Kanha National Park is one of India's premier tiger reserves, about 180 km east of Jabalpur — a 4-hour drive to Mukki or Khatia gate. It was the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book and has some of the best-managed wildlife safari infrastructure in the country. Best visited between November and April.
Bandhavgarh National Park is about 200 km northeast of Jabalpur, reachable in 4–5 hours. It has one of the highest tiger densities in India and excellent chances of sightings on a morning or afternoon jeep safari.
Bhedaghat and the Marble Rocks are the obvious near-Jabalpur excursion — 25 km south, easily done in a half-day. The gorge boat trip plus Dhuandhar Falls makes a complete morning.
Bargi Dam on the Narmada, about 30 km north, offers a large lake, boating, and bird-watching — a relaxed alternative if the main sights have been covered.