounding national parks. You need to keep an eye out for Munna, Bheema, and Neelam, three tigers. Due to their comfort level around people, they are the most well-known and frequently observed of all tigers. Learn more about the life of Kanha’s renowned tigers.

Wildlife at Kanha National Park

True explorers know to go beyond just the tigers and enjoy the other unique species that coexists with these apex predators. The Royal Bengal Tiger continues to be a significant attraction in all of Madhya Pradesh’s wildlife reserves. The number of animals in Kanha National Park is increasing steadily and is abounding. The extraordinary conservation efforts have helped endangered species come back to life. This has made the national park one of the most captivating safari experiences in the Golden Triangle of India, together with the lush, evergreen Sal woods, everflowing riverbeds, and gently sloping slopes. Here is a brief list of some of the animals that can be seen in Kanha National Park most frequently:

Once an endangered species, the hard ground swamp deer is thriving today thanks to conservation efforts, and is the only deer species that can be found exclusively at Kanha.

This furry critter can be spotted across most of North-Eastern and Southern Asia. In fact, Kanha is one of 10 national reserves in the world where the wild dog is most commonly found, roaming around in packs.

If you’re a morning person, Kanha’s avifauna will greet you in the most pleasant of ways. You will hear the distinct calls of the Rufous Tree Pie, Coppersmith Barbet, Cuckoo, and many more.

Endangered bird species like the Floricas and Adjutant Storks can also be found in season, so keep your binoculars handy.

The caretaking role of the forest falls to the butterflies, spiders, caterpillars and termites. Though small in scale, they play a key role in maintaining the life cycle of the forest.

There is no shortage of creepy crawlies in Kanha. You’d find the likes of a monitor lizard, garden lizard, chameleon and even flying lizards here. Snakes are common, with the largest being the Indian Rock Python and the most venomous being cobras and vipers.

Zones in Kanha National Park

National parks are frequently separated into several zones to facilitate quicker and more comfortable tiger safari tours for visitors. Three gates—Khatia, Mukhi, or Sarhi—allow admission to Kanha National Park. Your trip will typically start from one of the park’s four primary zones. The inner areas of the park, known as Buffer Zones, which are often linking locations between the Core Zones, are accessible via Jeep Safaris and Canter Safaris. Due to its abundance of animals, the Kanha Zone was for a while the most well-liked destination. But as conservation initiatives boosted the numbers around the park, this has changed over time.

Apart from Core and Buffer, another prime zone is the Reserved Zone – This area of the park is closed off to tourists, as it focuses mainly on wildlife conservation.

Best Time to Visit Kanha National Park

One of the few national parks in India that offers distinctive safari experiences all year round is Kanha. This is primarily because of the climate in Madhya Pradesh. The months of November through March are the best times to make a safari tour reservation. The weather is calm, there are light rain showers, and the land is filled with cheery sights of flower blossoms in bloom. Because of the area’s tropical environment, the last few months of the year will be extremely chilly and wet. Pack accordingly.

The majority of the wildlife is active in Kanha during the winter, when it truly shines. While not a good time to travel, the sweltering summers do give wildlife photographers a better opportunity to capture wild cats in motion.

Types of Safaris at Kanha Naitonal Park

As with the case of any tourist destination, there is never only one way to experience everything you can experience on a safari tour at Kanha National Park. Here are some exciting safari tours to book yourself in while exploring the region.

Canter Safari : If you are visiting the park as a group of 10 or more people, a canter safari would be your best pick when it comes to exploring the depths of the jungle and getting as close as possible to the wildlife. This is also the most affordable among safari options.

Jeep Safari : For smaller groups, especially couples or small families, the jeep safari offers a more personal experience. You can even gain access to remote and hard to cross locations along the nature trail.

Elephant Safari : Do it like the Royals once did! Hop aboard this giant friendly animal and explore the landscape with a whole new perspective.

Walking Safari : The most challenging of safari experiences, this is one a true adventurer should opt-in for. Walking safaris in Kanha are restricted to two zones and offer a rather scenic yet adrenaline-pumping journey across steep and rocky terrain.

No matter which safari type you pick, the experiences are open twice a day (early morning and late evenings), with each trail giving you something to remember as you complete it.

Reason to Visit Kanha National Park

Kanha is one of the best places in India for environment lovers thanks to its magnificent tiger safaris, thrilling nature trails, and distinctive flora and wildlife. In fact, you may experience this beautiful place to the fullest in just six days. You would not want to miss out on such a lengthy week-long vacation. You will enter a wild wonderland as soon as you land in Nagpur and drive through the countryside for five hours.

Kanha exudes an antique allure. As you lose yourself in the vistas, time stands still. You’ll get the impression that not much has changed in the area for a thousand years because to the imposing Sal forests. The inhabitants of Kanha are kind and friendly. The relationship between humans and wildlife in Kipling’s “Jungle Book” served as its primary inspiration. Kanha, which transitions from a concrete jungle to a natural jungle, provides a pleasant respite from the rigors of urban existence in a number of revitalizingly interesting ways.

An enormous Sal jungle that stretches as far as the eye can see, plenty of designated places to get close to nature, scenic locations that will make you take out your camera or binoculars every few minutes, and luxurious jungle lodges and hotels that let you live comfortably while surrounded by the wildest of nature trails. If that isn’t enough to persuade you, perhaps the detailed account of a trip to Kanha National Park would.

Things to Carry at Kanha National Park

To properly appreciate Kanha National Park’s attractions, you’ll need at least 6 days. Pack warm clothing and overalls if you have decided to visit during the winter.

It’s wise to bring necessities like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses if you plan to tackle the park in the summer.

Make sure the colors you choose are environmentally friendly regardless of the type of clothing you are carrying for the weather. Your best bet is to choose light tones of green, blue, and brown. If you’re lucky, camouflage print also works beautifully.

In order to get the most out of the safari, binoculars and a good camera are your greatest allies.

Do’s & Don’ts at Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is, for all intents and purposes, a wildlife conservation zone first and foremost. This means that as a tourist, you are required to follow park protocol to ensure your experience is as safe as it is enjoyable. Listed below are some mandatory guidelines.

• Ensure your tour guide takes you on a slow and carefully traced drive path on the safari, for the best chance of spotting wildlife without disturbing the peace.
• You are in the lap of nature, animal territory, so keep a respectful distance and make sure you adhere to the laws of the jungle.
• Do not get off your canter or jeep unless specifically allowed by the tour guide.
• Ensure to keep the park pollution-free. Avoid carrying packaged goods. Pit stops are predetermined on the tour, only snack and take refreshments at these pit stops.
• Smoking and drinking are strictly prohibited inside the national park.

Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Kanha National Park

With its incredible selection of hotel alternatives, Kanha keeps you comfy even while you’re away from home.

On the other hand, some resorts near Kanha offer lodging right in the middle of nature if you prefer a jungle vibe even when you’re not on a nature trail.

We’ve compiled all of the finest lodgings the National Park zones have to offer and created a list of the best luxury hotels and resorts in the Kanha area.

Singinawa Jungle Lodge

Nestled within a sprawling forest land of 100 acres adjoining the Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, the Singinawa Jungle Lodge is an ensemble of ecologically responsible tourism and the spirit of Kanha region. A world class luxury resort, the Lodge has 12 private cottages with the perfect blend of palatial accommodation, luxurious amenities and exemplary services.

Taj Banjaar Tola

This safari lodge is situated along the banks of the Banjaar River overlooking the heart of Kanha National Park. Two intimate camps of nine tents each are built on the banks of the still river overlooking the national park. Each elegant camp boasts its own pool with outdoor as well as indoor lounge options and interactive dining areas.

Chitvan Jungle Lodge

Chitvan is a jungle resort, situated near Mukki gate of Kanha National Park. Accommodation that include tastefully done up suites, with a view of the forest while relaxing in your bed, with mini bar, open terrace, and an open shower, restaurant, al fresco dining, facilities include spa and a swimming pool.

Kanha Earth Lodge

Kanha Earth Lodge, is spread in 16 acres of natural forest, tucked away in a small hamlet bordering Kanha’s buffer zone. Its unique location, 30 minutes from the Khatia/Kisli park gate, ensures that it is close enough for easy access to the park, but still far enough from the glut of hotels lining Kanha’s tourist hub to offer guests a true wilderness experience.

Places to Visit Near Kanha National Park

• Bandhavgarh National Park –  Kanha’s closest cousin in terms of a pure wildlife safari experience. The Kanha Museum – Educate your kids about the rich and wondrous history of the park.
• Local Bazaar –  Purchase some essential clothing for the trip, or take home trinkets of your visit.
• Safari Tours –  Big canter vans, personal jeeps, or even the more traditional elephant ride! Pick your safari tour option and get exploring.
• Cityscape visits –  From the mystic waterfalls of Amarkantak to the spiritual grandeur of Mandla, your eyes simply won’t get any wider in wonder!
• Bird Watching –  Winters in Kanha leave the skies enveloped with some of the most exotic varieties of avifauna. Make sure you’ve got a pair of binoculars handy.

ENQUIRE NOW

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• The Kipling Country Tiger Safari Tour
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more on kanha

• About Kanha National Park
• Places in Kanha National Park
• Accommodarion at Kanha National Park
• Kanha Birds Checklist
• Birds of Kanha
• Flora & Fauna in Kanha
• Conservation in Kanha National Park
• DO's and DONT's
• Experience at Kanha National Park
• Reptiles of Kanha National Park
• Tourism in Kanha National Park
• Tigers Subspecies
• Tigers in Kanha National Park

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• [email protected]

Kanha Holiday Tour

• Flora in Kanha
• Hotels and Resorts in Kanha

Kanha Weekend Tour

• Places to see Near Kanha
• Canter Safari In Kanaha
• How To Reach Kanaha

About Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is nestled in the Maikal range of Satpuras in Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India that forms the central Indian highlands.The national park is being popularized as the Tiger reserve and interestingly is being declared as one of the finest wildlife areas in the world. Spreading across two revenue districts the Mandala and the Kalaghat, Kanha National Park was declared a reserve forest in 1879 and revalued as a wildlife sanctuary in 1933. Its position was further upgraded to a national park in 1955.

