Kanha National Park is among the most beautiful and managed parks in India. It is home to the significant population of the royal Bengal tiger. Spread over an area of 940 sq. km, Kanha Tiger Reserve is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh. Jungle Safari is the best way to explore the immense beauty of the park and to spot the wildlife species in their natural habitat. There are numerous safari zones in Kanha National where you can visit to witness the royal Bengal tiger and other exotic species. There are two major zones in which the national park is divided, the Core Zone and Buffer Zone.
Kanha National Park Zones
Core Zone
Kanha Zone
This is the oldest safari zone in Kanha National Park. Besides this, it is also the most beautiful zone of the tiger reserve. The majority of the forest is covered with Sal trees. Even in the summertime, Kanha Zone has retained its charm and beauty.
Sarhi Zone
This is the place where Barasingha was first spotted in 1966. The topography of Sarahi Zone comprises dry deciduous forests and larger meadows. It is easily accessible through a common road via the Kisli zone and one can come across the towering Saal forests on the way.
Mukki Zone
It is one of the oldest safari zones in Kanha National Park. Located on the northern side of the national park, Mukki Zone lies near Madhya Pradesh – Chhattisgarh border. The landscape of the Mukki Zone comprises Saal, bamboo, and grasslands. It is best known for tiger sightings and also the record of the sighting is good here.
Kisli Zone
Located on the western side of the Kanha National Park, Kisli Zone was a part of Kanha Zone till 2014. This is in the non-premium category and affordable for most tourists. This part of the national park is known for its elegant Saal forests and scenic grasslands with bamboo vegetation.
Buffer Zone
Khatiya Zone
This zone is located in the western region of the Kanha Tiger Reserve. It is most suitable for those who reserve their accommodation near Khatia Gate. The prominent wildlife species that can be spotted here are Tigers, Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Indian Gaur, Sloth Bear, and Wild Boar.
Khapa Zone
With fewer tourists and crowds, Khapa Zone is a perfect place for rejuvenation and bird watching in Kanha National Park. The most popular tigers that can be spotted in the Khapa zone are T-72 and MA-1.
Sijora Zone
Lies close to Bicchia town of Mandla District, Sijora Zone is accessible from Sarhi Gate. Kharati waterfall is a popular attraction among local people and now tourists can also see it. The prominently seen mammals in this zone are Leopards, Nilgai, Indian Gaur, Wild Dog (Dholes), Barasingha, Spotted Deer, Tiger, Jackal, and Hyena.
Phen Zone
Situated near the Mukki entrance gate, Phen Zone lies near the southern region of the national park. This is also known as Phen Wildlife Sanctuary. The most popular attractions of this zone are Tigers, Leopard, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, and Sambar. Besides this, the prominent floral attractions of Phen Zone are Teak, Sal, Bamboo, Aonla, Saja, Jamun, and Bel.