Kanha National Park is one of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich national parks in India. Known for its lush sal forests, open meadows, and the rare barasingha (swamp deer), it’s a dream destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. While the jungle safari experience in Kanha is thrilling, adding a few more destinations to your itinerary can make your trip even more memorable. Some nearby spots like Jabalpur, Amarkantak, Bandhavgarh, and Pench offer stunning landscapes, spiritual vibes, and more chances to spot wildlife. Combining them with Kanha creates the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and nature.

Kanha National Park is home to majestic Bengal tigers, the rare hard-ground barasingha, leopards, wild dogs, and hundreds of bird species. The safaris here are well-organized and take you through different zones like Kisli, Mukki, and Kanha, each offering unique sightings and views. The jungle is lush and green just after the monsoons, but for better chances of spotting big cats, the dry season (March to June) is ideal as animals come out to waterholes more often.

Best Places to Explore Around Kanha National Park

Jabalpur

Jabalpur is a great place to include in your Kanha tour package because it's a convenient stop on the way and has some breathtaking attractions. The most famous of these is Bhedaghat, where the Narmada River flows between tall marble cliffs. You can enjoy a scenic boat ride here, especially magical in the moonlight. Nearby, the Dhuandhar Falls create a misty roar as the river crashes down from a height, offering stunning views. Another spot worth visiting is the Chausath Yogini Temple, perched on a hill and offering panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscape.

Amarkantak

Just a few hours from Jabalpur lies Amarkantak, a peaceful town tucked in the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. It’s the origin point of two important rivers – the Narmada and the Son – and is considered a holy site. The Narmada Kund is where the river is believed to emerge, and nearby Kapil Dhara Falls offer a tranquil spot surrounded by greenery. Amarkantak is also dotted with ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Goddess Narmada, making it a spiritually rich stop. If you’re there in the evening, head to the Sunset Point for beautiful views over the forested hills.

Bandhavgarh National Park

A visit to Bandhavgarh National Park can add a lot of excitement to your Kanha tour, especially if you’re eager to see tigers. Bandhavgarh has one of the highest tiger densities in India, so the chances of spotting a big cat here are very good. The park is smaller than Kanha, but this works in your favour, as wildlife is more concentrated. One of the highlights of Bandhavgarh is the Bandhavgarh Fort, located at the top of a hill. The fort ruins are surrounded by dense forest and offer sweeping views of the park below. This mix of history and nature gives Bandhavgarh a unique charm. You’ll also enjoy the many birdwatching spots where owlets, parakeets, and eagles are often seen. 

Pench National Park

Located on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Pench National Park is said to have inspired Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’. The forests here are thick and they echo with the sounds of nature - chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the occasional call of a leopard or tiger. The landscape is stunning, with small hills, rivers, and open meadows that make wildlife spotting easier. Pench is a great place to explore on both morning and evening safaris. The overall vibe is peaceful, and the experience of being in “Mowgli’s jungle” adds a magical touch to your journey.

Putting It All Together: Sample 7-Day Kanha Tour Package

If you're planning a multi-destination adventure, here’s a sample 7-day itinerary that includes all the top places:

• Day 1: Arrive at Jabalpur, visit Bhedaghat and Dhuandhar Falls

• Day 2: Drive to Bandhavgarh National Park (approx. 200 km), evening safari

• Day 3: Morning and evening safari in Bandhavgarh

• Day 4: Drive to Amarkantak (approx. 182 km), visit temples and waterfalls

• Day 5: Head to Kanha (approx. 157 km), evening safari

• Day 6: Morning safari in Kanha, then drive to Pench (approx. 220 km)

• Day 7: Safari in Pench, return or head to Nagpur for departure