The Kanha National Park is spread across the area of 940 sq km in the Maikal chain of hills. By bringing up the buffer and core zone all together, the Kanha Tiger Reserve has the total area of 1945 sq km.

The landscapes and the surrounding luxurious meadows along with the wooded strands and the dense maroons of forests offer magnanimous sightseeing experiences for the nature lovers. Making the land more beautiful and adorable, the crystal clear streams amidst the dense jungle cleanses the surroundings and makes the wildlife unrivalled. This vivacious land has been the source of inspiration for Rudyard Kipling, a famous writer for his outstanding creation- “The Jungle Book”.

The Kanha National Park is the ideal home for wide ranges of wild creatures; right from the mighty tigers to the most populated Barasingha and the countless species of plants, birds, reptiles and insects. This reserve has fascinated many travelers around the corners of the world with its well developed infrastructure specially meant for them. The best location here to enjoy the most is the Bammi Dadar, also known as the Sunset Point.

Kanha Safari Booking

Jeep Safari, Kanha

Kanha Tour Packages

Jungle Safari in Kanha

Being the largest and the oldest wild life sanctuaries in India, Tadoba National Park is famous for conserving numbers of wild animals and the endangered species of Tigers. For wild life lovers and nature lovers, this place is a dream destination. It has a wide species of different wild animals and wide range of plants and flowers. Here tourists are assured that their presence in the Tadoba National Park means guarantee to spot tiger. It is such an attractive place that nature photographers, wild life and bird enthusiasts and other tourists alone or with family and children visit it frequently. Some of the important activities while on Tadoba tour:

By the safari ride in Tadoba National Park, you get the opportunity to watch animals from close and this moment is required by the wild life photographers. It’s a best place for wild life photographers and the other people too for taking photographs of Tigers and other animals. You can also click the beautiful pictures of lovely lakes and beautiful streams, exquisite trees and plants.

90+ Moscow tourist attractions: what to see in Moscow, Russia

A huge list of the best Moscow tourist attractions.

Before the pandemic I used to visit Moscow every year. I would usually go there for a week, and I would still find new places to visit and things to do. Many people don’t realise how huge Moscow is and how many tourist attractions are there. Unfortunately, not all of these fantastic places are maintained, some are abandoned and can be enjoyed from outside only. Still, Moscow has attractions to satisfy the taste and requirements of any tourist and here I have a huge list of more than 90 places.

But let’s start with one of the most famous Moscow landmarks: the Kremlin!

NB : the post is very long, so just go to the table of contents and click on the section that interests you.

The Kremlin and its surroundings

The Kremlin should be in every list of Moscow tourist attractions 😊 You can easily spend a day exploring it and the surroundings.

1. The Kremlin : here you should definitely visit the Cathedral Square with its ensemble of old churches. Their interior is truly amazing with painted icons and graves of famous Russian rulers (in the Archangel Cathedral) – as Ivan the Terrible, for example. You can climb Ivan the Great Bell Tower to see the square from above. Then there is the Armoury Chamber with its huge collection of royal regalia and gifts and everyday objects and the Diamond fund with, well, diamonds and other jewelry.

2. The Mausoleum . Frankly, despite visiting Moscow so many times, I have never been to the Mausoleum. Somehow, the thought of seeing Lenin doesn’t seem appealing to me, but, maybe, you want it. The entrance is free, at least.

3. The Red Square is the first place where every tourist goes. It is the center, the heart of Moscow and many tourist attractions are located there.

4. GUM is a huge shopping center on the Red Square. It is quite expensive, so not so many people go there for shopping. Still, it is a fancy place. In addition, there is a huge supermarket there and the famous canteen Stolovaya 57, so go there for a quick lunch.

5. Kilometer Zero of Moscow is at the Resurrection (Voskresensky) Gates at the Red Square. It symbolises the beginning of all roads in Russia. It is a square with a circle in the center: the edges have depictions of animals.

6. Aleksandrovsky Garden is at the Kremlin walls. It has amazing flower beds, fountains with fairytale sculptures, and there are lots of benches to rest your feet. The garden is famous for the monuments of the wars in 1812 and 1941-1945. And the eternal flame is here.

7. St Basil’s Cathedral is the most famous one in Moscow. Its colourful onion domes are easily noticed from afar. Ivan the Terrible ordered its construction to commemorate the capture of two cities, Kazan and Astrakhan. Now it is a symbol of Russia alongside other notable monuments.

8. Kazan Cathedral is another church on the Red Square. It’s not as lavishly decorated as St Basil’s, but it is a functioning church, so everyone can go inside. It’s not the original church, but a reconstruction: the original one was destroyed by Stalin’s order.

9. Change of guards happens every hour at the eternal flame in Aleksandrovsky Garden. It is quite a show with soldiers marching and music playing and many tourists gather at the spot to see it.

10. Monument to Vladimir the Great is a recent addition to the list of tourist attractions of Moscow: it was mounted in 2016. Vladimir the Great is one of the greatest rulers of Kievan Rus. The monument is 17,5 meters high and is located close to the Kremlin.

Parks and gardens

11. Zaryadye is not far from the Kremlin on the historical Varvarka Street. In addition to being a park, its floating bridge offers spectacular views of the Kremlin, the Moskva River, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and one of Stalin’s skyscrapers.

12. Gorky Park : shadowy alleys with benches to rest, fountains with music, a roller-skating rink, a pond with boats: Gorky park has everything! You can rent bicycles, skateboards, rollers, boats, and have some fun!

13. Sokolniki Park is huge and has numerous activities on offer like skateboarding, roller-skating, bicycles, ping-pong tables, a swimming pool, etc. Sometimes concerts and performances are held there.

14. Museon is next to Gorky Park and is famous for its weird sculptures and statues of Soviet rulers.

15. Aptekarsky Ogorod or the Apothecary Garden is the most famous garden in Moscow. It was founded by Peter the Great as a place to grow medicinal herbs, but expanded its collection of plants greatly.

16. Ermitazh Garden is one of the most beloved in Moscow. It was opened in 1894 and offered open-air concerts. Today performances and art exhibitions are held in the park. There are a couple of theaters in the territory and classes for kids.

17. Yekaterininsky Park is a monument to garden art. It has amazing flower beds and a huge pond with boats for rent. There are designated places for doing sports and a covered stage for live performances.

18. Patriarch’s Ponds are surrounded by trees today, but about 300 years ago it was a marshy place. At the end of the 17th century these marshes were dried and three ponds were dug. Later two of the ponds were filled up and trees were planted around the remaining one. The ponds became famous because namely here Mikhail Bulgakov’s masterpiece ‘The Master and Margarita’ starts.

19. Ostankino Park is now a part of VDNKh. It is huge and has plenty of facilities like bicycle tracks, paths for horse riding, open-air gyms, and the biggest open-air skatepark in Europe. Naturally, locals love it and it’s always full of people.

20. Clean Ponds : in the 17th century the place was called ‘Filthy marshes’ or ‘pagan marshes’ (depends on the interpretation). Later it was cleaned and nowadays it is a long pond which turns into a skate-rink in winter. Quite often artists put their paintings alongside the pond for passers-by to see. And there is an amazing song by famous I. Talkov about the place.

Did you know that there are more than 400 museums in Moscow? Of course, you can’t visit them all, so here I have a list of the most well-known and beloved ones in the city.

21. Tretyakov Gallery has several buildings, one of them dedicated to the 20th century art of Russia and the Soviet Union, and the other one to the Russian art at much earlier period till the 19th century. The latter one exhibits Vasnetsov’s, Shiskin’s, Serov’s, Ayvazovsky’s masterpieces. The vaults of the museum house a huge collection of old icons, the majority from the 14th century.

22. State Historical Museum : the dark red building of the museum on the Red Square is hard to miss. It houses huge collections of gold artifacts, manuscripts, jewelry, ceramics, old books, religious paintings, historical costumes, etc. Its coin collection has more than 1,7 million units!

23. Just like Tretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts is the right place for art lovers. There are about 700,000 exhibits in the museum collection, including masterpieces of Matisse, Renoir, Picasso, Degas, Rubens, etc. It includes a huge collection of sculptures and archeological objects.

24. The Archaeological Museum of Moscow is an underground museum and is dedicated to the archeological diggings in the city. There are about 2,000 exhibits from the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic ages.

25. Moscow Museum of Modern Art . It is the project of the famous Zurab Tsereteli and his private collection is the core of the museum. There are numerous paintings and sculptures by the artists of the 20th century, including those of Picasso, Dali and Miro.

26. State Darwin Museum . This huge museum houses a collection of 400,000 exhibits, mostly stuffed animals. From what I have seen kids enjoy it immensely.

27. The Orlov Museum of Paleontology : as the name suggests, it houses everything related to paleontology. There are more than 5,000 exhibits from the Precambrian, Palaeozoic, Mezozoic and Caenozoic ages: ammonites, reptiles, skeletons of dinosaurs, etc.

28. The Museum of Cosmonautics is not far from the VDNKh and its collection includes technical devices, documents, personal belongings of cosmonauts, pictures, paintings, stamps, coins, etc.

29. The State Museum of Oriental Art was founded in 1918 to preserve the cultural heritage of the Eastern republics of the Soviet Union. Now it houses huge collections of Japanese, Korean, Arabian, Indian art in addition to those of the Soviet republics. In 2017 the famous Russian painter Nicholas Roerich’s collection was handed over to the museum.

30. Bulgakov Museum : the museum is dedicated to the famous writer Mikhail Bulgakov, the author of ‘The Master and Margarita’. It includes about 3,000 exhibits: letters, documents, pictures, furniture and personal belongings.

31. Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines : do you want to play an old Soviet arcade game? Just go to this museum! At the entrance you buy coins/tokens that you can use to play on any machine inside the museum.

