Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary: Kanha via Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

Tuesday, September 5: Arrival in Jabalpur

Arrive in Jabalpur and check into your hotel. In the morning, visit the famous Dhuandhar Falls, where the Narmada River cascades down in a spectacular display. Enjoy a boat ride to get closer to the falls and admire the natural beauty. In the afternoon, explore the marble rocks of Bhedaghat by taking a boat ride on the Narmada River. In the evening, visit the Rani Durgavati Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region.

• Dhuandhar Falls: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Boat Ride at Bhedaghat: Estimated cost - INR 300 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Rani Durgavati Museum: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Wednesday, September 6: Jabalpur to Kanha

After breakfast, depart from Jabalpur and drive to Kanha National Park. Upon arrival, check into your jungle resort. In the morning, embark on an exciting jungle safari to spot the majestic tigers and other wildlife species. In the afternoon, visit Bamni Dadar, also known as Sunset Point, to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Kanha landscape. In the evening, enjoy a cultural program showcasing the local tribal dance forms.

• Jungle Safari at Kanha National Park: Estimated cost - INR 1,500 per person, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Bamni Dadar (Sunset Point): Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Evening Cultural Program: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot near Kanha National Park is The Jungle Cafe. They offer a variety of delicious breakfast options such as omelettes, pancakes, and local Indian breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 300 rupees per person.
• For a tasty lunch, head to The Wild Chaat House. This local restaurant specializes in traditional Indian street food, including mouthwatering chaat dishes like pani puri, bhel puri, and samosas. The average cost for a meal is about 150 rupees per person.
• To enjoy a delightful dinner experience, visit The Tiger's Den Restaurant. This restaurant offers a range of Indian and international cuisines, including tandoori dishes, curries, and grilled seafood. The average cost for a meal is about 500 rupees per person.

Thursday, September 7: Kanha National Park

Start your day with an early morning jungle safari to increase your chances of spotting wildlife. After the safari, visit the Kanha Museum to learn about the park's flora, fauna, and conservation efforts. In the afternoon, take part in a nature walk with a knowledgeable guide who will provide insights into the park's ecosystem. In the evening, relax at your resort and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

• Jungle Safari at Kanha National Park: Estimated cost - INR 1,500 per person, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Kanha Museum: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Nature Walk: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Friday, September 8: Kanha to Jabalpur

Check out from your resort and drive back to Jabalpur. In the morning, visit the famous Madan Mahal Fort, an architectural marvel offering panoramic views of Jabalpur. Afterward, explore the ancient Chausath Yogini Temple, dedicated to the 64 incarnations of Goddess Shakti. In the afternoon, enjoy shopping for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs at the local markets. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Narmada River.

• Madan Mahal Fort: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Chausath Yogini Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Shopping at Local Markets: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Saturday, September 9: Departure

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and proceed to the Jabalpur Airport for your departure. If time permits, you can visit the Pisanhari Ki Madiya, a beautiful Jain temple carved out of a single rock, before bidding farewell to Jabalpur and continuing your onward journey.

• Pisanhari Ki Madiya: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Kanha National Park, make sure to visit the nearby Boda Chhapri village. This small village offers a glimpse into the lives of the Baiga tribe, known for their unique culture and handicrafts. Interact with the friendly locals, participate in traditional activities, and support their sustainable livelihood initiatives. It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and create lasting memories.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices and availability at Kayak.