Key hubs
Kheoni airport and railway station
- Airport
- Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore (IDR), about 80 to 100 km by road; Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal (BHO), about 130 km
- Railway station
- Harda (HD) is the nearest useful railhead, about 60 km; Indore Junction (INDB) is the main alternative. Kannod itself has no rail line.
- Getting around
- A private car with driver from Indore or Bhopal is the practical way; there is no public transport inside the sanctuary and safaris use forest vehicles
How to reach Kheoni by air
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore (IDR), is the main gateway, about 80 to 100 km from the sanctuary by road. Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal (BHO), is the alternative at about 130 km. Expect roughly two to three hours by car from either, depending on the entry point.
How to reach Kheoni by train
Harda (HD) is the nearest useful railhead, about 60 km from the sanctuary. Indore Junction (INDB) is the larger option on the Ratlam division of Western Railway. Kannod itself has no rail line, so plan a road transfer from either station.
How to reach Kheoni by road
The sanctuary lies between Indore and Bhopal; NH 47 passes through Kannod and Khategaon. Distances are roughly 90 to 130 km from Indore and about 150 km from Bhopal. Road quality drops near the forest, so allow extra time and avoid driving after dark.
Getting around Kheoni
There is no public transport inside the sanctuary. Safaris run in forest department vehicles booked in advance, and a hired car with driver is the practical way to reach the gate and visit Nemawar. Local buses link Kannod and Khategaon.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Kheoni
- Treat this as a 2-night trip, not a day trip: the road from Indore or Bhopal is long, and the best wildlife hours are dawn and dusk.
- Mobile coverage is poor around the sanctuary. Download maps, tell family your plan and carry any regular medicines plus a basic first-aid kit.
- 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.