SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

 




Here’s a detailed guide to Satpura National Park, nestled in the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh:

Quick Overview

  • Area & Location: The park spans ~524 km² (core), with a total tiger reserve area of ~2 133 km² including buffer zones 

  • Established: 1981 (National Park); designated a tiger reserve in 2000 

  • Topography: Rugged sandstone hills, deep gorges, dense sal–teak–bamboo forests, interspersed with valleys and rivers 


Wildlife & Biodiversity

  • Mammals: Tigers, leopards, Indian bison (gaur), sambar, chital, nilgai, sloth bear, wild dog (dhole), four‑horned antelope, chinkara, barasingha (reintroduced, ~200 in 2024) 

  • Reptiles: Marsh crocodile, mugger crocodile 

  • Birds: Over 254 species, including hornbills, peafowl, crested serpent eagle, paradise flycatcher, Malabar whistling thrush, honey buzzard 

  • Flora: Approx. 1 300 plant species—mainly sal, teak, mahua, bamboo, with a rich variety of grasses, shrubs, medicinal plants 

Safari & Activities

  • Jeep Safaris: Available in Madhai, Pachmarhi, Churna, and buffer zones; morning & evening sessions. Madhai zone limits just 30 vehicles/day for a quiet experience 

  • Boat & Canoe Safaris: On Denwa & Tawa rivers—ideal for spotting crocodiles and waterbirds 

  • Walking Safaris: Guided nature walks on forest trails to observe wildlife tracks & tree species 

  • Elephant Safari: Limited, permit-based rides in core zone .

  • Night Safaris, bike countryside rides, village visits—offered through lodges 


Best Time to Visit

  • Open Season: Early October to end of June; park closes from mid‑June through September (monsoon) 

  • Ideal Months: October to March—pleasant weather (4–30 °C) with high wildlife visibility 

  • Monsoon: Partial access; excellent birdwatching—home to paradise flycatchers & serpent eagles 

How to Reach & Stay

  • By Air: Bhopal Airport ≈ 130–180 km away.

  • By Train: Closest stations—Itarsi, Pipariya, Hoshangabad, Sohagpur (55–70 km) 

  • By Road: Accessible via NH; best with SUVs for rough forest routes 

  • Entry Gates: Key gates—Madhai (core), Pachmarhi, Churna; buffer zone gates at Jamani, Paraspani, Pipariya 

Lodging Recommendations:

  • Denwa Backwater Escape – riverside, premium facilities 

  • Bison Resort – MTDC-run, scenic waterfront accommodation 

  • Forest Rest House – basic but neat, right at Madhai gate


Highlights & Tips

  • Off‑beat experience: Less crowded than Ranthambore or Bandhavgarh—ideal for immersive wildlife connection

  • Unique terrains: Combine jeep, boat & walking safaris to explore varied landscapes—riverine, gorges, hills

  • Photography: Ideal at dawn/dusk; watch denwa/tawa shores for crocodiles & waterbirds 

  • Cultural extension: Visit nearby Pachmarhi with Pandav Caves, Priyadarshini Point & waterfalls 

Summary

FeatureDetails
Why VisitOff‑beat, diverse wildlife, multiple safari options
HighlightsTigers, barasingha, crocodiles, hornbills
Best TimeOctober–March
Must‑DoJeep + boat + walk safaris; visit Pachmarhi
StayRiverside lodges near Madhai Gate

If you're planning a visit and want help with safari routes, booking hacks, or combining Pachmarhi explorations, just let me know


टिप्पणियाँ

इस ब्लॉग से लोकप्रिय पोस्ट

M.P. TOURISM HOTELS AND RESORTS

AMARKANTAK

Sanjay Dubri National Park