Guide to Safari Timings, Costs & Zones at Pench & Kanha: Common Queries Answered
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, a tour to central India’s Pench and Kanha National Parks are a must-visit. Wondering why Pench and Kanha and not the other ones? Well, each and every national park in the central part of India (Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh) is a fantastic place to be. In the case of Kanha and Pench, both are associated with Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’. When guests plan a Pench National Park tour or a Kanha National Park tour, the same doubts often come up: What time does the safari start? Which zone is better? How much does it cost? This blog is a simple, no-confusion guide to help you with Pench and Kanha safari booking, timings, costs, and all the common queries.
Kanha is completely located in Madhya Pradesh, while Pench is spread across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Combining these two wildlife destinations forms the central India’s famous wildlife circuit. One of the favourable parts of planning this tour is that both the national parks are well-connected from major cities in India and are easily accessible. Nagpur and Jabalpur are the nearest major cities to Kanha and Pench, and tourists can book flight and train tickets to reach them. Of course, the wildlife sighting is the main reason behind the popularity of Kanha and Pench National Parks. With well-organised safaris and trained guides, your visit feels smooth and memorable.
The Overview of Pench National Park
Safari Timings at Pench National Park
Safaris in Pench National Park are organised twice daily. The first safari is in the morning, and the second is in the evening. Morning safaris usually start at sunrise, and evening safaris start a few hours before sunset. In the winter months, the morning safaris begin later because of fog, while in the summer, they start earlier due to the heat. The evening safaris follow a similar pattern, adjusting with daylight hours. If you are booking online, you will see exact timings for your dates. It is always better to reach the entry gate a little early to avoid delays. For smooth entry, complete your Pench safari booking at least a few weeks in advance. During peak seasons like holidays, the seats get filled quickly.
Along with the safari timings, also have a look at the jeep safari costs. This will help you plan your trip budget, and you can book the number of safaris that suits you. Also note that the Pench safari booking price encompasses the permit and driver, guide charges. So there is no need to make any additional payments at the entry gate.
Safari Zones at Pench
Pench National Park is divided into multiple safari regions, and are categorised under core and buffer zones. Some zones are famous for more frequent animal activity, while others are quieter but equally beautiful.
The most popular core zones include Touria, Karmajhiri, and Jhamtara. These zones are open to tourists during the main season and are best for a complete safari experience.
If you want more availability or experience a safari at a lower cost, you can also try buffer zones. They are less crowded, and sometimes, you might get lucky with good sightings too.
No matter which zone you enter, your Pench safari booking gives you a unique experience of the forest.
The Overview of Pench National Park
Safari Timings at Kanha National Park
Like Pench, Kanha National Park also follows a similar schedule with morning and evening safaris. The timings change according to the season. In summer, safaris start earlier, while in winter, they start a bit later. Morning safaris are often longer, lasting around 4 to 5 hours. Evening safaris are slightly shorter but equally enjoyable. Both timings give you different experiences of the forest, making it worth trying both.
When you visit our website for Kanha safari booking, you will get the exact time slots along with the Kanha jeep safari price. After completing the booking process, you will receive the permit, where the time slot and the amount paid will be mentioned. It is always recommended to reach the gate 30 minutes before the start.
Safari Zones at Kanha
Kanha has some of the most famous safari zones in India.
The core zones include Kanha, Kisli, Mukki, and Sarhi. These zones are the heart of the park and are known for frequent animal activity. Since demand for these core zones is high, it is important to complete your Kanha safari booking early, especially for the core zones.
There are also buffer zones around the park - Khapa, Khatiya, Phen and Sijora. The jeep safari prices are lower in the buffer zones as compared to the Kanha xore zones.
Just like Pench, the Kanha safari booking price also includes the driver, guide and permit charges.
Common Queries from Tourists
1. Which national park is better, Pench or Kanha?
Both Kanha and Pench National Parks are amazing and incomparable. Depending on your preference and the city you are coming from, you can choose between the two. Alternatively, you can also explore both the national parks by planning a perfect itinerary.
2. How many safaris should I book?
For the best experience, at least 3 to 4 safaris are recommended. This gives you more chances to explore different zones and timings.
3. Can I book online in advance?
Yes, both Pench and Kanha allow online booking through the official websites. It is the safest way to confirm your seat. Early Pench safari booking and Kanha safari booking help avoid last-minute problems.
4. Do I need to carry ID proof?
Yes, ID proof is compulsory for all visitors. The details must match the name you used during booking.
Best Time to Visit Pench and Kanha
The parks remain open from October to June. Summers are hot but give higher chances of spotting animals near water sources. Winters are more comfortable for tourists, with pleasant weather and peaceful safaris. Monsoon season is off-limits as the parks remain closed for breeding and forest recovery.
Tips to Make Your Kanha and Pench Safari the Best
Always book safaris in advance.
Carry light snacks and water inside the vehicle.
Wear neutral colored clothes to blend with the forest.
Listen to the guide for safety and better sightings.
Keep your phone on silent mode to maintain silence.