Bilaspur is a major city in Chhattisgarh, well connected by rail and road. Kanha National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, is one of India's largest tiger reserves and a popular wildlife destination. Many travelers journey from Bilaspur to Kanha to explore its rich flora and fauna.

This guide explains the main travel options from Bilaspur to Kanha National Park. You will learn about trains, buses, driving routes, and flights, along with practical tips to plan your trip smoothly and enjoy your visit to this beautiful park.

Getting from Bilaspur to Kanha National Park – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and affordable option for reaching Kanha from Bilaspur. The rail network connects Bilaspur with nearby stations close to Kanha, making it convenient for many travelers.

• Bilaspur Junction (BSP) is a major railway station with frequent trains to Jabalpur and Gondia, which are the closest major stations to Kanha National Park.

• The nearest railway station to Kanha is Mukki (MKI), about 25 km from the park entrance, but it has limited train services; Jabalpur (JBP) is better connected and about 165 km away.

• Trains from Bilaspur to Jabalpur take approximately 5 to 6 hours, with fares ranging from INR 150 to INR 600 depending on class and train type.

• Book tickets via IRCTC in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or holidays, to secure seats on popular trains like the Bilaspur-Jabalpur Express.

• From Jabalpur or Gondia, you will need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Kanha, which takes around 3 to 4 hours by road.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to travel from Bilaspur to Kanha National Park, though the journey can be long and less comfortable than trains or private vehicles.

• State-run buses from Bilaspur bus stand connect to Mandla or Baihar, towns near Kanha, with travel times around 8 to 10 hours depending on the route and stops.

• Private bus operators also run services on this route, often with sleeper or semi-sleeper coaches, offering fares between INR 300 and INR 600.

• Buses usually depart early morning or late evening; check the Bilaspur bus terminal for updated schedules and book tickets a day in advance during peak seasons.

• The route follows NH130 and NH30 highways, passing through scenic forest areas but can be affected by monsoon road conditions and occasional toll plazas.

• Last-mile connectivity from Mandla or Baihar to Kanha is available via local taxis or shared jeeps, which take about 1 to 2 hours.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bilaspur to Kanha National Park offers flexibility and comfort, allowing you to explore at your own pace and stop at interesting places en route.

• The distance between Bilaspur and Kanha is approximately 280 to 300 km via NH130 and NH30, with a typical drive time of 6 to 7 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through towns like Mandla and Baihar, with several toll plazas and rest stops offering food and refreshments along the way.

• Driving yourself or hiring a private cab from Bilaspur ensures easy access to the park entrance and nearby resorts without relying on public transport schedules.

• During monsoon months, some forest roads may be slippery or closed; check local weather and road updates before starting your journey.

• Fuel stations are available along the highway, but it is advisable to fill up in Bilaspur or Mandla to avoid last-minute hassles in remote areas.

Flight

There is no direct flight from Bilaspur to Kanha National Park, but air travel can be combined with road transport for faster access from distant locations.

• Bilaspur has a domestic airport (Bilaspur Airport, PABP) with limited flights mainly to Raipur and other regional hubs; no direct flights to Kanha or nearby airports are available.

• The nearest airport to Kanha is Jabalpur Airport (JLR), about 165 km from the park, with flights from major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

• You can fly from Bilaspur to Jabalpur via connecting flights or travel by train/bus to Jabalpur and then hire a taxi to Kanha.

• From Jabalpur Airport, taxis and rental cars are available for the 4 to 5-hour drive to Kanha National Park.

• Flight fares vary widely; booking early through airline websites or travel portals helps secure better prices and connections.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

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

• Step 1: Decide your mode of transport based on budget, comfort, and time. Train travel is economical, while self-drive offers flexibility.

• Step 2: Book your train or bus tickets early via IRCTC or MSRTC websites to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during holidays or weekends.

• Step 3: Pack essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit, as some stretches between Bilaspur and Kanha have limited facilities.

• Step 4: If traveling by train, disembark at Jabalpur or Gondia and arrange a taxi or bus to Kanha; pre-book cabs via Ola or local operators for convenience.

• Step 5: For self-drive, start early to avoid night driving on forest roads and check vehicle condition, fuel, and GPS for navigation.

• Step 6: Upon arrival near Kanha, confirm your accommodation and park entry timings; carry valid ID and park permits to avoid delays.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during the journey to prevent stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in Bilaspur and Jabalpur for safer and transparent fares.

• Book train and bus tickets at least a week in advance during peak tourist seasons like winter and school holidays to secure seats.

• Pack light but include rain gear during monsoon months (July to September) as roads can be slippery and some routes may face delays.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid leaving valuables unattended in public transport or waiting areas.

• Carry some cash in small denominations for tolls, local transport, and small purchases, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Bilaspur to Kanha National Park is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather and better wildlife sightings.

Monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy rains that can cause roadblocks and slippery conditions, making travel slower and less comfortable.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and buses are crowded and accommodation prices rise sharply.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic in Bilaspur and allow you to reach Kanha before dusk, which is safer for forest areas.

• Winter mornings may have fog, especially near forested routes, so drive cautiously or choose daytime travel.

• Summer months (April to June) can be hot and dusty, so carry adequate water and sun protection if traveling by road.

Arrival at Kanha National Park & What to Expect

When you arrive near Kanha National Park, you will find several entry gates depending on your booked zone. The Mukki and Kisli gates are the most commonly used for tourists.

Local transport options include prepaid taxis, resort shuttles, and shared jeeps that can take you from nearby towns like Mandla or Baihar to your accommodation and park entrance. It is best to arrange transport in advance to avoid waiting.

Popular areas to stay include Kanha zone resorts near the park gates and Mandla town, which has budget hotels and guesthouses. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited inside the park area, so plan your last-mile travel carefully.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kanha National Park from Bilaspur is by train to Jabalpur or Gondia, followed by a taxi or bus to the park. This option balances cost, comfort, and travel time well for most travelers.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport will make your journey smooth and enjoyable. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to Kanha and look forward to an unforgettable wildlife experience.