Kanha National Park is a treasure located right in the heart of one of the most beautiful Indian wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh. Reaching an area of over 940 square kilometres this park has gained popularity thanks to its biodiversity and amazing sal forests along with thrilling safaris in the jungle. Among the several entry points to this wonderful park, Mukki Gate is the most preferred one by those who want to experience a rich wildlife and lush green forest.
In this blog, we will try to understand why Mukki Gate is the best entry point to explore Kanha Tiger Reserve and answer some of the frequently asked questions to help you plan your next wildlife adventure.
Mukki Gate – A Journey through Time
Mukki Gate has emerged as a significant gateway to Kanha National Park, providing unparalleled access to its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. Since it was established along with the park in 1955, Mukki Gate has experienced a steady increase in popularity, which is largely driven by the increasing focus on wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.
Mukki Gate
Historical Significance
Initially, there was very minimal tourism activity at Mukki Gate with limited infrastructure and awareness about the gate. However, when Kanha National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary to conserve the population of endangered Barasingha (swamp deer) and found its way to popular imagination through Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’, interest in visiting the park began to grow steadily.
Modern Developments
In the past few decades, the tourism infrastructure in and around Mukki Gate has been improved considerably. With well-maintained access roads to a variety of accommodations, the region has become an attractive destination for a wide range of tourists.
The gate offers entry to some of Kanha’s most wildlife-rich zones, with a thriving population of Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and the iconic hard-ground Barasingha.
Along with high-end resorts and eco-lodges, sustainable tourist practices have also been adopted into the area’s developments. This helps maintain the natural balance of the park, providing a comfortable yet enriching experience to the visitors.
Mukki Gate – The Best Entrance to Kanha
Mukki Gate is one of the three main gates into Kanha National Park, in addition to Kisli Gate and Sarhi Gate. What makes Mukki Gate unique is its strategic location, wildlife density, and proximity to some of the park’s most iconic zones.
Tiger sighting by tourists in jungle safari from Mukki Gate, Kanha
Tiger Sightings
Mukki Gate is well-known for tiger sightings. Today, the area has abundant population of Bengal tigers, thanks to the unwavering efforts of forest officials working under the tiger conservation program titled as ‘Project Tiger’. Tourists coming to Kahna, often return happily from Mukki Gate after spectacular tiger sightings.
Accessibility
The Gate is well connected with towns like Balaghat and Gondia. It is about 200 kilometers from Nagpur, making it an adventurous journey for tourists coming from Nagpur especially on short vacations like holidays and weekends. The roads leading to Mukki Gate are scenic with beautiful landscapes and forests seen along the way.
Authentic Jungle Experience
Mukki zone covers a wide range of open grasslands, dense forests, and waterholes. This mix of diverse habitats harbour a broad variety of wildlife, thereby making the safari experience a holistic and satisfying one.
Singinawa Jungle Lodge, a luxurious stay near Mukki Gate
Accommodation Options
The Gate offers an array of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Starting from luxury resorts to budget-friendly lodges, stays near Mukki gate are known for comfort, eco-friendly practices, cultural preservation and wildlife conservation.
Singinawa Jungle Lodge is one of the many that stands out as an accommodation, where guests often enjoy memorable and deeply enriching experiences.
Jungle Safaris at Mukki Gate
Jungle Safari
A jungle safari via Mukki Gate is an experience never to be forgotten. Mukki Gate Safari Season starts from 15th October and continues till 30th June. During the monsoon i.e. from July to September, the gate remains closed to allow the ecosystem to rejuvenate.
Safaris are scheduled twice a day, except Wednesdays, in a 4×4 open jeep accompanied by services from trained naturalists as guides.
Safari timings: Morning Safari: 6:30 am – 10:30 am
Afternoon Safari: 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Please note that safaris are closed during Holi and Diwali festivals.
Flora & Fauna
Mukki Gate offers visitors a chance to encounter a diverse array of wildlife, birds, butterflies, and plant species, making every safari a unique experience.
Among its star attractions are the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Leopard, Indian Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, and the Hard Ground Swamp Deer (Barasingha). Visitors may also spot Jungle Cats, Indian Pangolins, and Indian Bison (Gaur).
Blue Rock Thrush sighted in safari from Mukki Gate
Bird enthusiasts can enjoy sightings of over 300 species, including the Red Junglefowl, Crested Hawk Eagle, and rare birds like Jerdon’s Baza and the Siberian Rubythroat.
Adding magical charm to the safari are vibrant butterflies such as the Common Rose, Jezebel, and Four-Spot Swordtail.
The lush flora includes towering Sal trees, Teak, Flame of the Forest, Banyan, and Red Silk Cotton, creating a serene habitat for wildlife.