32. Victory Museum on Poklonnaya Hill is dedicated to soldiers who fought and fell during the war of 1941-1945. It has several thematic halls, panoramas and a memory book.

33. Military exhibition on Poklonnaya Hill : this is another museum on Poklonnaya Hill and has a huge collection of military equipment, including tanks, planes, artillery, etc.

34. Museum-panorama “Battle of Borodino” : this museum is dedicated to one of the most famous battles of 1812 during the war between the Russian Empire and France. It is interesting that both sides claimed later that they won this battle.

Other places

35. Varvarka Street : there are some magnificent churches on the street and some historical buildings like the Old English Court, the oldest office of another country in Moscow, and the Chambers of the Romanov Boyars exhibiting the residential and household interior of the 16th-17th centuries.

36. VDNKh or the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy or All-Russian Exhibition Center is one of the most popular places in Moscow. It was built in the 1930-ies to showcase the achievements of the Soviet Union in the field of agriculture. Every building has its own style and was to either represent a Soviet republic or house a specific collection. The highlight is the fountains with famous sculptures like the Friendship of Peoples and the Stone Flower on the central alley. And, I guess, everyone is excited to see the replica of the famous Vostok rocket.

37. Moscow Planetarium is the oldest one in Russia. It houses multiple exhibits and replicas, but my favorite parts are the hall with a huge dome for watching movies and the exhibits on the roof.

38. Poklonnaya Hill : its name can be translated as bow-down hill and the monuments and park on it are dedicated to the victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). Wait here until it gets dark: the fountains and columns get illuminated with red color, which is a magnificent sight.

39. Monument to Peter I on the Moskva River designed by the famous Zurab Tsereteli is 98 meters high. It is quite noticeable, but while it looks imposing, not everyone likes it. They even wanted to dismantle it and move it to another place, but it proved to be too expensive. By the way, this monument was in the top 10 of the ugliest ones in the world according to Virtual Tourist platform.

40. Krutitskoye Podvorye . This is the place where the spirit of olden times still lives: the buildings are old, it is quiet and cosy here. This courtyard belonged to Krutitsky Metropolitans, and a couple of churches from the 17th century are preserved along with palaces and houses.

41. Izmaylovsky Kremlin . You just have to see the colorful buildings, which replicate terems, houses in the traditional Russian architectural style. The Kremlin is packed with museums, there are several places to eat, so you won’t starve there. The biggest part of the Kremlin is a flea market with dozens of stalls with souvenirs, matreshkas, coins, boxes with traditional ornaments, furs, paintings, clocks, amber, shawls, clothes, books, icons, Soviet times items.

42. Stalin’s Bunker in Izmaylovo was built in the 1930-ies. There is a 17 kilometer long underground road that leads from the bunker to the center of Moscow. There is another bunker in Taganka.

43. Bolshoi Theater is one of the most well-known opera and ballet theaters in the world. It’s located not far from the Red Square, so just take some time to see it. If you are lucky to get tickets, lucky, because you should buy them long in advance, then you will see some of the best performances.

44. Metro tour . Moscow metro is one of the most beautiful in the world, it’s a fact. You can see everything here: stucco, paintings, sculptures, chandeliers, gilded walls, vibrant colours… some stations are true masterpieces! Pay a visit to Mayakovskaya, Kievskaya, Novoperedelkino, Komsomolskaya, Rasskazovka, Elektrozavodskaya, Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square), Novoslobodskaya, Novokuznetskaya, Arbatskaya, etc.

45. Trubnaya Square/Tsvetnoy Boulevard is a magnificent place! Just make sure you go there in summer when everything is green and flowers are blooming. The boulevard is famous for Nikulin’s Circus. I have not been to the circus, so I like the boulevard for its park with circus-related sculptures and arches with blooming flowers and the views from the nearby Trubnaya square.

46. Strastnoy Boulevard is one of the most important streets in Moscow. It is a nice area with an alley and monuments. And there are many notable buildings along the boulevard.

47. Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow: it starts at Smolenskaya metro station and runs almost till the Red Square. Arbat is full of fancy buildings and restaurants.

48. Alley of the rulers of Russia  is a place to see all the rulers at once. It is a small exhibition of busts hidden from the eyes of tourists. When I was there, I saw only three other people around. This is the place to see Ivan the Terrible, Alexander Nevsky, emperors from the Romanov family, Lenin and Yeltsin.

49. Triumphal Arch at Poklonnaya Hill was erected in the 1830-ies to commemorate the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812.

50. Moscow Mosque . The first mosque was built in 1904, but in 2011 it was demolished to erect a new one. Now it is a huge building with vibrant colors and minarets of different sizes. By the way, they used 12 kilograms of leaf-gold to decorate the dome and minarets.

51. In Russia there were many merchant courts ( gostinyy dvor in Russian), where people used to sell their goods. The one in Moscow was built in the 17th century, but it suffered a lot during the years, especially during the siege of Moscow in 1812. Now the building doesn’t house shops anymore, it is used for exhibitions.

52. Eliseyevskiy Supermarket isn’t a simple supermarket, it’s an experience. The interior is amazing, with intricate decoration, columns, chandeliers. Some people visit it like a museum. There are rumours that they want to close the supermarket, because it’s unclear who the actual building belongs to.

53. The teahouse on Myasnitskaya Street is a special building as well. It is easily recognisable thanks to the pseudo-Chinese decorative elements on its facade. At the beginning of the 20th century it was a tea shop and had apartments for rent. Now the first floor is a shop and they still sell tea there.

54. Bogdan Khmelnitsky (Kievsky) Pedestrian Bridge : this pedestrian glass-covered bridge offers stunning views of Moscow. And, naturally, it is more beautiful at night, when the lights are on.

55. Zhivopisny Bridge : this bridge is famous for its bright red arch, which is very photogenic at night.

Panoramic decks

56. Sparrow Hills : this panoramic deck is right in front of the Moscow State University building. From here visitors can see the famous Luzhniki Stadium, Stalin’s skyscrapers, Moscow-City, etc. Getting there requires a bit of effort: first you have to get to Vorobyovy Gory metro station which is under the bridge and then follow a path up the hill. Frankly, it is better to follow the crowd after exiting the station.

57. Deck at the Academy of Sciences is closer to the city center and offers views of Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow-City, the Kremlin, the statue to Peter I, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Frankly, this view is much better than the one from Sparrow Hills. Getting here is easier: just get to Leninsky Prospect metro station and follow a straight road to the deck.

58. Moscow City is a group of skyscrapers at the riverfront. Every skyscraper is built in its own fashion and has a name. Many of them are higher than 330 meters! The highest one is Vostok Federation Tower: it is 374 meters high! The 360 panoramic deck in the above-mentioned Federation Tower offers stunning views of Moscow.

59. Ostankino Tower : this place offers the farthest view of Moscow and it is not a wonder: the panoramic deck is at about 330 meters height. Personally, I prefer the other three decks, as this one is quite far from the city center.

Estates and mansions

As you probably know, Peter the Great moved the capital from Moscow to St Petersburg in 1712, so, naturally, many noble families built estates in the new capital, and the royals erected palaces there. Still, there are some in Moscow, and you should definitely see them.

NB: I have another post on some of the residences below with more information: click here to read it.

60. Kolomenskoye : before Peter I moved the capital from Moscow to St Petersburg, Kolomenskoye was the main royal residence. Michael I Romanov loved the place, but it was his son Alexis I the Quietest who built a magnificent wooden palace. While almost all the buildings in the area were erected in the 16th-18th centuries, the wooden palace is not the original one: Catherine the Great ordered its demolition to build another palace. The one visitors see now is an exact modern replica built between 2008-2010. However, the majority of the objects inside the palace are authentic.

61. Izmaylovo under the Romanovs started as a farm and a production unit and included glass and brick plants, bee garden, linen manufacture, livestock, etc. In addition, they built churches, towers and a wooden palace. According to some historians Peter the Great was born in Izmaylovo. Anna of Russia opened a zoo there, the biggest one in the empire, and tigers and lions lived there. During the reign of Catherine the Great many buildings were demolished, and many years after that Nicholas I ordered to build an asylum for the military. Some of the gates, churches and the asylum can still be seen today. Izmaylovo estate is close to the Izmaylovsky Kremlin I mentioned above.

62. Tsarytsyno is strongly associated with Catherine the Great. Though St Petersburg was the capital of the country during her reign, Catherine the Great bought Black Mud manor, renamed it into Tsaritsyno (tsaritsa is czarina is Russian) and ordered the construction of a huge complex. She died before the construction finished, and her son wasn’t interested in the project.

63. Liublino is located quite far from the center of Moscow. In 1800 a rich merchant Nikolay Durasov bought the place and built a palace in the form of a cross. It is luxurious, with exquisite furniture, silky drapes, columns, but what makes it special is its decoration. Nicholas Durasov adored theater so he decorated his home with scenes from ancient mythology. Just lift your head up, look at the ceilings and walls and you will see the muses, Apollo, Cupid, Gratiae…

64. Kuskovo Manor was a summer residence of the Sheremetev family, one of the wealthiest in the Russian Empire. There are many buildings in the complex, including the palace itself, kitchens, the Dutch house, the Grotto with naval decorative elements, the Italian house with some exhibits and the Great Stone Orangery. The main palace is built right in front of a pond. The decoration is rich, with tapestries, colorful fabric wallpaper, chandeliers, furniture. One of the most beautiful parts of the palace is the Mirror Hall.

65. Vorontsovo estate belonged to many people, including Ivan the Terrible. The place was first mentioned in the 14th century and since then changed owners frequently, until it was gifted to N. Repnin in the 17th century: he and his heirs erected the main buildings of the estate. At the beginning of the 19th century the place was rented out as summer residences and one of the tenants planned to build a dirigible there, but it didn’t work out. During the Soviet period it served as a collective farm, prison, then a scientific institute. Many buildings were either destroyed or reorganized, so not much is left of the original estate. Nowadays Vorontsovo is more of a park with different facilities, but some buildings are still there to see like the entrance gates, service premises and the church.

