Kanha National Park is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, it’s renowned for its tiger population, rich biodiversity, and stunning landscapes. If you’re planning to visit Kanha from Lucknow, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several travel options available to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable. This guide will walk you through the best routes, transport options, and helpful tips to make your travel from Lucknow to Kanha as smooth as possible. Once you arrive, Motel Chandan offers a cozy, welcoming stay near Kanha National Park, ensuring that your wildlife adventure starts on the right foot.
1. Distance from Lucknow to Kanha National Park
The distance between Lucknow and Kanha National Park is approximately 600-650 kilometers, depending on the route you choose. Typically, this journey takes about 12 to 15 hours by road, and there are other options such as train and air travel that can shorten the travel time. Below, we’ll explore each option in detail.
- By Road: 600-650 km (approx. 12-15 hours)
- By Train: Train to Jabalpur + Road journey to Kanha
- By Air: Flight to Jabalpur or Nagpur + Road journey to Kanha
Let’s take a closer look at each mode of transportation and find out which one suits your travel style and preferences.
2. By Road: The Scenic Drive from Lucknow to Kanha
Traveling by road from Lucknow to Kanha National Park is an option for those who enjoy road trips and scenic drives through rural India. The roads are generally well-maintained, and the route will take you through picturesque towns and landscapes, making for an enjoyable journey.
2.1. Best Route from Lucknow to Kanha National Park
- Lucknow → Rewa → Jabalpur → Mandla → Kanha National Park
This is one of the most popular and direct routes, taking you from Lucknow to Kanha via Jabalpur, the gateway to Kanha National Park. Here’s a breakdown of the journey:
- Lucknow to Rewa (300 km): Begin your journey from Lucknow, traveling through Kanpur and heading south toward Rewa. This section of the drive takes around 5-6 hours and is mostly on national highways.
- Rewa to Jabalpur (200 km): From Rewa, continue south toward Jabalpur, a major city and transportation hub in Madhya Pradesh. This leg of the journey takes about 4 hours. Jabalpur is an ideal place for a break, offering dining options and refueling stations.
- Jabalpur to Mandla (95 km): After a short rest in Jabalpur, you’ll drive toward Mandla, a small town located near Kanha National Park. The road between Jabalpur and Mandla is scenic, with lush greenery and rural landscapes. This part of the journey takes around 2 hours.
- Mandla to Kanha National Park (60 km): The final stretch of your journey is a 1.5-hour drive from Mandla to Kanha National Park. Motel Chandan is conveniently located near the Khatia entry gate, making it easy to access after your long drive.
2.2. Travel Tips for the Road Journey:
- Total Travel Time: Approximately 12-15 hours, depending on traffic and breaks.
- Best Time to Start: Start early in the morning (around 5:00 AM) to avoid nighttime driving and reach Kanha before sunset.
- Food and Fuel Stops: Rewa and Jabalpur offer excellent stops for food and refueling. Be sure to fill up your tank in Jabalpur before heading to Mandla, as fuel stations become less frequent as you get closer to Kanha.
- Road Conditions: The roads are mostly smooth, with a few rough patches near Mandla and Kanha due to their remote locations.
3. By Train: The Convenient and Budget-Friendly Option
For those who prefer not to drive, taking a train from Lucknow to Jabalpur or Gondia is a great option. From these stations, you can then take a taxi or use Motel Chandan’s transfer service to reach Kanha National Park.
3.1. Nearest Railway Stations to Kanha National Park:
- Jabalpur Junction (JBP): 160 km from Kanha
- Gondia Junction (G): 145 km from Kanha
3.2. Train Options from Lucknow:
- Lucknow to Jabalpur: The most popular option is to take a train from Lucknow to Jabalpur. Trains like the Lucknow Jabalpur Express and the Chitrakoot Express connect these two cities and take around 10-12 hours. Once you reach Jabalpur, you can continue your journey by road to Kanha, which is about 3-4 hours away.
- Lucknow to Gondia: Another option is to take a train from Lucknow to Gondia. While the journey may take a bit longer (around 15-16 hours), Gondia is slightly closer to Kanha, with a road journey of around 2.5 hours to the park.
3.3. Road Travel from Jabalpur or Gondia:
Once you reach Jabalpur or Gondia, you can hire a taxi or take advantage of Motel Chandan’s pickup service to reach the park. The drive from Jabalpur takes approximately 3-4 hours, while the drive from Gondia takes around 2.5 hours. Motel Chandan ensures a comfortable and seamless transfer to the resort, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenic journey to Kanha.
4. By Air: The Fastest Way to Reach Kanha National Park
Flying is the quickest way to reach Kanha National Park from Lucknow. Although Kanha does not have its own airport, there are nearby airports in Jabalpur and Nagpur that offer convenient access to the park.
4.1. Nearest Airports to Kanha National Park:
- Jabalpur Airport (JLR): 160 km from Kanha
- Nagpur Airport (NAG): 260 km from Kanha
4.2. Flights from Lucknow to Jabalpur or Nagpur:
- Lucknow to Jabalpur: While there are no direct flights from Lucknow to Jabalpur, you can take connecting flights via Delhi or Mumbai. The total travel time, including layovers, is around 5-6 hours. From Jabalpur, it’s a 3-4 hour road journey to Kanha.
- Lucknow to Nagpur: Direct flights are available from Lucknow to Nagpur, and the road journey from Nagpur to Kanha takes around 5-6 hours.
4.3. Road Travel from Jabalpur or Nagpur:
After landing at Jabalpur or Nagpur, you can either hire a taxi or book Motel Chandan’s transfer service to take you to the park. The road journey is scenic and comfortable, ensuring a pleasant end to your journey.
5. Conclusion: Choose the Best Travel Option for Your Journey
Whether you prefer a scenic road trip, the convenience of train travel, or the speed of air travel, there are multiple ways to reach Kanha National Park from Lucknow. Each travel option offers a unique experience, allowing you to choose based on your schedule, budget, and personal preferences.
- By Road: Ideal for road trip enthusiasts who want to explore Madhya Pradesh’s beautiful landscapes along the way.
- By Train: A budget-friendly option for those who prefer a relaxed and affordable journey.
- By Air: The fastest way to reach Kanha for travelers who want to save time and get to the park quickly.
Once you arrive, Motel Chandan will be your home away from home, providing you with luxurious accommodations, warm hospitality, and guided wildlife experiences to make your stay unforgettable. Plan your journey from Lucknow to Kanha today and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime amidst the lush forests and diverse wildlife of Kanha National Park!