Top 11 National Parks in Madhya Pradesh, India (2024)

Think of a place where the swing of fresh air wakes you up, where the morning chimes of neighbours satisfy your soul, and where the blazing heat of summer is overwhelmed by the mist of early morning. Think of a place hidden beneath the green meadows... Think of the mesmerising national parks in Madhya Pradesh. 

Exploring the heart of India during summer may sound unconventional but the picturesque beauty and majestic wild residents make you think otherwise. There are a total of 11 national parks in Madhya Pradesh and each of them have a unique identity. In this blog, we will take you across the wilderness of the heart of India and explore its wild heritage. 

List of 11 national parks in (MP) Madhya Pradesh

1. Kanha National Park

Renowned for its several conservation success stories, Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve is the largest national park in the state of Madhya Pradesh with 940 sq. Located in the Mandla and Balaghat districts, it was established in 1955 and became one of the earliest national parks for Project Tiger. Even though Kanha National Park is majorly known for bringing the Central Indian Barasingha or the hardground Barasingha back from the virtual edge of extinction, it is also famous by the name - Tiger land, with several tigresses occupying traditionally famous natal areas. With plateaus and flat-bottomed valley, assorted trees and grasslands, and the two principal rivers Banjar and Halon, it is also an ideal location for spotting herds of bison, packs of wild dogs (dhole), and uncountable groups of deer.

Spotting wild animals is always a matter of luck but Kanha is so rich in wildlife that the odds are tilted in your favour. 

To learn more about this National Park in (MP) Madhya Pradesh, visit https://www.mptourism.com/destination-kanha-national-park.php

2. Bandhavgarh National Park 

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is the land with unique historical attributes. It is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh and famous for its high density of Royal Bengal Tigers, making it one of the best places for tiger safari in the country. 

The reserve is divided into three zones - Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli, with Tala being the most popular and visited zone. During Tala safari, tourists come across the ancient fort ruins within the park (visible from vehicle), explore the breathtaking landscapes, meet the wild residents and visit the statue of reclining Vishnu (Shesh Shaiya). 

To know more about this National Park in (MP) Madhya Pradesh, visit: https://www.mptourism.com/destination-bandhavgarh.php

3. Pench National Park 

Globally recognised as being the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's - Jungle Book, Pench National Park is an undulating setting of lush green meadows in the heart of India. The park is named after the Pench River that flows through it, and covers an area of 758 sq km. Several locations described in the Jungle Book are found in the area including the Wainganga River with its gorge where Sherkhan was killed, Seeonee hills, Kanhiwara village. 

It is also the place to spot the infamous black leopard, along with a significant population of leopards, wild dogs, various species of deer, monkeys, and birds. 

Pench National Park is also home to the late "Collarwali Tigress," who gained international fame for raising her cubs in the wild while wearing a radio collar for scientific research. She also earned the tag of 'Supermom' for giving birth to 29 cubs in her lifetime. 

Visit the below website to get more details about this National Park in Madhya Pradesh

https://www.mptourism.com/destination-pench.php 

4. Satpura National Park

Satpura National Park is located in the Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh and spreads across an area of 524 sq km. It is known for its rich biodiversity and varied topography, which includes hills, valleys, gorges, and water bodies. It is an important habitat, harbouring a source population of tigers, Indian bears (Reech) and Malabar squirrels (Indian giant squirrels). Interestingly, most of the Indian giant squirrels are spotted in the Satpura ranges in Madhya Pradesh and they can leap over an impressive height of about 6 meters.

Satpura National Park also offers several eco-tourism activities, which include jungle safaris, birdwatching, trekking, forsyth trail (you can follow in the footsteps of Capt. James Forsyth of the British Army, a man who is credited to have discovered Pachmarhi and adjoining Satpura landscape in 1857 along with his troop) and camping.

5. Panna National Park 

Panna National Park is situated in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts. The park is spread over an area of 542.67 sq km and home to seven endangered species of vultures. There was once a time when the tigers were next to extinction from Panna National Park and through a careful process of relocation from other tiger reserves, these magnificent creatures were brought back to this terrain. 

