When planning a tiger safari in India, there are two prominent names that always take preference. Those are Kanha Tiger Reserve, also known as Kanha National Park, and the Bandhavgarh National Park. Both the Tiger Reserves are located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, and offer exceptional tiger sighting experiences. I have been to both of them in the past, and the experience of Jeep Tiger Safari was truly an adventure one should look out for on their bucket list while exploring wildlife in India. However, both of them cater to different types of wildlife traveller profiles and priorities.
So, which one should you visit while on your next trip across India? Well, I have curated this blog as a comprehensive comparison to give you an idea about each of the two Tiger Reserves: Kanha and Bandhavgarh, so that you can make an informed choice with one of the most experienced wildlife travel planners of India. Whether you are passionate about spotting tigers, tiger photography, are new to tiger exploration in the wild, or seeking a memorable tiger safari experience across Madhya Pradesh in India, this blog will help you make the right decision in every major aspect.
Table of Contents
Why is Kanha Tiger Reserve Famous in India?
One of the premier tiger safari places in India’s Madhya Pradesh, Kanha Tiger Reserve is famous amongst wildlife explorers because it offers consistent tiger sightings across its various zones. Therefore, wildlife photographers who are passionate about tiger photography mainly prefer it for capturing exceptional tiger moments. Not only that, it has some of the most amazing biodiversity, flora and fauna, scenic views, and beautiful wild jungles. Kanha is a peaceful and serene place to visit for a tiger safari. It’s also termed as one of the most well-maintained tiger reserves of India.
What Makes Bandhavgarh National Park Popular in India?
Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India, is famous for having the highest tiger density amongst all tiger reserves of the country. Although the overall area is limited as compared to major wildlife destinations like Jim Corbett National Park or Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, it still has a greater density of Bengal tigers. Therefore, it’s popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts who are keen on spotting the majestic giants and capturing them through the cameras for lifelong memories.
Quick Facts:
- Here are some interesting facts you probably didn’t knew about Bandhavgarh and Kanha
- Both are Located in Central India.
- Top Tiger Safari destination of India.
- Often, they are visited together for the best experience.
- Has rich biodiversity, including diverse flora and fauna.
- Both Kanha and Bandhavgarh are under the Project Tiger.
- Kanha inspired the famous book by Rudyard Kipling called The Jungle Book.
- Bandhavgarh has a rich tiger hunting history that spans various dynasties and rulers.
- Bandhavgarh National Park: Highest Tiger Density in India.
- Both National Parks have hilly terrain and dense forests.
Kanha’s Weather is Perfect for Tiger Safari
Kanha’s weather and climatic conditions are optimal for tiger safaris because they are very distinct.
During summer, which is ideally from late February through mid-June, temperatures can reach up to 45 degrees Celsius, and water sources start to become scarce. This compels the tigers to come out of dense forest cover and visit the remaining available waterholes and streams. As a result, they are significantly visible to tourists and safari-goers. They are mainly active during cooler mornings and later evening hours during the sunset.
On the other hand, when winters arrive, which is usually from November to February, temperatures drop to significantly lower levels. This encourages the tigers to come outside in the open and bask in warm sunlight during the day. Also, in winter, the temperature is quite cooler as compared to scorching summers, and tourists also find it comfortable to visit during this time of the year in Kanha Tiger Reserve.
So overall, visit Kanha National Park for a memorable Tiger Safari in Madhya Pradesh, India, ideally during the winters and summers.
Should You Visit Kanha for a Tiger Safari in Monsoon?
Monsoon is ideally not the best time for a tiger safari in Kanha due to the terrain in the majority of the areas. All of that because of heavy rainfall and flood-like conditions.
Bandhavgarh’s Weather is ideal for Tiger Safari
Similarly, when it comes to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, India, summer and winter are the best times to plan a personalized tiger safari.
During summer, temperatures steadily rise from around 34 degrees Celsius in March to 46+ degrees Celsius in June. This transforms the terrain of Bandhavgarh into an ideal tiger spotting destination. Forest tracks become dry and accessible, and offer excellent visibility for spotting tigers. Also, extreme heat and scarcity of water compel the tigers to come outside of the forest cover and gather around the remaining available water holes.
