Sarhi Jeep Safari - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 58 km from Mocha and 62 km from Khatia Gate, Kisli Zone is one of the core zones of Kanha Nationa Park. This zone is primarily visited through Sarhi entrance gate, located near Sarhi village.

Sarhi zone in Kanha National Park is created after Kanha zone and Mukki zone. It is the northern part of Kanha tiger reserve and mostly untouched for a long time. It is said that vegetation in Sarhi zone is dense due to which here tiger sighting is a little bit challenging but in the summer season, the sighting is good. This zone is known for good sighting of Sloth Bear, Nilgai, Dholes (Wild Dog) and Leopards. Here the jungle is very beautiful thus it is the best place for nature photography. Besides, one can also explore places like Halloen River Valley, Jamuntola, Umerkhera Camp, Ronda Camp, Mahuadabri, Ganeri-Dadar and Khuluwa by undertaking jungle safari drives in Sarhi Zone.

In order to do jungle safari in Sarhi zone, tourists can enter from Khatia gate or Sarhi gate. For shared safaris, tourists have to enter from Sarhi gate and for full vehicle permit holders, entry is allowed from Khatia entrance gate. It is the least visited core zone compared to other zones of Kanha National Park. The best thing about Sarhi Zone is that its accessibility is very good and the crowd is less thus easy to get safari tickets. As Sarhi is a newly developed entrance gate of Kanha thus, it has limited accommodation options so it would be better to undertake full vehicle permit safari for visiting Sarhi zone and stay in any Khatia gate resort.

Accompanied by a trained guide, the jeep safari is the best way to explore the jungle. The Jungle Safari is done only with vehicles registered with the park administration as private vehicles are not allowed inside the park. The number of vehicles allowed to enter into Sarhi Zone is 27 in the morning and 27 in the evening. Each jeep can take up to 6 travelers other than a driver and one naturalist. The safari entry and exit timings change according to the change of seasons. Afternoon shift is typically closed on Wednesdays. Morning & Afternoon both the shift remains close on Holi festival.

One can book safari tickets either online at www.mponline.gov.in or through travel agents or if available one can also get this from the booking window at the entrance gate of the national park. One can also book a single seat for jeep safari instead of paying the full vehicle at Kanha. Single-seat bookings are only offered online for core zones. The guide fee and vehicle hire fee are to be paid separately at the park before undertaking the safari and will be distributed equally between the tourists in the vehicle. All the visitors are required to carry their original identity document during safari drives as it is verified at the entrance gate. Safari tickets are non-transferable. During safari drive, guide service is compulsory on each safari vehicle.

This zone is open for jungle safari drives from 15th October to 30th June. During the monsoon period i.e. from July to September, it remains closed for tourists.

Safari Timings: 6.30 AM - 11 AM & 2 PM - 5.30 PM from Oct - Feb and 6 AM - 10 AM & 3 PM - 6 PM from Mar - June, Closed on every Wednesday evening, on Holi, Diwali & during monsoon.

Safari Permit Fee: Rs. 250 for Single Seat in Jeep, Rs. 1500 per Whole Jeep (max 6 Persons). Jeep hiring cost & guide cost extra (around 2500 per jeep and 480 per guide).

Note: Safari cost changes frequently