Book a tiger safari permit in Kanha National Park
Although Kanha National Park in Central India is a conservation unit primarily focused on the Bengal tiger, tourism plays an important role in generating income. This recreation in the park is regulated and subject to terms and conditions made up of a series of rules.
The regulations are on the advice of the Supreme Court of India and are subject to implementation at the request of the NTCA or the National Tiger Conservation Authority. This body is the supreme officer of the Project Tiger Program initiated by the Government of India.
The park is divided into the core or critical tiger habitat and the outer ring or buffer. Twenty percent of the core is subject to tourism as demarcated by the local forestry department. This area is subdivided into four zones and a permit is required to visit each zone. The permit is issued by the Government of the State of Madhya Pradesh. Safaris are conducted in open jeeps that seat six people on a ride inside the core. There are two game drives in one day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Permits can be obtained from the MPOnline website, which is a portal belonging to the State Government. The prerequisite for obtaining the permit is the ability to pay online. A well done plan on which area to visit on the morning or afternoon safari. This should be done in advance if you are a newcomer then take suggestions from the hotel where you will be staying in Kanha or from the tour operator. There are various articles and websites available for you to check out and find out.
Once online on the portal, you must complete the form that requires you to submit personal details about yourself and those accompanying you on the jeep safari. The most important document is a passport for foreign visitors and a photo ID for Indians. These details must be submitted during the filling of the form. While this is being done, you can also choose the date, time, and zone. Then follow up with online payment using credit/debit card or Internet Banking. This done, your permission for that trip is secured. Now you can print the permit. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of booking, you can submit all the details on MPOnline Kiosk and get your permits through the agent.
During the safaris you have to carry the relevant papers along with the original passport or photo ID. All co-passengers must do the same. You are allowed to take a camera or handycam/binoculars with you on the trip, but no weapons or flammable items.
You can hire a naturalist, but a forest guide will always accompany the jeep; it is mandatory in Kanha National Park. You have to stay in your zone and you cannot cross it. During the entire safari, you must remain seated in the jeep and cannot alight anywhere except the central mess hall with toilets.
Remember that the number of permits issued by safari is limited, so book well in advance.