Although Kanha National Park in Central India is a conservation unit focused mainly 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 under the advice of the Supreme Court of India and are subject to implementation at the behest of the NTCA or the National Tiger Conservation Authority. This body is the supreme official of the Project Tiger Program initiated by the Government of India.

The park is divided into the central 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 Madhya Pradesh State Government. The safaris are carried out in open jeeps with capacity for six people on a tour inside the nucleus. There are two safaris 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 permission 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 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 data 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 at 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. On the trip you are allowed to bring a camera or a handycam/binoculars, 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 go beyond it. During the entire safari, you must remain seated in the jeep and cannot get off anywhere except in the central dining room with toilets.

Remember that the number of permits issued per safari is limited, so book well in advance.