Key hubs
Kanha airport and railway station
- Airport
- Jabalpur Airport (JLR) is the closest, about 160 to 200 km by road depending on the gate. Nagpur (NAG) and Raipur (RPR) are the other options, each several hours' drive.
- Railway station
- Gondia Junction (G) and Jabalpur Junction (JBP) are the usual railheads; Balaghat is another option on the local network. All need a road transfer of several hours.
- Getting around
- Arrange a car and driver from the railhead or airport; inside the reserve you travel in a booked open jeep (or a shared canter or single seat where offered) with a forest-department guide.
How to reach Kanha by air
The closest airport is Jabalpur (JLR), about 160 to 200 km from the park gates depending on which gate you use, a drive of roughly four to five hours. Nagpur (NAG) and Raipur (RPR) are also used, each roughly 210 to 260 km from the gates by road. Check current flight schedules, which change often.
How to reach Kanha by train
Jabalpur Junction (JBP) and Gondia Junction (G) are the usual railheads, both a few hours by road from the gates; Gondia is often quoted at around 120 km from the park. Raipur and Balaghat can also be used. Book a car transfer ahead, because public transport to the gates is limited.
How to reach Kanha by road
The park is reached by road from Jabalpur, Nagpur and Raipur, with entry gates at Khatia, Mukki and Sarhi. The reserve's own guide gives about 160 km from Jabalpur to Khatia, 200 km to Mukki and 150 km to Sarhi. Allow extra time for narrow roads, and avoid driving after dark.
Getting around Kanha
Inside the reserve you travel in a booked open jeep or, where offered, a shared canter or single seat, with a forest-department guide. Between lodges and gates, use the lodge's own vehicle or a hired car and driver. Ask your lodge to arrange transport rather than relying on hailing a vehicle.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Kanha
- Plan only one safari a day if energy is limited. A morning drive is four to five hours; combining it with an evening round in the same day is tiring, especially in summer.
- The long road from Jabalpur, Nagpur or Raipur is the hardest part of the trip. Break it with an overnight stop, or schedule a rest day on arrival, and carry any regular medication in hand luggage.
- Ask your lodge where the nearest hospital is before you arrive, carry a basic first-aid kit and make sure your travel insurance covers remote areas.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.