In winter, from November to February, the temperature falls drastically and creates pleasant tiger safari conditions in Bandhavgarh. Daytime temperatures remain around 25 degrees Celsius on average, while at night it falls to below 5 degrees also. Skies remain clear, and visibility remains excellent. As a result, tigers come outside of the dense forests to bask in warm sunlight, and that creates a perfect opportunity to spot them. The perfect combination of luck, patience, and persistence is needed to spot tigers during jeep or canter safaris.
Should You Visit Bandhavgarh in Monsoon?
You should avoid visiting Bandhavgarh National Park in the monsoon as it’s a challenging period for tiger safaris. Heavy rainfalls significantly transform the landscape, creating muddy patches and impassable forest tracks. Tigers generally stay inside forest covers and remain widely dispersed across territories. Overall, the scenic beauty is something to adore, but difficult terrain, reduced visibility, and limited accessibility makes monsoon the least favourable season for tiger safari in Bandhavgarh.
Kanha vs Bandhavgarh: Total Zones
Kanha has a total of 7 Zones where 4 of them are core zones, and 3 are buffer zones. On the other hand, Bandhavgarh has a total of 6 Zones where 3 of them are core zones, and 3 are buffer zones.
The tourism zone of Kanha spans an area of 184.74 sq. kms, while that of Bandhavgarh is 142.59 sq. kms.
Overall, across both national parks, up to 20% of the area is available for tiger safaris.
| Total Core Zones | Total Buffer Zones | Total Zones | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanha Tiger Reserve | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| Bandhavgarh National Park | 3 | 3 | 6 |
What are the Zones in Kanha Tiger Reserve?
The core zones in Kanha are called:
- Kanha
- Kisli
- Mukki
- Sarhi
While the buffer zones are known as:
- Khatia
- Khapa
- Sijhora
Morning and evening tiger safari options are available across each of these zones. However, the number of vehicles permitted across them during morning and afternoon safaris differs significantly.
| Zone | Round | Max Allowed Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Kanha | Morning | 36 |
| Evening | 23 | |
| Kisli | Morning | 15 |
| Evening | 10 | |
| Mukki | Morning | 30 |
| Evening | 28 | |
| Sarhi | Morning | 19 |
| Evening | 17 | |
| Khatia | Morning | 25 |
| Evening | 15 | |
| Khapa | Morning | 20 |
| Evening | 12 | |
| Sijhora | Morning | 20 |
| Evening | 12 |
What are the Zones in Bandhavgarh National Park?
Core Zones in Bandhavgarh are known as:
- Tala
- Maghadhi
- Khitauli
On the other hand, Buffer Zones are called:
- Dhamokhar
- Johila
- Panpatha
You can avail both morning and evening tiger safari options across all these zones, but the number of vehicles permitted varies significantly.
| Zone | Round | Max Allowed Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Khitauli | Morning | 21 |
| Evening | 20 | |
| Maghadhi | Morning | 26 |
| Evening | 25 | |
| Tala | Morning | 28 |
| Evening | 27 | |
| Dhamokhar | Morning | 20 |
| Evening | 20 | |
| Johila | Morning | 20 |
| Evening | 20 | |
| Panpatha | Morning | 20 |
| Evening | 20 |
The Famous Tigers of Kanha and Bandhavgarh
Both the tiger reserves, Kanha and Bandhavgarh, have some popular tigers that make them unique in their own way.
In Kanha National Park, Bengal tigers named Munna, Bheema, and Neelam stand out as iconic figures popular for wildlife photography during safaris.
- Munna has a unique CAT marking on its forehead, and is a legendary tiger that always remains in the spotlight of wildlife photographers. He is extremely charismatic and dominates the geography of Kanha in a major way.
- Bheema is popularly known for his strength and territorial control across Kanha. He is often called a fierce protector of his domain and has a reputation for being one of the most significant tigers.
- Neelam is a tigress in Kanha known for her elegance, grace, and poise. She is the favourite of wildlife explorers during tiger safaris and is often spotted with her cubs, nurturing and protecting them from all dangers.
