Pune is a major city in Maharashtra, known for its vibrant culture and educational institutions. Kanha National Park is a famous tiger reserve located in Madhya Pradesh, attracting wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts from across India.

This route from Pune to Kanha is popular among travelers seeking a wildlife adventure. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel, including trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Pune to Kanha – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a common and economical option for reaching Kanha from Pune. While there is no direct train to Kanha, nearby stations connect you to the park with further road travel.

• The nearest major railway stations to Kanha are Jabalpur and Gondia, both well connected to Pune via trains like the Pune-Jabalpur Express and Pune-Gondia passenger trains, covering around 1200 km in 24 to 30 hours.

• Train fares range from INR 500 to 1500 depending on class, with sleeper and AC options available. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to secure seats in advance, especially during peak seasons.

• Trains from Pune depart from Pune Junction, a well-equipped station with waiting rooms and food stalls, making it convenient for travelers to start their journey comfortably.

• Monsoon season may cause occasional delays on this long route, so plan buffer time. Night trains are popular to save daytime hours and arrive fresh for Kanha exploration.

• From Jabalpur or Gondia, you can hire taxis or take buses to Kanha, which is about 150 to 170 km away, requiring 4 to 5 hours of road travel.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly way to travel but require multiple changes and longer travel time. Direct buses to Kanha from Pune are rare, so plan for connecting routes.

• MSRTC and private operators run buses from Pune to Nagpur or Jabalpur, major cities near Kanha, with journey times of 18 to 24 hours depending on the route and bus type.

• From Nagpur or Jabalpur bus stands, frequent state transport and private buses connect to Kanha, taking 4 to 6 hours over 150 km on NH44 and NH30 highways.

• Bus fares from Pune to Nagpur or Jabalpur range from INR 700 to 1200, with sleeper and semi-sleeper options. Booking online or at Pune’s Swargate bus depot is advisable.

• Night buses are common for long-distance travel, but comfort varies. Avoid traveling during monsoon nights due to slippery roads and fog in some sections.

• Rest stops along NH44 and NH30 include dhabas and small eateries, but food quality can vary, so carry snacks and water for safety.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Kanha offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes but requires preparation for a long journey of over 1200 km.

• The route via NH44 and NH30 covers approximately 1250 km and takes about 22 to 26 hours of driving, depending on traffic and stops.

• Major cities on the way include Nagpur and Jabalpur, where you can rest or refuel. Toll plazas are frequent on these national highways, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Driving through monsoon can be challenging due to heavy rains and slippery roads, especially in forested areas near Kanha, so check weather forecasts before departure.

• Plan overnight stops in cities like Nagpur or Jabalpur to avoid fatigue. Fuel stations and restaurants are available in these urban centers but sparse in rural stretches.

• Using GPS navigation apps like Google Maps or MapMyIndia helps avoid wrong turns and traffic jams, especially near city outskirts.

Flight

Flying is the fastest but costliest option. While Kanha does not have its own airport, nearby airports connect you to the park with further road travel.

• The closest airports to Kanha are Jabalpur Airport (Dumna Airport) and Nagpur Airport, both with regular domestic flights from Pune’s Lohegaon Airport.

• Flight duration from Pune to Nagpur or Jabalpur is around 1.5 to 2 hours, with fares typically between INR 3000 to 6000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From the airport, you need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Kanha, which is about 150 to 170 km away, taking 4 to 5 hours by road.

• Prepaid taxi services and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate from Nagpur and Jabalpur airports, providing safer and fixed-price options for onward travel.

• Booking flights well in advance is crucial during peak tourist seasons and holidays to get reasonable fares and seat availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Pune to Kanha, helping you organize your journey efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure your preferred dates and classes, especially during holidays or weekends.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a basic first aid kit, as some stretches between cities have limited facilities.

• If traveling by train, choose night trains to maximize daytime at Kanha. Confirm your arrival station (Jabalpur or Gondia) and arrange local transport in advance.

• For road travel, check your vehicle condition thoroughly, carry a physical map or GPS device, and plan rest stops every 4 to 5 hours to avoid fatigue.

• Upon arrival at Jabalpur or Nagpur, book a prepaid taxi or use app-based cabs for the onward journey to Kanha to avoid haggling and ensure safety.

• Keep local emergency contacts handy, including park authorities and your accommodation, and inform someone about your travel itinerary for added security.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always drink bottled or boiled water during your journey to avoid waterborne illnesses common in Indian rural areas.

• Carry some dry snacks and fruits as food options can be limited or unhygienic on long highway stretches and forest areas near Kanha.

• Book tickets online well in advance during peak seasons like winter and school holidays to avoid last-minute disappointments.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs at stations and airports to avoid scams and ensure fixed fares for the last-mile journey.

• Pack light but include rain gear during monsoon months (July to September) as Kanha experiences heavy rainfall affecting road conditions.

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive gadgets openly, especially in crowded stations and bus depots.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Kanha is from October to June when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent. Monsoon months bring heavy rain, making travel difficult.

Travel conditions can vary greatly depending on the season, so planning your trip outside heavy rains and extreme heat ensures a safer and more comfortable journey.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and roads are crowded, causing delays and higher fares.

• Winter mornings (December to February) can be foggy near Nagpur and Jabalpur, so start early to avoid visibility issues on highways.

• Monsoon season (July to September) often causes slippery roads and occasional landslides near forested areas, so check weather updates before traveling.

• Depart early in the morning to avoid city traffic in Pune and Nagpur, making your journey smoother and faster.

Arrival at Kanha & What to Expect

When you arrive near Kanha, you will likely reach the park’s gate area or nearby towns like Mukki or Baikunthpur. Local transport options include shared jeeps, taxis, and sometimes buses to reach your accommodation or safari points.

Most travelers stay in nearby forest lodges, resorts, or guesthouses in Mukki, Kanha, or Baikunthpur. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited here, so arrange your pickup through your hotel or trusted local operators.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kanha from Pune depends on your budget and time. Trains combined with local taxis offer a cost-effective and comfortable option, while flights save time but require additional road travel. Self-driving is ideal for those who enjoy road trips and flexibility.

Plan your journey well in advance, especially during peak seasons, and keep local travel conditions in mind. With proper preparation and knowledge of transport options, you can confidently enjoy your trip from Pune to the beautiful Kanha National Park.