Kanha is best known for its tiger safaris, but there’s much more to see beyond the park’s core zones. If you’re someone who enjoys slow travel and local experiences, Kanha has plenty of peaceful, offbeat activities that show a different side of the forest.
Here are five things to do in Kanha that go beyond jeep safaris.
Nature Trails or Walking Safari
A walking safari gives you a closer look at the forest’s smaller wonders. Guided by naturalists, these walks take you along the buffer zones and nearby forest trails, where you can spot animal tracks, butterflies, and birds that you often miss during a jeep ride. It’s quiet, safe, and incredibly refreshing.
Walking safaris also help you understand how every plant, tree, and sound plays a role in the jungle’s balance. Always go with an official guide or resort naturalist, walking inside the core zone is not allowed.
Bird Watching Tours
Kanha is home to over 300 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers. From the striking Indian roller to the shy racket-tailed drongo, every corner of the forest echoes with calls.
Early morning bird walks near Khatia Gate or along the Banjar River offer great sightings. Many resorts provide guided birding tours with binoculars and field guides, perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Star Gazing from the Resort
Once the forest goes quiet at night, look up. The clear skies of Kanha are perfect for stargazing. Away from city lights, you can see countless stars and sometimes even the Milky Way.
Most resorts in Kanha have open decks or lawns where you can sit around a bonfire and watch the sky. It’s a peaceful way to end your day, no screens, no noise, just nature and starlight.
Village Walks
A village walk near Kanha lets you see life from the local perspective. You’ll walk through mud houses, see traditional grain storage bins, and watch farmers at work in their fields. The villagers are warm and welcoming, often happy to share stories about their customs and connection to the forest.
These walks are guided and respectful, they aren’t staged experiences. You’ll get a genuine look at rural Madhya Pradesh and how communities live in harmony with the national park.
Visit the Tribal Haat (Market)
Once a week, nearby villages like Mocha and Khatia host lively tribal haats. These local markets are full of color and energy, with Gond and Baiga artisans selling handmade crafts, bamboo baskets, jewelry, and forest produce.
Visiting a haat gives you a peek into Kanha’s cultural side. It’s also a great way to support local communities while taking home authentic souvenirs. We can arrange guided haat visits that fit easily into your safari schedule.
Make Your Kanha Trip More Than a Safari
If you love nature, photography, or quiet moments in the wild, these offbeat experiences will make your Kanha visit truly memorable. Each one connects you with the forest and its people in a way that’s both meaningful and relaxed.
Plan your safari with us, and we’ll help you include these unique activities along with your tiger sightings.