On the other hand, in Bandhavgarh National Park, two legendary tigers named Sita and Charger dominated the tiger exploration scene.
- Sita was an enchanting tigress, while Charger was aggressive and dominant.
- They were highly sought after by wildlife photographers.
- Charger ruled the Bandhavgarh jungles for a very prolonged period and was known for its ferocious nature in defending its territory from external dangers.
Fast forward, two younger cousins, B1 and B2, once attempted to overtake Charger’s territory. But during the unfortunate face-off, B1 died, and B2 went on to become the poster boy of Indian wildlife, representing Bandhavgarh as a premier tiger safari destination of India. He gained global attention also from the BBC, National Geographic, and Discovery.
The legacy of these iconic tigers of Kanha and Bandhavgarh still continues to attract wildlife enthusiasts and make the state of Madhya Pradesh a highly preferred tiger safari destination in India.
Kanha vs Bandhavgarh: Types of Tiger Safaris
Both Jeep and Canter Safari options are available across Kanha Tiger Reserve and Bandhavgarh National Park. You can pick the morning and evening options according to your preference and comfort.
Can I do a full day Safari in Bandhavgarh?
Yes, Bandhavgarh offers the option of Full day tiger safari also.
- With limited restrictions for a more in-depth wildlife exploration, and exclusive access from sunrise to sunset, you can cover multiple zones without the need for multiple permits for each zone.
- You get extended hours and ample time to spot tigers and capture some breathtaking photographs.
- The ideal group size for a jeep safari is up to 4 individuals during full day tiger safari in Bandhavgarh.
- Timings are from early morning after sunrise to late afternoon before sunset. Ideally, from 6 AM to 6 PM
- Full day safari increases the probability of multiple tiger sightings.
How to Plan Tiger Safari in Kanha and Bandhavgarh?
Experienced Wildlife and Tiger Safari Planners like Jungle Revives will be your best choice to plan a personalized safari experience in Kanha and Bandhavgarh. With 10+ years of Safari planning experience, they can help you curate the best tiger safari experiences across both the wildlife national parks. All you have to do is provide your preferences and requirements, and the team will take care of permits booking, documentation, accommodation, fooding, and all other details for you end-to-end.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there forest houses in Kanha and Bandhavgarh?
Yes, there is a forest house present in both the tiger reserves that offers a raw and closer to nature experience during your tiger safaris.
What is the best time to visit Kanha vs Bandhavgarh?
Summer and Winter are the best seasons to visit Kanha Tiger Reserve and Bandhavgarh National Park. Avoid going in the monsoon due to limited visibility, flooded terrains, and the lowest chances of spotting tigers.
How long should my Trip to Kanha Tiger Reserve be?
To fully enjoy the beauty of Kanha during a tiger safari, you should plan a trip of at least 6 days so that you can cover all zones and experience all types of safaris.
How many days should I spend in Bandhavgarh?
For the best tiger safari experience in Bandhavgarh National Park, plan a trip of at least 3 days and 3 nights. This will give you enough time to explore all zones.
Does Kanha or Bandhavgarh offer Full day Safari?
A full day safari option is only available in Bandhavgarh National Park, where you can explore all the zones with limited restrictions and in-depth access to major wildlife areas.
Is it mandatory to take a guide during a tiger safari?
Yes, it’s highly essential to go on a tiger safari with experienced guides only to get the best out of your wildlife trip in Kanha and Bandhavgarh.
Should I visit Core Zone or Buffer Zone for Tiger Safari?
If you want to enjoy mainstream tiger safari experience, then you must book your tiger safari trip into the core zones of Kanha and Bandhavgarh. On the other hand, if you want to have an off-beat tiger safari experience then go for the buffer zones.
Kanha National Park is the inspiration of which book?
Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book is inspired from the Kanha tiger reserve.
How many tigers are there in Kanha?
As of the latest survey conducted in 2024, there are about 110+ tigers in kanha.
How many tigers are there in Bandhavgarh?
As of the latest survey, there are 75+ tigers present in the Bandhavgarh tiger reserve.