66. Kuzminki-Blachernae was a huge residence that belonged to Golitsyns, one of the most prominent noble families in the Russian Empire. The complex included numerous buildings, but at the moment almost all of them are in decay. The main palace burnt down in 1916, and after the revolution they gave the estate to the Institute of Experimental Veterinary. Many buildings were converted into laboratories and administrative premises, but the place is abandoned now, except one building that houses a museum.

Monasteries

Monasteries in Russia weren’t only places for religious ceremonies and monastic life. No, many of them were built to serve as fortifications to defend the city, and sometimes the defenders would find shelter behind its walls. That’s why don’t be surprised when you see thick walls: if it weren’t for church domes, one would think that it is a proper fortress. All the monasteries and convents were extremely important and the rulers of the country would usually donate money to build additional premises and decorate the churches.

The ones I mention below are very old. Some of them were used as prisons for the members of the royal family, some served as shelters during wars, others had facilities to care for the wounded, but many of them were located outside the city walls and served as a barrier: during attacks they would take the first blow giving Moscow time to prepare. Nevertheless, when the Soviet rule came, they all shared a similar fate.

67. Novodevichy Convent is the most famous one in Moscow. It was founded in 1524 and the buildings are still preserved. Many noble women took monastic vows and ended up living in the convent, some were forced to do it. During troublesome times, the royals hid there. The monastery was rich: for example, at the beginning of the 18th century 15,000 serfs belonged to the convent. Its cemetery is well-known as well, some notable people are buried there, so many people visit it just to see the graves. The convent was declared a UNESCO site.

68. Novospassky Monastery was founded in 1490, but became popular after the Romanovs came to power as it was their family burial vault. Before Peter I moved to St Petersburg, it was a burial place for many noble families like Naryshkins, Sheremetevs, Trubetskoys, etc., but during the Soviet times many graves were brought to ruin or moved to other places. The monastery was turned into a prison, and later was given to the NKVD.

69. Donskoy Monastery : this red-walled monastery was founded in 1591 after the victory over a Crimean khan, but many buildings were added later by tsars and noble people. During the siege of Moscow in 1812 soldiers were stationed there and they ruined the monastery and stole many valuables. Many famous people are buried in its territory, including Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. When the Soviets came to power, they turned it into a museum.

70. Conception Convent or Zachatyevsky Monastery: the fate of this monastery wasn’t easy. It was founded in the 1360-ies, but its main cathedral was built at the end of the 17th century. This very cathedral was later destroyed to erect a neo-gothic one. During the Soviet times it was turned into a prison, the cathedral and other premises were demolished, so after the collapse of the USSR they had to build a new one. Now the main church of the monastery, the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God, is a recent addition.

71. Vysokopetrovsky Monastery is hidden behind walls and few people, even fewer tourists, know of its existence. Founded in 1315 by Metropolitan Archbishop Peter, its first churches were wooden, the stone ones were built later. In 1812 the French ransacked the monastery, they passed death sentences here and buried people at the bell tower. In the 1920-ies monks organised a backstreet monastic community here, but some of its members were later executed. The Soviets opened a library, a plant and shared flats in the monastery. It would be fair to say that restoration works started during the Soviet rule.

72. Andreevsky Monastery : the fate of this monastery is weird, frankly. It was founded in the 17th century, but there weren’t many monks there. In 1724 Peter I ordered to move the monks to Donskoy Monastery, and turn Andreevsky one into an orphanage and prison. Later it became a home for the insane and an asylum. In the meantime, some churches of the monastery were still active, and in 1991 it became a fully functioning monastery when all its churches opened.

73. Danilov Monastery : the monastery got its name because its founder was Daniel of Moscow, one of Alexander Nevsky’s sons. It was founded in 1282, but shortly after that it was moved to another place. Ivan the Terrible gave the place a new life and ordered to build a new church close to Daniel’s grave. Because the monastery was at the epicenter of many battles, it was ransacked often. During the Soviet times it was turned into a warehouse and Charles Crane, an American businessman, bought its bells and took them to Harvard University, but they were returned in 2008.

74. Sretensky Monastery was founded in 1395. Initially, there was only a church, but, according to a legend, an icon from the church helped to avoid the invasion of khan Tamerlane, so the ruler of the country ordered to build a monastery around it. It was enlarged during the next centuries, but in the 18th century it lost its significance and fell to decay, but the situation changed in the middle of the 19th century when the area was renovated. By the end of the 19th century it was the most famous monastery in Moscow. During the Soviet times some of its premises were demolished, icons were handed over to museums, and the rest of buildings were given to the NKVD. A new cathedral was built in the 21st century, but to do it they had to demolish some of the remaining buildings.

75. Ivanovsky Convent : it was founded as a friary, but was later turned into a convent. It served as a kind of prison as well for royal wives. When the capital was moved to St Petersburg, the convent fell into neglect, in 1812 it was burned and restored in 1865 only. Soldiers wounded during Russo-Turkish war would be sent to the convent. During the Soviet times it was given first to the NKVD and turned into a concentration camp, and later to the Department of Internal Affairs. Even nowadays, when many buildings are restored and religious services are held, some of the premises still belong to the department.

76. Simonov Monastery was named after boyar Stepan Khovrin, who donated lands to start it. He later became a monk and took Simon as his monastic name. Just like in the case of the monasteries above, the new buildings were added gradually, and the monastery was quite rich: at the end of the 17th century about 25,000 serfs belonged to it. During the reign of Catherine the Great it was turned into a sickbay, but the place was later restored. During the Soviet times many buildings were blown up to build a Hall of Culture.

Personally, I am a big fan of the Slavic church architecture. The churches are so vibrant, have intricate decorative elements, and just please the eye. Whenever I go to a Russian city, I dedicate some time to exploring churches. If you aren’t like me, just skip this section, but, maybe, a couple of pictures will change your mind 😊

77. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour : this is the main cathedral in Moscow, and you definitely have to see it. Its white walls and golden domes are seen from afar, inside it’s vibrant and bright. For a price you can climb up to its dome. In addition, get to the bridge nearby: the views of Moscow are stunning!

78. St Clement’s Church : this red and white church with blue and golden domes is located at Tretyakovskaya metro station relatively close to Tretyakov Gallery, so you might as well spend some time to admire its colors. It is built in Baroque style, which is unusual for Moscow, and is dedicated to Clement, a Roman pope, which is surprising as well.

79. Cathedral of St Nicholas in Klenniki is relatively close to the Kremlin, but if you are not in the area, there is no need to go to specifically see it. My hotel (I loved it, by the way), was nearby, and I passed by the church a couple of times a day. The church was built in 1657, but was damaged a lot in fires, so was constantly restored and renovated.

80. Temple of the Holy Trinity in Ostankino : this one you should definitely see! It is not far from the Ostankino Tower and VNDKh, so you can easily do it. The church was built at the end of the 17th century, and its distinctive feature is its decorative elements. It’s a monument of old Russian cult architecture.

81. All Saints Church in Kulishki : this one is really close to Zaryadye Park, so you can walk another 200 meters to see it. Its architecture is quite interesting as well, when you look at the windows, you can easily recognize old Russian style. When the Soviets came to power, they wanted to demolish the church, but used it for state security needs.

82. Resurrection Church in Kadashi Sloboda : this is another church not far from Tretyakov Gallery. It has peculiar architecture, and some parts of its facade are different from the other churches. It was ransacked in 1812, and during the Soviet times it housed the archive of the KGB. But today, after being restored, the golden domes of this red- and orange-walled church are seen from afar.

83. The Church of St. Vladimir in the Old Gardens : if you come to visit Ivanovsky Convent, this church will be across the road. The original church was built in 1516, but was rebuilt in the 17th century and lost almost all of its original elements. In 1980 a fire destroyed the books and frescoes and it was restored later. Today it is hard to miss this church with white walls.

84. The Church of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple in Barashi isn’t far from the Clean Ponds I mentioned above. It was built in Naryshkin’s baroque style in the 17th century and was richly decorated. During the Soviet times they handed the most previous icons over to Tretyakov Gallery and wanted to demolish it, but changed their mind and turned it into an electrical goods plant.

85. The Church of Deposition of the Robe on Donskoy : this church is close to Donskoy Monastery and Gorky Park, so you can as well go to see it. The stone church in Moscow baroque style was built in 1680 and was restored at the end of the 19th century. Interestingly, it didn’t close during the Soviet rule.

86. The Church of the Epiphany in Elokhovo : this one is quite far from any other Moscow landmarks, so it is unlikely you will go to see it 🙂 Unlike the churches I mentioned above, the walls of this one aren’t red, but light blue. It is said that Alexander Pushkin was baptised there.

Amazing buildings in Moscow

If you are into architecture or old Russian architectural style, you can spend some time looking for these buildings. Unfortunately, they can be enjoyed from the outside only (as far as I know, but I may be wrong), but if you are not far from them, why not have a look? 😊

87. House of Pashkov : it will be really hard to miss this white colossus not far from the Kremlin and the monument to Vladimir. It was built at the end of the 18th century and was later turned into a university. Now it houses the Russian State Library and it is possible to visit it during a tour : it is expensive and it looks like they accept groups only.

88. Egg house on Mashkov Street : this truly weird building looks like … an egg and was inspired by Faberge eggs. It was built in 2000-2002, so it is a relatively new addition to the architectural masterpieces of the city. Because it is weird, many people don’t like it and criticize the architect. And, frankly, it looks totally out of place. Nobody lives there: as the architect himself claims, the house isn’t very comfortable. If you have about 409 million rubles, you can buy it 😊

89. Arseny Morozov Mansion : the first owner of the building Arseny Morozov was inspired by Pena Palace in Sintra. Some say that Casa de las Conchas from Salamanca served as an inspiration as well, because there are shells on its façade. In any case, you won’t miss this snow-white building on Vozdvizhenka Street. By the way, the building was so weird for its times, that it was called ‘a fool’s house’. I think it is amazing!

