Winter settles into Kanha slowly, almost as if the forest is preparing for a performance. The mist begins to rise from the waterholes at first light, drifting gently across the sal forest. As the morning grows colder, a thick layer of frost forms on the grass, turning the entire meadow into a sparkling white carpet. On a good chilly winter morning, you can even see the whole grassland covered in frost. The landscape of Kanha changes.

Kanha National Park, being one of the most famous parks in India in terms of tiger sightings and sal forest, has one more gem of a species, the Barasingha or Hard Ground Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi). A species which went on to the brink of extinction a few decades back now thrives in the meadows of Kanha National Park. In the 1960s the Barasingha population went down to just 66 individuals here and was the only population left in the world. All thanks to the MP Forest Department’s extensive efforts to save this species. Now there are over 1000+ individuals in Kanha, and some of them have been relocated to Van Vihar Bhopal, Satpura Tiger Reserve and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

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Your Travel Guide to from Jabalpur, Raipur & Nagpur

The Journey Is Part of the Experience

Reaching Outpost 12, Kanha is not just road travel - it's a transition into tranquility. As you leave the city behind, the air grows fresher, the forests denser, and every mile feels like a gentle descent into nature. Nestled by the Banjar River near Tilari Village, Outpost 12, Kanha sits at the threshold of Kanha National Park's lush Sal jungles.

Here's your complete guide to reaching us from Jabalpur, Raipur or Nagpur; along with insider tips to make the journey as beautiful as the destination.

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A Naturalist's Guide from Outpost 12

The soft rustle of sal leaves, the distant alarm call of a chital, and a flicker of gold and black in the undergrowth - these moments define Kanha. It is a dream sighting to see a Tiger walking among the Sal trees with morning light filtering through the jungle or a Tiger walking towards your jeep on a jungle road.

At Outpost 12, our naturalists often say that tiger sightings are as much about timing and patience as they are about luck.

If you're planning your Kanha safari, here's your complete guide to the best time of year to witness the majesty of India's most iconic predator.

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Essentials from our naturalists at Outpost 12

Wilderness rewards those who come prepared.

There's something deeply exciting about packing for the jungle, each item in your bag becomes part of your story in the wild. At Outpost 12, our naturalists see it all; first-time travelers who forget a hat, seasoned explorers who carry more camera gear than clothes and the occasional guest who discovers the magic of traveling light.

Here's our definitive guide to what to pack for your Kanha safari, so you're ready for every rustle, roar and ray of sunshine.

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The Wasp Illusion - Evolution's Clever Trick Hidden in Moths

When I first arrived at Outpost 12, near the Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, I was stepping into a new chapter of my journey as a naturalist. Having worked across different states in India as a biodiversity expert, I had spent years assessing ecosystems, plants, birds, and insects; but never in a tiger state. The thrill of working in one of India's most celebrated wildlife landscapes was something else entirely.

Over the past year, I have been documenting the biodiversity within our property at Outpost 12, and the diversity here continues to astonish me. From the smallest ants to the elusive nightjars, every night revealed something new. But my true fascination began after sunset, when the lights drew in an entire hidden world of moths.

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