Bookings Information
- Advance Booking: Mukki Gate safari permits are in high demand. The permits can be booked online on the official website of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department. Do not forget to carry your Aadhar card along which is mandatory for the gate entry.
- Timing of Visit: Kanha is best visited between October and June, when there is maximum wildlife activity observed during the cool months from November to February.
- Care Essentials: Bring binoculars, cameras, sunscreen, and water bottles to enjoy a more comfortable safari.
- Observe Rules: Be sure to follow rules in the park by keeping silence among others, refrain from feeding or interrupting animals.
Note: Safari costs are subject to change, so it’s recommended to check for the latest pricing before bookings.
Cultural Bonding with Local Communities
Mukki Gate is not just an entrance to Kanha National Park; it is a gateway to the profound cultural and natural heritage of the lands of central India. Besides the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, it is also home to the Baiga and Gond tribes, whose intrinsic connection to the forest is an example of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. These indigenous communities not only play a pivotal role in the conservation of this area but also act as guardians of an impressive legacy of sustainable living.
Resorts near Mukki Gate often arrange cultural interactions with these indigenous communities to provide an extraordinary experience beyond jungle safari.
People of indigenous Gond community performing traditional folk dance
The nearby villages can be visited, and one can get a glimpse of the simple yet deeply meaningful lifestyle of the Baiga and Gond tribes. Interactions with these people bring out the deep respect that the tribes have for nature and highlight their expertise in creating handicrafts using natural materials like clay, wood, and bamboo. Activities such as ceramics and woodworking enable tourists with a hands-on opportunity, offering them an extraordinary and enriching experience.
Mukki Gate continues to be a testament to the harmonious coexistence of conservation and tourism, inviting visitors to explore the wild heart of Kanha National Park. Its wildlife, beautiful sceneries, and cultural affluence make it an ideal gateway to explore Kanha Tiger Reserve. A perfect destination for a wildlife photography enthusiast, nature lover, or even an adventurous family, the Gate promises soul-stirring jungle safaris to all.
Additionally, the gate is a treasure trove for those who want to learn about central India’s indigenous land. Through interactions with the locals, Mukki Gate offers an inspiring glimpse into the enduring traditions and cultures of the region’s indigenous communities, showcasing their sustainable and harmonious ways of life.
So plan your next wildlife visit to Kanha from Mukki Gate and get absorbed in all that Kanha’s untamed wilderness has in store for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best gate for jungle safari at Kanha National Park and why?
Ans: Mukki Gate is considered to be the best among Kanha’s three main gates, including Kisli gate and Sarhi gate. Here’s why:
- Prime Wildlife Spotting: Mukki is renowned for frequent tiger sightings and abundant wildlife, making it a favourite for enthusiasts.
- Cultural Immersion: Nearby Baiga and Gond tribal villages offer a glimpse into rich indigenous traditions through hand-on activities and interactive candid conversations with the locals.
- Eco-Tourism: Conservation-focused stays and guided safaris ensure a responsible and enriching experience.
2. What is the ideal time for visiting Mukki Gate for jungle safari?
Ans: Best time to visit Mukki Gate is between Octobers to June as the Park is in its absolute glory in this time of the year. The park is closed from July and September for monsoon season.
Ideal time for safari is suggested between November and February for much cooler weather along with maximum wildlife activity to view.
3. How do I book a safari at Mukki Gate?
Ans: Safaris can be booked online from the portal of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department. Many resorts also offer safari bookings along with the accommodation reservations. It is always wise to make bookings in advance, especially during peak seasons, to get safari slots as per your preferences.
4. What animals can be spotted in the safaris taken from the Mukki Gate?
Ans: The region around Mukki is said to be rich in diversity of wildlife such as Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian gaur, wild dogs, and barasingha. Bird-watchers have a good time spotting all types of species, from raptors to waterfowl and Jerdon’s Baza and the Siberian Rubythroat.
5. Are there accommodations near Mukki Gate?
Ans.: Yes. Mukki Gate is surrounded by numerous accommodations catering to different budgets. From luxury lodges like Singinawa Jungle Lodge to budget-friendly stays, you’ll find a range of choices that provide proximity to the park and comfortable amenities.
6. Other than jungle safari, are there any other activities to enjoy at Mukki Gate?
Ans.: Tourists visiting Mukki Gate have the unique opportunity to delve into the lives of Baiga and Gond indigenous communities. Resorts near Mukki Gate offer cultural experiences through interactions and hands-on activities like ceramics and woodworking allowing an enriching glimpse into the traditions and skills of these indigenous communities.