90. Apraksins-Trubetskoys House at the Clean Ponds: the first owner of the baroque building was Count Apraksin, but it was later sold to the Trubetskoy family, hence the name of the mansion. In 1861 it became a school where some famous people like C. Stanislavsky studied. During the Soviet period the mansion was turned into an apartment building and then into a student dormitory. Now it could use some kind of renovation.

91. Volkov-Yusupov Chambers : unfortunately, this amazing building in Bol’shoy Khariton’yevskiy Pereulok (relatively close to the Egg house) isn’t open to the public, so you can see its façade only. It was turned into a museum for a couple of years, so it was possible to see its lavish interior, but not anymore. Now this building with red walls is hidden behind a neglected garden.

92. Stalin’s Seven Sisters or skyscrapers are 7 buildings commissioned by Stalin. There should have been 8 of them, but they didn’t finish the last one. These monumental buildings are a representation of the so-called Stalinist empire architectural style and are easily recognizable as they are so different from the surrounding cityscape. Sparrow Hills are a nice place to see them: actually, one of these skyscrapers, the building of Moscow State University, will be behind you 🙂 Another one you will see from the bridge in Zaryadye Park.

93. Averky Kirillov Chambers : if you come to see the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, just cross the Patriarshy Bridge and turn left. After about a hundred meters you will see an old house with red walls which can easily go unnoticed because of the huge buildings nearby. It belonged to Averky Kirillov, a notable merchant and state official. Built in the middle of the 17th century, it boasted exquisite decoration, but time and new owners didn’t spare it. It housed the Russian Institute of Culturology, but I am not sure what is there now.

Are there any other tourist attractions in Moscow that I missed? Tell me about them in the comments! 🙂

What to do in Moscow for free

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Moscow’s Top 13 – The Main Attractions of the Russian capital

13 Moscow Attractions

One of the most fascinating metropolis, breathtaking city, and a vibrant European capital, Moscow is a powerful mix of history and edginess, full of world famous sites and attractions that are worth exploring. However, it would take weeks to really explore all facets of the Russian capital – unfortunately hardly any traveler has that much time, which is why you should concentrate on the absolute Moscow top attractions and highlights. Here is the list of top 13 Moscow attractions you can choose on your next Russian travel journey.

What Times Square means to New York, Pariser Platz with the Brandenburg Gate to Berlin, or Trafalgar Square to London – Red Square means to Moscow. The heart of Russia’s capital it is the central meeting point and the most famous photo opportunity. No place stands for Russia and Moscow more than “krasnaja ploshchad”, as Red Square is called in Russian.

It is arguably one of the Moscow main attractions and most visited. With the gigantic military parade on Victory Day in World War II, which takes place every year on May 9, the pictures of the square go around the world year after year. But for the rest of the year you will mainly meet local and foreign tourists here, who take peaceful pictures and soak up the unique spirit. The square looks spectacular illuminated at night, but you should visit the square at least once in daylight as well.

If you stand in the middle of the huge cobblestone square, in the clockwise direction you can see the Kremlin and the Kremlin Wall with a total of 20 individually designed towers, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Historical Museum built with red bricks, the little Kazan Cathedral, the impressive luxury department store GUM, the imposing St. Basil’s Cathedral and, the bridge over the Moskva River. This unique ensemble offers more sightseeing highlights at one stroke than any other tourist attractions in Moscow or the world.

So it’s no wonder that Red Square is UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers the most popular photo opportunities worldwide. When visiting Moscow, there is no reason not to visit to Red Square and a selfie is practically also a must – getting there is easy even for Russia newcomers. Although Red Square does not have its own metro station, it is still child’s play to find the way there – especially since the Square is the absolute geographical center of the city.

There are four metro stations in the vicinity, from which it is only a short walk to Red Square, Okhotny Ryad and Teatralnaya directly at the northwest entrance of the Square at the Historical Museum; further to the west is the Lenin Library station, from which one arrives at the same entrance through the Alexander Garden. As well as the station Revolution-square behind the GUM department store, which leads past to the northeast side of the Square.

The Kremlin

This is the biggest active fortress in Europe offering a week’s worth of attractions. For more than 70 years, the Kremlin was the power center of the Soviet Union, which the US President Ronald Reagan called the Empire of Evil exactly 35 years ago, one of the symbols of the East-West conflict in the Cold War. People in the West feared the «dark» plans that were built behind the thick walls of the Kremlin.

The Kremlin is built in a triangular shape on the natural elevation above the Moscow River, known today as the Kremlin Hill. Today’s metropolis Moscow has expanded in a circle around it and the road around the Kremlin is considered the first of several ring roads in Moscow counting.

Now Kremlin has lost its terrifying image, although it is still the seat of the Russian President and thus one of the most important places in World political events. It is an inviting, historical sight for tourists, and one of the famous Moscow tourist attractions which can be visited for just a few dollars.

The large parts of the 28 hectare site can be visited by tourists – with the exception of the Kremlin towers, the presidential Grand Kremlin Palace and the Senate Palace. The first port of call on the site is the so-called Cathedral Square, which is the geographical center of the Kremlin and at the same time the highest point on the Kremlin Hill and contains the three oldest structures in the complex. The three 15 th -century cathedrals of the Kremlin (the Dormition, Archangel Michael and the Annunciation Cathedrals), which together with the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and the Cathedral of the Deposition of Mary, make the most famous ensemble of the Kremlin. Also to be visited here are primarily the Armoury and the Patriarch’s palace.

To get to the Kremlin, you have to pass a security gate at one of the two publicly accessible entrances – these are located at the Kutafja and Borovitsky towers. Tickets cost from 700 rubles upwards, the admission to the Armoury, the Ivan the Great bell tower and the Patriarch’s Palace being paid for separately.

More about the Kremlin

Lenin’s Mausoleum

This is the ultimate love it or hate it tourist attractions in Moscow It may be mistaken for a gloomy performance, but Lenin remains an absolute attraction almost a hundred years after Vladimir Lenin death. The founding father of the Soviet Union is not only a fascinating historical figure of world renown for supporters of communism. Despite ongoing discussions about a final burial of the leader of the communist October Revolution in 1918, hundreds of thousands come year after year to the dark marble building on Red Square, right next to the Kremlin wall, to see the embalmed body of the legendary Russian revolutionary.

First opened to the public in 1924, the Mausoleum attracts 2.5 million visitors every year, so, visitors have to wait a long time to get into the illustrious building. Also, photos from inside the Mausoleum are prohibited. But a visit is still a must for Moscow visitors, especially since the visit is free. Please note that the Mausoleum is only open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The queue starts behind the Historical Museum and before you get into the actual mausoleum, you have to pass an airport-like security gate – cameras and cell phones are not allowed into the Mausoleum, but can be safely placed in a cloakroom for a small fee. On the way out of the Mausoleum, after the visit, you pass the graves of the other Soviet heads of state. Including the grave of Josef Stalin, who was briefly kept next to Lenin in the Mausoleum after his death. But in the course of de-Stalinization, the cruel dictator was moved to the less prominent place behind the Mausoleum.

More about the Lenin Mausoleum

The Alexander Garden (Alexandrovsky Sad)

If you visit Moscow in summer, the hustle and bustle in the metropolis of millions can get over your head. The city, best known for its icy winters, can turn into an absolute burning furnace in summer. It sometimes takes over an hour to get to the edge of the metropolis. The perfect retreat, located in the center of Moscow, is therefore the Alexander Garden and one of the Moscow top attractions.

Located directly on the western wall of the Kremlin, the Alexander Garden is just a small, but all the more well-kept park that extends to the nearby Manege Square (Manezhnaya Ploschad). The garden undergoes a lot of changes, with old trees cut down in 2012 and over 200 planted, the authorities also claim that there will be a rosary of 3000 roses. As soon as the first rays of sun warm up the Muscovites, tormented by the long winter, they set off into the countryside. If you are right in the center, you can choose the small park right by the Kremlin.

With a café in hand, which you can get yourself on Manege Square, you can linger here between the carefully tended flower beds. With the Grave of the Unknown Soldier and the regular changing of the guard, there is even a real tourist attraction on top. Entry is free.

The Moscow Metro

In no other metropolis in the world would the subway be declared a sight. Yes, that is truly right as riding this one of the top Moscow tourist attractions is an experience in itself or just a walk through the station is amazing in itself. Whether in New York, Berlin, London or Paris – the big city inhabitants of the world metropolises have a love-hate relationship with their metro. It’s different in Moscow – the residents of the Russian metropolis love their metro and there is a reason for that: in the early days of metro construction, dictator Stalin had built the stations into “palaces for the workers”.

All the splendor of the tsars, which the ordinary Russian never saw, is now open to everyone, regardless of their origin. Indeed, a number of stations on the Moscow Metro, each built shortly before or after the war, are unmatched architectural masterpieces. Mayakovskaya station is often compared to a ballroom for its chandeliers and ornaments. The Teatralnaya stop, located directly below the world-famous Bolshoi Theater, shines with decorations reminiscent of the country’s theater and ballet tradition. Colorful glass windows, almost like in a sacred building, adorn the Novoslobodskaya station.

But the uncalled queen among Moscow’s metro beauties is Komsomolskaya station, named after the youth organization of the Soviet Union. With its huge chandeliers and detailed ceiling decorations, it is the crown jewel among the 331 metro stations. It is not uncommon for tourists to stand in the middle of the platform and take photos under the glances of passengers who just want to walk past the annoying tourists to and from work as quickly as possible.

A ride on the metro currently costs 57 rubles, which is less than one dollar. You should plan a few hours for a tour of the most beautiful stations, but the good news is, once behind the turnstile, a single ticket is enough to stay in the metro system as long as you want.

The Bolshoi Theater

To see Tchaikovsky Swan Lake or the Nutcracker by the same legendary Russian composer on the famous Bolshoi stage – that is the dream of every ballet fan. Home to the largest and one of the oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, nowhere else is the fine art of musical dance lived as much as in Russia – and has been since the times of the tsars.

