Kanha National Park is located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, known for its rich wildlife and beautiful forests. Ahmedabad, a major city in Gujarat, serves as a common starting point for travelers heading to this famous tiger reserve.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Ahmedabad to Kanha National Park. You will learn about trains, buses, driving routes, and flights, along with practical tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Ahmedabad to Kanha National Park – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for reaching Kanha National Park from Ahmedabad. It offers a comfortable journey with scenic views and connects you to nearby railway stations.

• The nearest major railway stations to Kanha are Jabalpur and Gondia, both well connected to Ahmedabad via direct and connecting trains, with travel times ranging from 18 to 24 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) offers several trains to Jabalpur Junction (JBP), including weekly and bi-weekly services; fares typically range from ₹500 for sleeper class to ₹1500 for AC classes.

• From Jabalpur or Gondia, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kanha National Park, which is about 165 km from Jabalpur and 90 km from Gondia, taking 3 to 4 hours by road.

• Train services can be crowded during festivals and holidays, so booking tickets in advance through IRCTC is advisable to secure your preferred class and travel dates.

• Night trains are available, allowing you to travel overnight and save daytime for park activities; however, be prepared for occasional delays during monsoon seasons.

Bus

Buses provide a budget-friendly way to travel from Ahmedabad to Kanha National Park, though the journey can be long and requires transfers.

• Direct buses from Ahmedabad to Jabalpur or Mandla are limited, so most travelers take a bus to Jabalpur first, which takes around 16 to 20 hours via MSRTC or private operators.

• From Jabalpur or Mandla bus stands, frequent local buses and shared taxis run to Kanha National Park, covering the last 90 to 165 km in 3 to 4 hours.

• Bus fares from Ahmedabad to Jabalpur range from ₹600 to ₹1200 depending on the bus type, such as sleeper, semi-sleeper, or Volvo AC coaches.

• Long-distance buses depart mainly from Ahmedabad’s Central Bus Station; booking tickets a few days in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Road conditions on NH47 and NH30 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause delays and occasional roadblocks near forest areas.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Ahmedabad to Kanha National Park offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes at your own pace. It is ideal for groups or families.

• The distance between Ahmedabad and Kanha National Park is approximately 900 km, and the drive typically takes 16 to 18 hours via NH47 and NH30, depending on traffic and stops.

• The route passes through major cities like Vadodara, Indore, and Jabalpur, where you can find good rest stops, fuel stations, and eateries offering local cuisine.

• Toll plazas are present along the highways, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll charges may total around ₹800 to ₹1200 for the entire trip.

• Driving through forest areas near Kanha requires caution, especially at dawn and dusk when wildlife is active; avoid night driving inside the park limits.

• Plan your trip to start early in the morning to avoid city traffic and reach Kanha before sunset; carry water and snacks as some stretches have limited facilities.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach near Kanha National Park from Ahmedabad, though it requires additional road travel to reach the park itself.

• The nearest airport to Kanha National Park is Jabalpur Airport (JLR), about 165 km away, with regular flights from major cities but limited direct flights from Ahmedabad.

• You can fly from Ahmedabad Airport (AMD) to Indore or Nagpur airports with a connecting flight to Jabalpur or a direct flight if available; flight duration is around 3 to 5 hours including layovers.

• From Jabalpur Airport, taxis and rental cars are available to cover the 3 to 4-hour road journey to Kanha National Park; fares range from ₹2500 to ₹4000 depending on vehicle type.

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

• Flight schedules may be affected by weather conditions such as fog in winter or monsoon rains, so keep flexible travel plans and check updates regularly.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is for first-time travelers from Ahmedabad to Kanha National Park. It helps you organize your journey efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets online through IRCTC or MSRTC websites at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability and better fares.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water bottles, snacks, a first-aid kit, and insect repellent, especially for the forest area near Kanha.

• Reach Ahmedabad station or bus depot at least one hour before departure to avoid last-minute rush and confirm your platform or bus number.

• On arrival at Jabalpur or Gondia, pre-book a taxi or use local bus services to reach Kanha National Park; prepaid taxis are safer and more reliable.

• Confirm your accommodation booking inside or near Kanha National Park before starting your journey to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Carry a valid ID and park entry permits if booked in advance, as these are mandatory for safari and park access.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid or app-based taxis like Ola or Uber in cities to avoid overcharging and ensure safety during transfers.

• Drink only bottled water and eat freshly cooked food from trusted eateries to avoid stomach issues during your trip.

• Book train and bus tickets online to avoid long queues and last-minute cancellations, especially during holidays and weekends.

• Carry a small daypack with essentials during safaris, including binoculars, camera, and light rain gear during monsoon season.

• Wear comfortable shoes and light cotton clothes; mornings and evenings in Kanha can be cool, so carry a light jacket.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling; avoid traveling during heavy monsoon rains as forest roads can be slippery and sometimes closed.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Kanha National Park is from October to June when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent. Monsoon season from July to September can cause travel delays and park closures.

Ahmedabad experiences extreme summers, so plan your departure early in the morning or late evening to avoid heat while on the road.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and buses are overcrowded and prices surge.

• Winter mornings in Madhya Pradesh can have dense fog, especially near forest areas, causing delays in road and rail transport.

• Monsoon rains may cause waterlogging and slippery roads on NH47 and NH30, so check weather updates before starting your journey.

• Early morning departures from Ahmedabad help you avoid city traffic and reach Kanha National Park with enough daylight for safari preparations.

Arrival at Kanha National Park & What to Expect

Upon arrival near Kanha National Park, you will find limited public transport options, so pre-arranged taxis or hotel pickups are recommended. The park entrance is well marked, and staff are available to assist visitors.

Local commute inside the park is mostly by jeep safari arranged through authorized operators. Nearby towns like Mandla and Baihar offer accommodation options, but many prefer staying inside forest resorts for convenience.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are rare near the park, so negotiate fares in advance if using local transport. Carry cash as digital payments may not be accepted in remote areas.

Conclusion

Traveling from Ahmedabad to Kanha National Park is achievable by train, bus, car, or flight combined with road travel. The train to Jabalpur followed by a taxi is the most balanced option for comfort and cost. Self-driving offers flexibility but requires careful planning for tolls and rest stops.

Booking tickets early, preparing for seasonal weather, and arranging local transport in advance will make your journey smooth and enjoyable. With the right planning, you can confidently explore the beautiful Kanha National Park and experience its rich wildlife without stress.