Kanha National Park is one of India’s most well-preserved and largest wildlife sanctuaries, known for its incredible biodiversity, picturesque landscapes, and, most importantly, its thriving population of Bengal tigers. Located in Madhya Pradesh, it attracts nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and adventure seekers from across the globe. If you are planning a trip from Bhopal to Kanha National Park, this guide is designed to give you all the details you need on how to reach Kanha and enjoy a comfortable stay at Motel Chandan, a premier accommodation option near the park.
Whether you prefer to travel by road, train, or air, this article will cover all the travel routes and important details to make your journey smooth and hassle-free. Let’s dive into the best ways to travel from Bhopal to Kanha National Park.
1. Distance from Bhopal to Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is approximately 450 kilometers from Bhopal. Depending on the mode of transportation, it can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours to reach the park. Here are the primary options available for traveling from Bhopal to Kanha:
- By Road: 450 km (approx. 8-10 hours)
- By Train: 300 km by train to Jabalpur + 3-4 hours by road from Jabalpur to Kanha
- By Air: Flights from Bhopal to Jabalpur or Nagpur + Road journey of 3-6 hours
Now let’s explore each option in detail to help you choose the best route for your journey.
2. By Road: Driving from Bhopal to Kanha National Park
Traveling by road is one of the most popular ways to reach Kanha National Park from Bhopal. The road journey is long but rewarding, offering scenic views of Madhya Pradesh’s rural landscapes, forests, and rivers. The well-maintained highways ensure a relatively smooth drive.
2.1. Route from Bhopal to Kanha National Park:
- Bhopal → Hoshangabad → Narsinghpur → Jabalpur → Mandla → Kanha National Park
This is the most straightforward and scenic route, passing through some of Madhya Pradesh’s most beautiful areas. Here’s a breakdown of the journey:
- Bhopal to Hoshangabad (75 km): Start your journey from Bhopal by heading east toward Hoshangabad. The road is relatively smooth, and this section of the journey should take around 1.5 hours.
- Hoshangabad to Narsinghpur (130 km): Continue driving toward Narsinghpur. The road is primarily highways, and you can expect to cover this section in about 3 hours. Narsinghpur is a good place to stop for a break or to refuel.
- Narsinghpur to Jabalpur (90 km): From Narsinghpur, drive toward Jabalpur, the gateway to Kanha National Park. Jabalpur is about 2 hours away from Narsinghpur and offers good dining options and rest stops.
- Jabalpur to Mandla (95 km): Once you reach Jabalpur, follow the road toward Mandla, a small town located close to Kanha National Park. This leg of the journey is a scenic 2-hour drive through forested areas and small villages.
- Mandla to Kanha National Park (60 km): The final stretch from Mandla to Kanha National Park takes about 1.5 hours. Motel Chandan, your luxurious accommodation, awaits you near the Khatia entry gate.
2.2. Travel Time and Tips:
- Total Travel Time: Approximately 8-10 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
- Best Time to Start: Early in the morning (around 6:00 AM) to reach Kanha before sunset.
- Fuel and Food Stops: Narsinghpur and Jabalpur are ideal places to stop for fuel and food. There are several restaurants and petrol stations along the way.
- Road Condition: The roads are mostly well-paved, but the last stretch from Mandla to Kanha may have some rough patches due to its remote location.
3. By Train: Reaching Kanha via Jabalpur or Gondia
For those who prefer a more relaxed journey, train travel is a great option. Although there are no direct trains to Kanha National Park, you can take a train from Bhopal to Jabalpur or Gondia and then travel by road to the 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 Bhopal:
- Bhopal to Jabalpur: Jabalpur is the nearest major railway station to Kanha National Park. Several trains connect Bhopal with Jabalpur, including the Bhopal-Jabalpur Express, Narmada Express, and other options that take around 7 to 8 hours.
- Bhopal to Gondia: Alternatively, you can take a train from Bhopal to Gondia. The travel time is around 10 to 12 hours, but Gondia is closer to Kanha, making the onward road journey shorter.
3.3. Road Travel from Jabalpur or Gondia to Kanha:
Once you arrive at Jabalpur or Gondia, you can take a taxi or use the pickup service offered by Motel Chandan to reach the park. The road journey from Jabalpur takes about 3-4 hours, while from Gondia, it takes around 2.5 hours. Motel Chandan provides comfortable transfers to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to the resort.
4. By Air: The Fastest Way to Reach Kanha
If you prefer to save time and enjoy a quick journey, flying is the fastest option to reach Kanha from Bhopal. Although Kanha does not have its own airport, you can fly to nearby airports and then travel by road.
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 Bhopal to Jabalpur or Nagpur:
- Bhopal to Jabalpur: You can take a connecting flight via Delhi or Mumbai. This option is relatively quick, and Jabalpur is just a 3-4 hour drive from Kanha.
- Bhopal to Nagpur: Direct flights are available from Bhopal to Nagpur, and the road journey from Nagpur to Kanha takes around 5-6 hours.
4.3. Road Travel from Jabalpur or Nagpur:
Once you land in Jabalpur or Nagpur, you can take a taxi or private vehicle to Kanha. Motel Chandan offers convenient airport pickup services to ensure that your journey from the airport to the resort is comfortable and stress-free.
5. Conclusion: Choose Your Ideal Travel Route
Whether you prefer the adventure of a scenic road trip, the comfort of train travel, or the speed of air travel, there are multiple ways to reach Kanha National Park from Bhopal. Each travel option has its own unique advantages, allowing you to choose the best route based on your preferences, schedule, and budget.
- Road Travel: Perfect for those who enjoy long drives and scenic landscapes.
- Train Travel: Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed and budget-friendly option.
- Air Travel: The fastest way to reach Kanha for those who want to save time and enjoy a quick journey.
No matter how you choose to travel, Motel Chandan welcomes you with warm hospitality, luxurious accommodations, and guided wildlife experiences, ensuring a memorable stay near Kanha National Park. Plan your journey today and embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure at Kanha!