Kanha tiger reserve in February 2018

We stayed at Club Mahindra resort in Kanha which is quite close to the sanctuary.

The important thing about the jungle safari is that you need to book in advance. The government website is https://forest.mponline.gov.in/.

Create a profile here by adding all the details of family/ friends who will be joining the safari. You need identity info such as pan card, aadhar number etc.

Ensure that all your bookings are done through this site. There is no need to contact any agents for any bookings.

Kanha is the main area where tiger spotting happens. Kathia is the outskirts of the jungle. No point booking a safari here unless you are interested in flora fauna and the usual spotted Deer.

All the safaris start from a single gate. Once the vehicles enter the gates, they move in different areas. Basically there is only one gate that you need to reach irrespective of the 'area' booking you have.

A jeep can accommodate 6 persons comfortably. The front seats are for the driver and the guide.

When you reach the gates, show your bookings and your identification papers. A vehicle and a guide will be assigned to you. The vehicles are lined up just outside the gates.

Binoculars are available on nominal rent.

Carry sufficient water and food. Ensure you do not throw anything outside the vehicle. No one is allowed to step out of the vehicle once you are inside the forest.

 The morning safari is for around 3 hours with a breakfast stop. There is a small place in the forest, a single room sort of, where you can have breakfast. Note that you need to carry your food. There are no food stalls inside.

This area has washroom facility as well.

The evening safaris are for 2 hours but without any breaks.

Carry caps, jackets, sweaters etc depending on the weather.

Our journey was of 6 days.

Day 1: We started after the kids finished school which was almost at 5PM. We went to Kanha with another family. We took only one car and decided to drive non-stop.

Day 2: Around 7 AM we reach Nagpur. We took a breakfast halt at my cousin's house before proceeding further.

We reached the resort at around 4PM.

Day 3: We spent the morning lazing around and took the safari in the evening. Kanha area. It was a deliberate plan to not take the morning safari. We weren't sure how the kids would be after a 1000 km non-stop drive. Wanted them to rest well before the safaris.

Day 4: We took another safari in the evening to Khatia area.

Day 5: We did a morning safari in Kisli area before leaving for home. Another 1000 kms non-stop drive.

Day 6: Reached home by lunch hour.

Happy spotting!