Kanha National Park, one of India’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries, is a destination that promises an unparalleled experience with nature and wildlife. If you’re traveling from Patna to Kanha National Park, Motel Chandan is the perfect place for a comfortable and luxurious stay, located near the park’s entry points. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a retreat in the wild, Kanha offers all of this and more.
This guide will help you understand the best routes, modes of transportation, and tips on how to travel from Patna to Kanha National Park. The journey may seem long, but with the right planning, it can be smooth and enjoyable.
1. Distance Between Patna and Kanha National Park
The distance from Patna, the capital of Bihar, to Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh is approximately 900-950 kilometers, depending on the route you take. The travel time varies depending on your mode of transportation – by road, train, or air. Here are the approximate distances:
- By Road: 950 km (Approx. 16-18 hours)
- By Train: Train to Jabalpur or Gondia + Road journey to Kanha
- By Air: Flight to Jabalpur or Nagpur + Road journey to Kanha
In this guide, we will explore all these travel options to help you choose the best one for your trip from Patna to Kanha.
2. By Road: Driving from Patna to Kanha National Park
Driving from Patna to Kanha National Park can be an adventurous and scenic journey, allowing you to experience rural and natural landscapes as you cross different states. Although the drive is long, it can be a rewarding experience for those who enjoy road trips.
2.1. Best Route for Road Trip from Patna to Kanha
- Patna → Varanasi → Rewa → Jabalpur → Mandla → Kanha National Park
This is the most common route for road travelers. Here’s a breakdown of the key stages of the drive:
- Patna to Varanasi (250 km): Begin your journey from Patna by heading west on National Highway 31. This leg of the trip will take you to the ancient city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and it usually takes around 5-6 hours. This is a great place to stop for a break and explore its historic ghats and temples.
- Varanasi to Rewa (240 km): From Varanasi, continue south to Rewa via NH 135. Rewa, located in Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its scenic landscapes and wildlife. This portion of the journey takes around 5-6 hours.
- Rewa to Jabalpur (230 km): From Rewa, drive towards Jabalpur, a major city in Madhya Pradesh and a gateway to Kanha National Park. The drive takes approximately 4-5 hours. Jabalpur is a good place to rest and refuel.
- Jabalpur to Mandla (95 km): Continue your journey from Jabalpur to Mandla, which is closer to the park’s boundaries. This leg takes around 2-2.5 hours. The road is scenic with lush greenery as you approach the forested regions.
- Mandla to Kanha National Park (60 km): The final stretch from Mandla to Kanha National Park takes around 1.5 hours. You’ll drive through forested areas, and it’s recommended to slow down to enjoy the scenery and spot wildlife.
2.2. Travel Tips for the Road Journey
- Total Travel Time: Approx. 16-18 hours, depending on stops and traffic conditions.
- Best Time to Start: Start early in the morning, ideally around 5 AM, to avoid nighttime driving and reach your destination before sunset.
- Food and Fuel Stops: Major cities like Varanasi, Rewa, and Jabalpur offer plenty of dining options and fuel stations. Be sure to refuel in Jabalpur before heading toward Mandla, as fuel stations become scarce.
- Road Conditions: The roads are generally well-maintained, especially the national highways, though you may encounter some rough patches near Mandla and Kanha due to the remote location.
3. By Train: The Comfortable and Affordable Option
Traveling by train from Patna to Kanha is a popular choice for those looking for a comfortable and budget-friendly option. You can take a train to either Jabalpur or Gondia, and from there, continue your journey by road to reach Kanha.
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 Patna
- Patna to Jabalpur: Take a direct train from Patna Junction to Jabalpur Junction. Trains such as the Sarnath Express and the Patna-Jabalpur Express are good options. The journey takes approximately 14-16 hours.
- Patna to Gondia: Alternatively, you can take a train from Patna to Gondia Junction. Although slightly farther from Kanha, Gondia is another convenient station to reach the park. The travel time is about 15-18 hours, depending on the train.
3.3. Road Travel from Jabalpur or Gondia
Once you arrive at Jabalpur or Gondia, you can hire a taxi or opt for Motel Chandan’s pickup service to reach the park. The road journey from Jabalpur to Kanha takes around 3-4 hours, while the journey from Gondia is slightly shorter, taking around 2.5 hours.
4. By Air: The Fastest Way to Reach Kanha from Patna
For those who want to save time, flying is the fastest way to travel from Patna to Kanha National Park. Although Kanha doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Jabalpur or Nagpur and then travel by road to reach 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. Flight Options from Patna
- Patna to Jabalpur: There are no direct flights from Patna to Jabalpur, but you can take connecting flights via Delhi or Mumbai. The total travel time, including layovers, is around 6-7 hours.
- Patna to Nagpur: You can also opt for a direct or connecting flight to Nagpur. The flight takes around 5-6 hours. From Nagpur, it’s a 5-6 hour drive to Kanha.
4.3. Road Travel from Jabalpur or Nagpur
Once you land in Jabalpur or Nagpur, you can hire a cab or use Motel Chandan’s transportation service to get to Kanha National Park. The drive from Jabalpur takes 3-4 hours, while the drive from Nagpur takes 5-6 hours. Motel Chandan ensures a smooth and comfortable transfer, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty en route.
5. Conclusion: Choose the Best Travel Option for Your Journey
Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a scenic road trip, a comfortable train journey, or a quick flight to reach Kanha National Park from Patna. Each option has its advantages, and you can select the one that suits your budget and travel style.
- By Road: Ideal for road trip enthusiasts and those who enjoy scenic drives.
- By Train: A budget-friendly option for travelers seeking a relaxed journey.
- By Air: The fastest way to reach Kanha for those who want to save time.
Once you arrive at Kanha, Motel Chandan offers a serene retreat with comfortable accommodations, guided wildlife safaris, and outdoor activities. Start planning your adventure from Patna to Kanha today and experience the beauty of nature and wildlife up close.