The Bolshoi itself has been shining back to its former glory since it was built in 1776 since its extensive renovation that cost almost a billion dollars a few years ago. The large historical hall of the building impresses with its opulent golden decorations and creates a very special atmosphere – this was also used by the communist leaders of the Soviet Union, who held their congresses in the building directly at the Kremlin. The Theater is so famous that it currently adorns the 100 ruble banknote and is among the Moscow main attractions.

If you’d like to go to what is probably the most famous ballet theater in the world today, it’s easier than ever. The program can be found months in advance on the official website bolshoi.ru  and can be ordered at very reasonable prices. The cheapest seats in the hall can be booked for as little as 100 rubles, i.e. less than $ 2. However, you should reserve tickets early, as the performances are usually booked weeks in advance. Even for good seats, you pay very moderate prices compared to Western Europe.

There are a few things to watch out for, however, proper, appropriate clothing is welcome, but apart from the obligation to wear trousers, it is not an exclusion criterion for men. If you arrive late, you have to wait outside until the next break so as not to disturb the other guests during the performance. The best way to get to the Bolshoi is by taking the Moscow Metro via the Teatralnaya station, which was built especially for the theater and which stairs are right in front of the main entrance.

More about the Bolshoi Theater

The GUM department store

The Russian abbreviation GUM means main all-purpose shopping center and sounds quite formal for such a shopping temple. Located in front of the Kremlin on Red Square, GUM has existed as a department store since 1920 and was previously a market. It is the most iconic and largest department store in Russia and among the Moscow tourist attractions .   The facade of the building, built in 1890, fits perfectly into the overall picture of Red Square and is illuminated photogenically at night.

In contrast to the scarcity economy of the Soviet era, the GUM today really has everything to offer that one can imagine. It has become the flagship of the shopping and fashion metropolis Moscow. But today you will mainly find smaller luxury shops here. From western high-couture boutiques such as Prada or Gucci to fur for the icy Russian winter, a well-to-do Muscovite or a tourist will find everything their heart desires here.

People can walk through the wide and beautifully decorated arcades of the GUM, free of charge. Cafes invite you to linger. A delicatessen shop on the ground floor sells Russian specialties at affordable prices. Chocolate, honey and caviar, as well as the all-round vodka in Russia, can be bought here as souvenirs for friends and family at home. In addition, the Soviet-style cafeteria on the upper floor is very cheap for lunch.

The GUM offers a special highlight every winter when the department store administration built an ice rink in front of the building directly on Red Square. For only 200 to 300 rubles per hour, depending on the time of day, you can lace up your skates and glide over the ice with the unique panorama of Red Square.

More about the GUM department store 

The Historical Museum

The Historical Museum is a museum of Russian history wedged between Red Square, Lenin Mausoleum, small Kazan Cathedral, and Manege Square. The red brick building of the Museum is a real eye-catcher and Moscow top attractions located on the opposite side of St. Basil’s Cathedral. It is dedicated to Russian history and is built in the Old Russian style, the building did not open until 1883.

The Museum houses everything from an exhibition on the archeology of Russia, through the technological achievements, to the art of the gigantic empire in 16 sections and has a total of 5 million exhibits. So if you are interested in the history of Russia, you cannot avoid visiting this Museum and should plan enough time for it.

A visit costs 150 to 500 rubles, depending on which exhibition you want to visit. The Museum is open in winter, autumn and spring from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed on Tuesdays. In the summer months, the extended Saturday times apply daily.

It is probably the most famous park in the Russian capital and the top Moscow tourist attractions – a novel and its film adaptation and a Russian rock band have its name and numerous songs by Russian and international bands and TV series, such as House of Cards, mention it or act here. Gorky Park is a premier green space offering entertainment for every taste. Located southwest of the center of Moscow on the Moskva River, it is designed more for family attractions and rest and the classic park on the other side – has become one of the meeting places for Muscovites of all kinds in recent years.

Whether for a yoga class, a family picnic or beach volleyball match, skateboarding, and cycling – people meet here often. Because even in the Gorky there is an ice surface in winter, the largest in Moscow, which attracts many Moscow residents as well as tourists.

A large-scale renovation in 2011 breathed new life into the park – the roller kiosks were removed and more emphasis was placed on the maintenance of the green spaces. The park remained free of charge and developed into one of the most popular places in the capital. Whether with the rental bike through the green lungs, the pedal boat across the numerous ponds or simply watching the goings-on on the park bench – a visit to Gorki is also absolutely worthwhile for tourists.

Day trip to the Golden Ring

As much as the metropolis Moscow is fascinating, the side effects of a cosmopolitan city like Moscow – the noise, the traffic and the crowds – can overwhelm any tourist. What could be better than a day trip to escape the organized chaos of the cosmopolitan city?

The places on the Golden Ring near Moscow are an ideal destination for this and among the Moscow main attractions – located north-east of the metropolis, these old Russian cities, some of which have existed for much longer than Moscow itself, offer a welcome change from the hectic hustle and bustle of the capital.

Developed in the late 1960s uniting several mediaeval Russian cities located to the north-east of Moscow it is the most popular route around provincial cities of central Russia. More than a thousand year old city of Yaroslavl on the Volga is the largest, but at 260 km from Moscow also the most distant city of the Golden Ring. For only 650 rubles, however, you can take the three-hour train ride there.

Yaroslavl has been part of the world cultural heritage since 2005 and is best known for its two monasteries – the Monastery of our Savior and Transfiguration and the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Tolga are located directly on the Europe’s longest river Volga and its inflow Kotorosl. Both testify to the long history of the Russian Orthodox Church. The cityscape of Yaroslavl is also really worth seeing with its classicist buildings – walking through the streets of the city with 500,000 inhabitants is a welcome contrast to Moscow. Things are even more slow in the small towns of Suzdal and Vladimir, both of which can still be reached with the Moscow suburban train network (known as Elektrichka) for a good 500 rubles. In both cities time seems to have stood a little – large sacred buildings dominate the cityscape.

Especially the Assumption Cathedral, located in the center of Vladimir, and the Golden Medieval Gate are the main attractions for tourists. The church, built in the early 12th century, is best known for its almost 700 year old wall paintings and frescoes and is a World Heritage Site. The Suzdal Kremlin is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and was first mentioned in writing in 1024.

Suzdal with its only 10,000 inhabitants has still retained the character of a small Russian town and in the town, which will celebrate its millennium in 2024, you can still find numerous wooden buildings typical of rural Russia – whether churches or houses, the colorful buildings are ideal as Photo motif and give an impression of the simple Russian provinces life away from the metropolises.

The exhibition of the achievements of the national economies is not in every travel guide as a classic Moscow main attractions and a must see of the Russian capital. But no other place in the modern mega-metropolis exudes the spirit of the Soviet Union as much as the enormous VDNKh (All Russian Exhibition Centre) in the north of Moscow. It was built as an agricultural exhibition before World War II, but was then renamed world exhibition for the 15 individual Soviet states and their achievements.

From the Armenian, Estonian and Kyrgyz culture, to the Soviet achievements in space travel and nuclear power, to statues about the heroes of the Soviet history, the VNDKh (Vystavka Dostizheniy Narodnogo Khozyastva) was an absolute attraction until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. After that, the old charm fell into disrepair and the large central pavilion, which was built in the splendidly pompous Stalinist style, was filled with small traders selling souvenirs and matryoshkas.

Since its renovation in 2014, the exhibition in the park-like area is absolutely worth a trip again and with the metro station of the same name you can get from the center to the VDNKh quickly and without problems. There are still strange souvenirs, plus huge Soviet monuments worth seeing, as well as numerous rides for children. The Kosmos exhibition still exists and is now part of the Cosmonaut Museum, which is located at the front end of the park when coming from the metro station.

Here you can experience the various achievements of Soviet and Russian space travel vividly. From the very first Sputnik satellite, the spacesuit of Yuri Gargarin, the very first human in space, to the Buran space shuttle, you can learn an incredible amount about the conquest of the cosmos here. However, you should plan several hours just for a visit to the Cosmonaut Museum.

More about the cosmonaut museum

The Pushkin Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery

To complete the cultural program in Moscow, you should definitely make a tour to the Pushkin Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery when visiting the Russian capital. It is the largest museum of European art and among the Moscow top attractions. The former Museum of Fine Arts was named after Alexander Pushkin’s death in 1837 – it is still one of the most important art collections in the world today.

It boasts one of the richest collections of foreign art in Russia, showcasing global artistic developments from early times to the present day in expositions numbering 700,000 works of art.  Not far south of the Kremlin, exactly opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Museum is housed in a classic building specially built for this purpose in 1898. From early Byzantine art to the famous Madonna by Lukas Cranach, the Italian masters, Peter Paul Rubens and masterpieces of Expressionism, for example by Paul Cézanne, you can admire a huge selection of important art here.

The regular entry ticket costs 800 rubles and the Ьuseum is open on weekends from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., during the week until 8 p.m. – only Monday is closed.

The second important art collection in the capital is the State Tretyakov Gallery. It is the national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the greatest museums in the world. Started by the textile entrepreneur and philanthropist Pavel Tretyakov as a collection of local contemporary art in 1851, the gallery has now developed into one of the cultural highlights of Russia. In contrast to the Pushkin Museum, you will primarily find Russian art from the 19th century and older icons.

Entry cost is 400 rubles and the Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Monday is also the day off.

Take a stroll across Red Square, meet Lenin and see the world-famous Kremlin?

Then first of all you need a visa! !

Alexander Popov

Welcome to Russia! My name is Alexander, I was born in Moscow and I'm a passionate tour guide. I want to share my passion for Russia and my hometown with you. On my website you will find useful information to make your individual trip to Russia as interesting as possible.

