Bandhavgarh – Kanha Tiger Safari

A Soulful Journey Through the Heart of India’s Tiger Country

Where the Roar of the Jungle Awakens the Spirit 🐅🌳

The forests of Bandhavgarh and Kanha aren’t just sanctuaries for India’s majestic tigers; they are living, breathing storybooks where every rustle, paw print, and birdsong speaks of something wild and eternal. My Bandhavgarh – Kanha Tiger Safari wasn’t just an adventure—it was a deeply personal journey, a walk through ancient sal groves and a silent audience with the king of the jungle.

Let me take you on this unforgettable trail of wilderness, tribal warmth, and nature’s drama set in the deep green heart of Madhya Pradesh.

Getting There 🚌🌄

By Air:

• Jabalpur Airport (for Bandhavgarh): ~200 km
• Raipur or Nagpur Airport (for Kanha): ~250–300 km

By Train:

• Katni (nearest for Bandhavgarh)
• Gondia or Jabalpur (for Kanha)

By Road:

Sonakshi Travels arranged a smooth pickup from Jabalpur with a private AC vehicle.

Day 1–2: Bandhavgarh National Park – The Realm of the Royal Bengal Tiger 🦁

Welcome to Tala Zone

Tala is the most picturesque and popular zone. Staying at a forest-facing lodge, I was welcomed with tulsi tea, tribal drums, and a fire-lit dinner under mahua trees.

Morning Safari – The Chase Begins

We started at 5:30 AM, wrapped in blankets, sipping hot chai from flasks.

Wildlife Highlights:

• Bamera Male and his deep pug marks
• Spotted deer, langurs, Indian gaurs
• Birds like hornbills, crested serpent eagles

Bandhavgarh Fort Excursion

A 2000-year-old fort inside the park with ancient caves, Zoomorphic carvings, and panoramic views.

Evening Folk Show

Tribal Baiga dancers performed by firelight. Their storytelling through rhythm and footwork was hypnotic.

Day 3: Bandhavgarh to Kanha – From Majesty to Melody 🌿🌄

Distance: ~250 km | Travel Time: 6–7 hrs

We traveled through farmlands, hillocks, and roadside dhabas. Stopped for:

• Lunch at Mandla: Poha, sabudana vada, and fresh lassi
• Scenic viewpoints and river crossings

Arrival at Kanha

Unlike Bandhavgarh’s drama, Kanha is serene, lyrical. We stayed near Khatia Gate, where the forest felt gentler but just as alive.

Day 4–5: Kanha National Park – Kipling’s Jungle Comes Alive 🚙🌟

Safari in Mukki & Kisli Zones

Morning safaris are golden-lit and glorious.

Sightings:

• Barasingha (hard ground swamp deer) – only found in Kanha
• Wild boars, jackals, and if lucky—a tiger or leopard
• Butterflies dancing over meadows

Kanha Museum of Life & Art

Learned about Baiga & Gond tribes, eco-conservation, and jungle myths.

Campfire Evenings

Stories of the forest over mahua-infused cocktails, with millet rotis, spicy chutneys, and tribal stew.

Cultural & Culinary Highlights 🍽️🕺

Local Dishes to Try:

• Chana sattu paratha
• Baigan bharta with mustard oil
• Bhutte ki kees
• Freshly made litti chokha

Folk Music & Crafts:

• Handmade bamboo art and tribal masks at local markets
• Gond painting workshop at a village school

Where to Stay 🏨

Recommended by Sonakshi Travels

• Bandhavgarh: Tigergarh, Treehouse Hideaway, Aranyak Resort
• Kanha: Kipling Camp, Singinawa Jungle Lodge, MPT Kanha Safari Lodge

Expect eco-luxury with tribal design, organic meals, and knowledgeable naturalists.

Practical Travel Tips 🚶‍♂️🚗

• Best Time to Visit: October to June (March-April best for tiger sightings)
• What to Carry: Binoculars, neutral clothing, mosquito repellent, camera with zoom
• Permit Info: Book safaris in advance; carry ID
• Safety: Stay inside vehicle, no loud noise, no feeding animals
• Weather: Cold mornings, warm afternoons

Nearby Extensions 🌎

• Pench National Park: 200 km, great for birdwatching
• Amarkantak: Origin of the Narmada River, spiritual hub
• Jabalpur: Marble Rocks & Dhuandhar Falls

Events & Special Moments 🎈📅

• Wildlife Week (October 2–8): Celebrated in both parks
• Baiga Tribal Festival (February): Music, craft, dance immersion
• Jungle Marathon (April): For eco-conscious travelers

Emotional Takeaway: The Call of the Wild 🐅🌿

When I first heard the alarm call of a langur, followed by jungle silence, I understood the thrill of safari. When I met a tribal woman painting her myths onto cloth, I felt the humility of culture.

This Bandhavgarh – Kanha Tiger Safari wasn’t just about tigers. It was about being still enough to listen. It was about feeling tiny yet connected, humbled by a universe that has no walls, only wildness.

“In the tiger’s forest and the tribes’ tales, I found the wildest parts of myself.”

🚀 Book Your Jungle Dream with Sonakshi Travels

🦁 Royal Wild Trail (5N/6D)

• Bandhavgarh (3N) + Kanha (2N)
• 4 safaris, cultural night, forest fort tour
• All permits, meals, transfers, guide included

🌳 Jungle Essence Tour (4N/5D)

• Kanha & Bandhavgarh mix
• Ideal for photographers, families
• Add-ons: painting class, village lunch, forest hike

📞 Contact for Booking & Assistance

Sonakshi Travels
📞 Whatsapp: +91 7980469744
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🐾 Follow the scent of wet earth and salt—your Sundarban Tour starts with nature’s perfume