There are several nearby excursions as well that visitors can explore during their trip to Panna National Park. The famous Khajuraho Group of Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are just 25 km away from the park and are a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Indian architecture. The Pandav Falls and the Raneh Falls, both located within 50 km of the park, offer a refreshing escape from the heat with their cool waters and picturesque surroundings. Additionally, the Ken River, which flows through the park, offers visitors the opportunity to go on a scenic boat ride and witness the park's wilderness from a unique perspective.

6. Van Vihar National Park 

Van Vihar National Park is a protected area situated in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. The park covers an area of 4.45 sq km and is a popular destination for nature lovers, bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park offers several other activities for visitors, such as nature walks, cycling, walking tours and much more. It is also an ideal location to spend quality time next to nature, gaze at flocks of beautiful birds and have a rejuvenating experience. The park also has an interpretation centre, which not only provides information about the park but also organises conservational events.

7. Madhav National Park 

Madhav National Park, located near Shivpuri town in Madhya Pradesh, spans approximately 354 sq km and is a notable destination among the National Parks in MP. One of the unique features of Madhav National Park is the presence of two lakes named after Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindi and Madho Rao Scindia - Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar respectively. The lake is a popular spot for crocodile sightings, boating and birdwatching.

Apart from the lake, the park is surrounded with several historical monuments, including the Madhav Vilas Palace and George Castle, which provide a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture. Recently, three tigers from the outskirts of Bhopal were also relocated to this national park. 

8. Sanjay-Dubri National Park

Located in the Sidhi district, Sanjay Dubri National Park is a beautiful wildlife reserve covering an area of 831 sq km. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Critically endangered white-rumped vultures can also be seen in this national park. After exploring this national park, you can always visit Parsili to experience the barefoot walk on the bank of river Banas and stargazing beneath the clear skies. 

9. Kuno National Park 

Covering an area of 404 sq km, Kuno is like an ornament in the Vindhyan hills of Central India. Located in the Sheopur district, it derives its name from the Kuno River that flows through the national park. Thanks to the successful Cheetah relocation program of the Government of Madhya Pradesh, it has recently become the first place in India where 4 Cheetah cubs were born after 75 years. Few other popular attractions in Kuno National Park include Dobkund and Palpur Fortress. 

If you're planning to visit Kuno, you might want to consider staying at the Kuno Jungle Resort, which offers comfortable accommodation and a range of amenities amidst the lush surroundings of the sanctuary. With its serene location and proximity to the wildlife sanctuary, the Kuno Jungle Resort is an ideal base to explore the town's natural beauty and cultural heritage.  

To get more information about this national park in the heart of India, visit: https://www.kunonationalpark.org/

10. Ghughwa Fossil National Park

Ghughwa National Park can be considered the smallest national park in the entire state. It is blessed with a priceless treasure trove of plant fossils that existed in India anywhere between 40 million and 150 million years ago. This area was designated as the Ghughwa Fossil National Park in 1983 and it is spread over about 75 acres of land.  

To know more about this national park in MP visit: https://dindori.nic.in/en/tourist-place/national-fossil-park-ghughwa/

11. Dino Adventure Park 

Located 4 km before Mandu, it is a unique destination that offers visitors an opportunity to step back in time and explore the world of dinosaurs. The park is home to a wide range of fossils, including dinosaur eggs, and wood fossils. Visitors can see life-size replicas of various species of dinosaurs and even take a guided tour to learn about the history of the fossils found in the park. The Dino and Fossil Park in Dhar is an excellent place for anyone looking for a gateway that has comfort, fun, and adventure altogether. interested in the history of the earth and the creatures that once roamed it.

These are some of the stunning national parks in Madhya Pradesh (MP). A trip to this wilderness is an opportunity to unwind in the lap of nature and experience the web of life. Every year thousands of wildlife and photography enthusiasts visit Madhya Pradesh to explore the beauty of wildlife. If you are looking for a new adventure to pump up that adrenaline, we think a majestic spotting of a wild animal in the heart of India will do the trick.