The Museum of Cosmonautics and the Planetarium in Moscow

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9 Things to See in Moscow's Red Square

 Sir Francis Canker/Getty Images

In most cases, you'll be entering Red Square from the north, passing landmarks such as the Bolshoi Theatre and Duma parliament building as you make your way southward. Although you don't necessarily have to pass through the Voskresensky (or Resurrection in English) Gates in order to gain access to the square these days, they definitely provide a sense of arrival, to say nothing of the way their left arch frame's St. Basil's Cathedral if you look from just the right angle.

An interesting fact is that while a gate of some kind has stood here since the mid-16th century, the one you currently see wasn't built until 1994, having been destroyed in 1931 so that tanks could enter and exit Red Square during military parades.

St. Basil's Cathedral

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

Few sights are as iconic not only of Moscow and Red Square but indeed of Russia than St. Basil's Cathedral, whose colorful, onion-shaped domes are a symbol of the country around the world. Officially known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, this church has stood since 1561, which is quite miraculous when you consider all the turbulent history that has transpired since then.

Among other things, religion was severely prohibited during the Soviet period , which led some to believe that this emblem of the Russian Orthodox church might not withstand the tenure of the USSR. 

An interesting fact is that St. Basil's is the so-called "Kilometer Zero" of Russia; all of Moscow's main roads (which can take you anywhere in Russia) begin at the exits to Red Square. In this way, St. Basil's iconic status also has an extremely tangible element.

The Kremlin

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

When you think of The Kremlin, it's unlikely that positive images enter your mind. The fact that simply saying the word "Kremlin" is too vague a descriptor (most Russian cities have their own Kremlin complexes; you should say "Moscow Kremlin") notwithstanding, this misunderstood place is incredibly beautiful, even if you don't like the policy that comes out of it.

Senate Square

In spite of its name, which refers to the role the building that rises above the square played during Imperial Russia, Senate Square is actually home to Russia's presidential administration, currently helmed by Vladimir Putin. In order to see where Russia's legislature operates from, walk just outside Red Square to the Duma parliament building.

Dormition Cathedral

Dating back to the year 1479, the gold-domed Dormition Cathedral pays homage to an Orthodox religious feast that commemorates the death of the Virgin Mary . As is the case with St. Basil's, it is curious that such a conspicuously religious structure was able to survive through the Soviet period.

Armoury Chamber

Though it takes its name from the fact that it housed Russia's royal arsenal when it was built in the 16th century, the most notable resident of the Kremlin's Armoury Chamber today is the Russian Diamond Fund.

Notable Kremlin Towers

Robert Schrader

The interior of the Moscow Kremlin is more beautiful and inviting than you'd expect, but the walls and towers that rise around it better live up to the intimidation with which the complex is associated. 

Borovitskaya Tower

Named to commemorate the dense forest that once stood atop the mount where it's built, this tower is extremely picturesque. Built in the late 15th century, it's visible from most places in the square, and also as you walk along the Moskva River.

Nikolskaya Tower

Also built in the year 1491, this tower currently suffered destruction at the hands of Napoleon's army in the 19th century. What you see now is the result of an 1816 re-design and renovation, though artillery fire during the Russian Revolution also caused superficial damage to the tower, named to honor St. Nikolas of Mozhaysk , so it's difficult to know which elements of it are original.

Spasskaya Tower

Known in English as the "Savior's Tower," this iconic, star-topped tower is perhaps the best-known of all the Kremlin's towers. Built in 1491 like the other two towers on this list, it's certainly the most photographed. As a result of its proximity to St. Basil's, it often makes its way into tourists' pictures.

Mausoleum of Lenin

Just as it's strange to learn how many religious monuments survived through the Soviet period, it's a bit odd to think that Lenin's preserved body still sits in a mausoleum just beneath the walls of the Kremlin on Red Square, given the lack of consensus about the ultimate impact of his Revolution, even in Russia.

It's not guaranteed that you'll be able to see the body (which, believe it or not, seems to be improving with age ) when you go, and if you do you will likely have to wait in line, but even strolling past the outside of the Lenin Mausoleum, flanked by stone-faced guards that almost look like statues, illuminates the gravity of his body still being here.

GUM Shopping Center

You might cringe, at least initially, when you realize that one of the most iconic stops on a tour of Red Square is a department store—until you see said department store, that is. Built in 1893 and known during Soviet times as the State Department Store, GUM  ( Glávnyj Universáľnyj Magazín​ or Main Universal Store in English) hearkens back to the grandeur of the late 19th century, both seen from the outside (especially, when lit up at night) and the interior, which might have you feeling like you're further west in Europe.

A trip inside GUM is a particularly good idea during winter, when frigid temperatures outside will have you savoring the heat, the quality of souvenirs, confections and other goods sold inside notwithstanding. Also, make sure not to confuse GUM with CDM, which sits near the Bolshoi Theatre, even though both are stunning and iconic in their own right.

State Historical Museum

The Russian State Historical Museum is located near Voskresensky Gates, though you should wait until after you've seen the first few attractions of Red Square and the Kremlin to head back there and go inside. To be sure, as you pass by its facade (whose late-19th century grandeur somewhat obscures that fact that it's currently a museum accessible to the public) you might not even think to try and gain entry.

Once inside the museum, you can plan to spend at least a couple of hours, given that artifacts here date back to the very beginning of the Russian state in the ninth century. As is the case with GUM, this will be a particularly alluring prospect if you visit in winter, when Moscow is arguably at its most beautiful, but certainly at its least tolerable. 

Minin-Pozharsky Monument

It's somewhat easy to disregard this monument, which pays homage to the two Russian princes who ended the so-called "Time of Troubles" in the mid-16th century, during which Polish-Lithuanian forces occupied Russia, among other awful things including a famine. That's because the statue currently sits just at the base of St. Basil's Cathedral, which makes it very difficult to photograph or even see without being overwhelmed by that much more famous edifice.

Though the statue originally sat at the very center of Red Square, it came to be an obstacle to the movement of tanks during the Soviet period, much like the Voskresensky Gates. As a result, authorities moved it during that time, and it's stayed where you currently find it ever since.

Kazan Cathedral

Taken by itself, the smokey-pink Kazan Cathedral is an architectural marvel; originally built in the 17th century, the church you find here today, located just north of the GUM department store, dates back only to 1993.

Unfortunately, since it sits not only in the shadow of GUM, but also in the shadow St. Basil's and the Towers of the Kremlin, it's easy to miss entirely if you aren't looking. As a result, you might wait until you've seen just about everything else in Red Square before coming here to take photos, and to appreciate the understated beauty of this oft-overlooked cathedral.

Moskva River

As you head south from St. Basil's Cathedral to exit Red Square, make sure to walk onto Bolshoy Moskvoretskiy Bridge, which crosses the Moskva River. If you look due north, you can get an excellent shot of the church framed, on the left, by the towers of the Kremlin. Directing your gaze a bit to the west allows you to see the skyscrapers of Moscow City as they rise above the Kremlin's walls.

Walking westward along the riverbank is also a worthwhile excursion, for the views it provides of Red Square and the Kremlin, as well as the fact that doing so takes you to other iconic Moscow attractions, including Gorky Park and the Pushkin Museum. The views you enjoy from the river and the bridge are particularly stunning at night, though you should make sure you bring a tripod if you want to get a clear picture, given how strong winds over and near the river can be.

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China's Top 15 Must-Visit Attractions: Historical, Cultural, Scenic & More

With a vast territory and a long history, China offers so much to see and explore. We have listed for you the top 15 must-visit attractions in China for any classic China tour.

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• 1. The Great Wall
• 2. Forbidden City
• 3. Terracotta Army
• 4. Giant Pandas
• 5. Yellow Mountains
• 6. Li River
• 7. Potala Palace

8. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

• 9. Mogao Caves
• 10. The Bund
• 11. West Lake
• 12. Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve
• 13. Victoria Harbor
• 14. Lijiang Old Town
• 15. Erhai Lake

1. The Great Wall of China in Beijing

In the eyes of most travelers, you haven't been to China if you haven't climbed the Great Wall .

One of the iconic symbols of China, the Great Wall is the longest wall in the world , an awe-inspiring feat of ancient defensive architecture. Its winding path over a rugged country and steep mountains takes in some great scenery. It deserves its place among "the New Seven Wonders of the World" and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China.

T he most integrated and best-preserved sections are close to Beijing. Among them, the Jinshanling section has the most beautiful scenery and is very suitable for hiking.

The Mutianyu section has a better architecture with densely spaced watchtowers and easy to climb, which is suitable for families with the elderly and children. Which Sections of the Great Wall Should I Visit?

The Simatai section is good for a night tour of the Great Wall. See our 4-Day Beijing Highlights and Great Wall Night Tour

There is no better way to explore China's Great Wall than by hiking or walking along with it. Tread the centuries-old bricks and walk through watchtower ruins. Take your time and feel the history come to life. See 1-Day Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

2. The Forbidden City in Beijing — Imperial Palace for 24 Emperors

It was once a "palace" city where ordinary people were forbidden entry . An extravagant demonstration of ancient Chinese architecture, over 8,000 rooms with golden roofs are elegantly designed and painted in red and yellow.

The Forbidden City was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties for 560 years till 1911. 24 emperors lived there. Listed as World Cultural Heritage, it also houses many Chinese cultural and historical relics and treasures . See 4-Day Beijing Private Tour with Visit to Forbidden City

It is recognized as one of the five most important palaces in the world (with the Palace of Versailles in France, Buckingham Palace in the UK, the White House in the US, and the Kremlin in Russia). Read on How to Visit the Forbidden City — for Discerning Travelers

3. The Terracotta Army in Xi'an — 2,000-Year-Old Underground Army

The Terracotta Army has been laid underground for more than 2,000 years . However, in 1974, farmers digging a well uncovered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. In 1987 it became World Cultural Heritage.

It is significant because the hundreds of detailed life-size models represent the army that triumphed over all other Chinese armies in the Warring States Period (475—221 BC), and who were the decisive factor in forming a united China.

