Kanha National Park attracts tourists from different areas for sightings of animals, but without a proper permit, you can’t enter the park. Many people miss their safari because of a small mistake in booking. Any mistake can lead to the cancellation of the safari ride. So, here are some permit tips that will help you to make bookings for a safari in Kanha without any problems:
1. Book Your Safari in Advance
Kanha is one of the most popular wildlife spots, and because of that, the demand for safari
permits is always high, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak tourist seasons (like
winter). The safari permits for the park are given on a first-come, first-served basis, and
there are limited slots for each safari zone. We always advise our tourists to make an
online advance booking so that they can be sure that they’ll get to enjoy a ride there.
Booking opens 120 days before the safari date, so make your bookings in advance and get
better chances of getting your preferred zone.
If you wait until the last minute, you might only get buffer zones or sometimes no slots at all.
2. Choose Your Safari Zone Wisely
Kanha has four core zones: Kanha, Mukki, Kisli, and Sarhi. This park also has four buffer zones: Khatia, Khapa, Sijhora, and Phen. People can make a safari booking for any zone, but remember that after selecting the zone and confirmation of booking, you cannot change it later. The gates are far from each other. It takes almost 2 hours to cross from one zone to another, so choose the zone closest to where you’re staying or the one you’re most interested in exploring. If you think that you can change it after, then let me tell you that it’s not possible, and your cancellation can even lead to getting no permit at all.
3. Keep Your ID Proof Ready
Whenever tourists make a booking for a safari, they have to provide the details of their original ID cards, like Aadhar card, Passport, PAN card, Voter ID, or Driving License. And, if you don’t wanna miss the ride, then keep the original ID with you when you go for the ride. The officials of the forest department check the IDs and match the details with the permit. If any detail is wrong, then it leads to the cancellation of the safari. Foreign tourists are required to fill details of their passports and also carry them when they go for the ride. Many people forget their ID card or bring the wrong one, and then they have to miss the safari. So, be sure to take the right one.
4. Carry the Hard Copy of the Permit
Another common mistake people make is bringing only a soft copy on their phone. The officials do not believe in soft copies, and they are not accepted there. It is important for every tourist to carry a printed copy of the permit along with a copy of their ID card. So, once your booking is done, print it out the same day or ask your hotel to help you with the printing. Do not think that you can go inside the park by giving ID proof or a permit on your phone. The entries are not allowed without the original or a printout of it.
5. Check Safari Timings Carefully
The safari timing of the Kanha National Park changes according to different seasons. In
winter, the morning safari starts a bit later because of fog and cold, around 6:30 am. In
summer, the morning safari starts as early as 5:30 am because the days get hotter. And the
evening safari timings keep on changing, so checking your timing on permit is important.
Reaching the safari gate 45 minutes before the safari is important for permit and ID checks.
So, see the time on your permit and arrive at the entry gate 30 to 45 minutes before the
safari ride. Also, if you’re planning a night safari, then make sure to choose a buffer zone
that allows you to be on time from the resort, like you can choose from Khatia, Khapa, or
Sijhora.
6. No Modifications After Booking
One thing about Kanha safari booking is that after you get the permit, the booking is final and nothing can be changed in it. You cannot change the zone, date, or even passenger details after the permit is issued. So, we advise all the tourists to please double-check everything, like even the name spellings, age details, or safari details, before making the payment for booking. Check about the zone, safari timing, and ID with numbers with being sure that everything is right. Even one detail can lead to cancellation, and you cannot change the details later.
7. On-the-Spot Bookings Are Risky
There are a few permits that the forest department only gives at the last minute. These are for those who don’t know how to make online bookings or for those who make last-minute plans. But honestly, they’re very limited permits, and booking them is very hard. You have to wait in long queues to make a booking, and even after that, there is no guarantee of getting a seat. They are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and are booked quickly, especially in peak season. If you want a guaranteed safari, then making an online booking in advance is advised for everyone.
8. Group Size and Comfort Tips
One gypsy can take 6 people inside the Jungle. It means that one gypsy can be booked for 6 people, but if you want a comfortable ride, then we suggest everyone try booking all the seats for a group of 4 people. By doing this, you will have extra space for cameras, bags, and just to stretch a little. Also, you won’t have to share your vehicle with strangers, and you can enjoy the safari at your comfort level. Booking a whole safari for just 4 can be a little bit costly, because you have to give an extra amount of 2, but the experience becomes much better.