It raises interesting questions about why it was made, which await your consideration when you come face-to-face with soldiers of the past. See our 3-Day Essence of Xi'an Tour including Terracotta Warriors

You could make your own warriors at a cave-dwelling where there are only a few craftsmen left who continue to work in a traditional way . Read more about How to Visit the Terracotta Army Hassle Free

All our tours are customized . Our travel consultants will create an itinerary based on your interests, group sizes, travel length, and other requirements.

4. Giant Pandas in Chengdu — China's "National Treasure"

The giant panda is not only deeply loved by the Chinese, but by many foreigners too, and not just children. Although there are many zoos in China and elsewhere, where you can see a giant panda, the best place to see them is Chengdu — the giant panda's "hometown" .

There are three places you can see pandas close up : Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center, Dujiangyan Panda Valley, and Bifengxia Panda Base.

• Chengdu Panda Center is in the north of the city and is more established.
• Dujiangyan and Bifengxia Panda Bases are 1-2 hours from Chengdu and you can see pandas in their natural habitat.
• You can get even closer to the pandas by taking a volunteer program in Dujiangyan or Bifengxia Panda Valley . See our 1-Day Dujiangyan Panda Volunteer Program Tour

Read more about How to Plan a Panda Tour

5. The Yellow Mountains near Shanghai — Legendary Wonders

In east China, close to Shanghai and Hangzhou, the Yellow Mountain Scenic Area (Huangshan) woos travelers with its five wonders : sunrises , seas of clouds , oddly-shaped rocks , twisted pine trees , and hot springs . The Yellow Mountains are the most famous peaks in China.

The villages nearby such as Hongcun Village were once considered to be the utopia of ancient China . Villagers have diverted water into "house gardens" and "water yards", which exist only in this village. The village, in its breathing-taking setting, looks like a Chinese painting. Canola flowers in spring can be the icing on the cake.

Bishan Village is the best choice if you want to enjoy some quiet moments with your partner. Stay in a typical Hui-style inn, feel the freshness of the air on an early morning walk, and drink a coffee while enjoying nature in its unspoiled beauty. See our 3-Day Ancient Villages and Yellow Mountains Tour

6. The Li River in Guilin & Yangshuo — China's Most Celebrated Scenery

The karst landscape along the Li River has captured the heart of artists. Generations of Chinese painters and poets have been inspired by the beauty of nature there, using their pens and brushes to capture the breathtaking natural scenery. When Chinese travelers seek a place for natural beauty, they first think of Li River and Yangshuo .

The Li River was listed as one of the "World's Top Ten Watery Wonders" by America's National Geographic Magazine. Several world-famous figures have visited the Li River, including former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush (senior), and Bill Gates.

The 83-kilometer-long section of the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is the most beautiful. The river landscape is decorated with startling hills, steep cliffs, and farming villages, and is lined with bamboo groves.

Taking a leisurely cruise or a 3–4-hour family-friendly moderate hike (more on Li River hiking ) are good ways to enjoy the Li River's beauty.

Guilin & Yangshuo offer many interesting activities. You could challenge yourself to an SUP (stand-up paddleboard, i.e. a mini raft) on the Yulong River, take a bamboo raft , have a cycling tour into the countryside, or take an exciting drive with an all-terrain vehicle . See 5-Day Dynamic Guilin and Yangshuo Tour

7. The Potala Palace in Tibet — Heart of the Roof of the World

The Potala Palace is a symbol of Tibet . In 1994 it was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. It is a huge treasure house of materials and articles from Tibetan history, religion, culture, and art. The palace is widely known for its precious sculptures, murals, scriptures, Buddhist statues, antiques, and religious jewelry housed within it.

You could witness the architectural miracle containing the regal heritage of Tibet, listen to stories of Dalai Lamas who lived in the palace, and view the palace from the four best angles .

Tibet doesn't accept independent travelers . Traveling with a travel agency is required. Read more about Tibet Travel Restrictions or contact us to explore the main highlights from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp. See our 8-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Private Tour

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park , the inspiration of Avatar, is a must-see place for its out-of-this-world scenery . It is huge with many different scenic areas. The "floating mountains and peaks" that inspired Avatar are concentrated in this park.

The top-rated scenic areas are Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and Gold Whip Stream. These three areas can be visited by tourists of any age.

Walking is not hard at the main attractions, where cable cars, elevators, a tram, and shuttle buses are available and concrete paths and steps have been built. See our 4 Days Essence of Zhangjiajie

9. The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang

"In the West, there is the Louvre; in the East, there are the Mogao Caves."

The Mogao Caves are famous for their exquisite murals and Buddhist statues . The Mogao Caves were included in UNESCO's world cultural heritage list in 1987.

Artists from different periods of the Middle Ages left their work there. All kinds of works spanning over one thousand years complement each other.

Standing out in the desert, the Mogao Caves are like a glittering pearl that adorns the Silk Road .

In addition to visiting these wonderful caves, you could get some hands-on archaeological experience. We can take you to the Dunhuang Research Academy. There, you can linger over copies of murals created by masters and can copy a sample mural on a mud slab with your own hands under the guidance of the teacher.

• 5-Day Dunhuang In-Depth Private Tour including Visit to Mogao Caves
• 13-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Dunhuang–Urumqi–Shanghai Tour - Silk Road Highlights and China's Gateway Cities

10. The Bund in Shanghai — Stunning Skyline, Colonial Architecture

The Bund is one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai. It showcases the world with its colonial European buildings and skyscrapers on the other side of the Huangpu, housing one of the world's foremost business districts.

The Bund was Shanghai's most prosperous area in the late 19th century and early 20th century. When the first British company opened an office at the Bund in 1846, it became the epitome of elegance .

one of the best ways to explore the Bund is to take an in-depth cultural walk where you could step into some of the iconic old buildings and learn about the stories behind them. A night cruise on the Huang Pu Rover could also be a good choice.

11. West Lake in Hangzhou — Paradise on Earth

Hangzhou is renowned as China's "paradise on earth" owing to its beautifully crafted landscape . West Lake was created after the Chinese love for garden-style parks for recreation.

West Lake is a place of tranquility where urbanity becomes a silhouette on the northeast horizon and mountains near and far surround it on the other three sides. The occasional pagoda and Chinese-style arched bridge add atmosphere to the tree-lined walkways, verdant islands, and hills.

To admire the beauty of West Lake, you can leisurely bike around the lake, walk around the lake, or take a short cruise on the lake . We could also find a perfect location for you to enjoy afternoon tea while enjoying the beautiful view of West Lake. See 4-Day Shanghai & Hangzhou with Watertown Tour

12. Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve — Gemstone-Colored Lakes, Colorful Forests, Meadows

Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve is called "the last pure land on earth" and "the last Shangri-La" due to its breathtaking natural scenery.

"I want to go there with my sweetheart to see the clear blue sky, the snowcapped mountains, and the golden meadows, to experience an autumn fairy tale." A Chinese romantic drama movie, I Belonged to You , made Daocheng a desirable romantic place to visit.

As early as 1928, the Austrian-American explorer Joseph F. Rock visited Daocheng and captured its beauty, printing pictures of it in the National Geographic magazine and making it known to the world .

The Tibetan cultural experience is another highlight of this route . You can see many ancient monasteries and Tibetan-style houses during the trip.

• 8-Day Chengdu to Shangri-La Adventure Tour - Chengdu, Xinduqiao, Daocheng, Riwa, Xiangcheng, and Shangri-La
• 9-Day Panorama Western Sichuan Tour — Chengdu, Wolong (Baby Pandas), Rilong, Danba, Tagong, Litang, Riwa, Yajiang, and Moxi

All our tours can be customized. The itinerary can be adjusted according to your group size, time, interests, and other requirements. Just contact us .

13. Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong — Mighty Skyscraper Skyline

The view over Victoria Harbour from Victoria Peak is to Hong Kong as climbing the Great Wall is to China ; it offers the iconic outlook over Hong Kong's "high rise" to success and prosperity.

Victoria Peak is the best spot to have a bird's eye view of Hong Kong . Viewed from the peak, both day and night scenes are worth taking in. See high-rise buildings around the busy Victoria Harbour stretching out towards the Chinese mainland. At night the scenery is gorgeous when the Symphony of Lights of various buildings dances in unison .

14. Lijiang Old Town in Yunnan — Cobbled Pedestrian Streets, Small Waterways

Lijiang Old Town in Yunnan is characterized by ancient cobbled streets, stone bridges, and water-wheel-driven canals decorated with flowers. Shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, snack stalls, and hotels can be found everywhere .

The big waterwheels are a landmark of Lijiang Old Town. As you enter the old town, you will see them. The river flowing through the old town keeps them rotating. Bar Street is next to them, which is busy at night.

You could also go to Naxi Hieroglyphs and Painting Exhibition Hall to experience Naxi art . The Naxi are the only people who still use hieroglyphs to write in the world .

• 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour - Meet the Amazing Beauty of Yunnan
• 9-Day Yunnan Family Tour - Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La

All our Yunnan tours can be customized. Contact us to create a trip for you according to your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.

15. Erhai Lake in Dali — One of the Most Beautiful Lakes in China

Erhai Lake is the most beautiful place in Dali . It is a plateau lake. Erhai Lake is in the shape of an ear, hence its name Erhai ('Ear Sea'). This plateau lake is like a deep blue gem set in the green land. The water of the lake is calm and blue. The soft and gentle wind by the lake will make you feel relaxed.

Every December, flocks of black-headed gulls from Siberia fly in to spend the winter at Erhai Lake .

Biking is the best way to travel around the lake . Capturing the beauty of the landscape bathed in sunshine and breezes is a real pleasure. There are two cycle routes around Erhai Lake : Haixi (on Erhai's west shore) and Haidong (on Erhai's east shore). The Haixi route is more suitable for young or inexperienced riders. Haidong route is quiet and has panoramic views. Contact us to arrange mountain bikes with helmets for you.

• 4-Day Dynamic Dali Tour - Hike and Bike
• 6-Day Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang Tour - Yunnan Ethnic Minorities Tour
• 7-Day Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour - A Feast of Landscapes and Ethnic Minority Culture

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