Discover the Thrill of Wildlife Jungle Safaris in Madhya Pradesh

Welcome to Madhya Pradesh, a wild wonderland in the Heart of India, where majestic Royal Bengal tigers rule the jungles, giant squirrels hustle through the trees, and beautiful migratory bird species await your arrival!  

Now, imagine yourself on a wild road trip to the Tiger Reserves and National Parks of Madhya Pradesh. It's like a real-life episode of your favourite nature show. From the playful rustling of leaves to the jaw-dropping moment when a tiger stops by, every step is a new page in the jungle diary. 

But hey, we're not just telling you about it, we're taking you on an immersive safari experience. Buckle up as we guide you through the best sighting opportunities and show you why Madhya Pradesh is the ultimate getaway for wildlife enthusiasts. 

1. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Get ready for an enchanting wildlife escapade at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve - an encounter with the wild like no other.

The reserve owes its name to an ancient fort nestled in the Vindhya hills of Umaria district. Bandhavgarh, a combination of two words - Bandhav, meaning brother, and Garh, meaning fort - translates to "Brother's fort," weaving its history back to the times of Ramayana. Legend has it that the Bandhavgarh Fort was given to brother Lakshman by Lord Ram to keep watch on Lanka. 

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, the prime choice for tiger safaris in Madhya Pradesh, is the haven of Royal Bengal Tigers in the state. Brimming with diverse wildlife, a journey through the forests of Bandhavgarh promises to leave you in awe.

Immerse yourself in the park's natural splendour, encountering wildlife species like Indian Leopard, Indian Wolf, Gaur or Indian Bison and many more captivating wildlife.

Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by herds of Spotted Deer and Sambar greeting your path as you venture into the wild meadows of the park.

Plum-headed Parakeet, Green-headed Barbet, Oriental White Eye, House Sparrow, and Orange-headed Thrush are among the fascinating creatures easily sighted in Bandhavgarh. A guided jungle safari in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is sure to leave you yearning for more such wild experiences in the Heart of India.

Apart from its rich wildlife, Bandhavgarh unfolds a wealth of history. Discover the awe-inspiring Shesh Shaiya, a representation of Lord Vishnu in a reclined, sleeping posture atop the seven-headed snake,Shesh Nag.

How to Reach:

• The nearest railway stations are Umaria (33.7 km), Katni (approx 95 km) and Jabalpur (approx 170 km). 
• The nearest airport is at Jabalpur (160 km). 
• You can take a taxi from Satna, Jabalpur, Katni, Umaria or Khajuraho to reach Bandhavgarh National Park via road. 

2. Pench National Park

Welcome to the magical realm of Pench National Park, where the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's 'The Jungle Book' comes to life, and the mysterious black leopard 'Bagheera' prowls through the lush landscapes, ready to enchant every traveller's heart.

Lose yourself in the vibrant greenery of the park as you navigate its trails on a jeep safari, with groups of chital and sambar making your journey memorable. 

The area is particularly renowned for its population of Chital, Sambar, Wild Dog, Gaur (Indian bison) and Wild Pig. Other easily spotted animals include the Sloth Bear, Chousingha, Chinkara, Barking Deer, Jackal, Fox, Jungle Cat and Porcupine. 

And to top it all off, brace yourself for the grand finale, an encounter with tigers and leopards. Imagine these majestic creatures near sparkling water bodies, especially during the summer, an adventure that feels straight out of a captivating jungle tale.

After a thrilling jungle safari, take a delightful detour to the nearby local villages. 

Immerse yourself in the artistry of Pachdhar village, a mere 10 km from Turia gate, where you can try your hand at the potter's wheel. For an authentic experience of rural hospitality, venture to Khamba village, and connect with the warm Gond tribes residing there. It's the perfect way to extend your adventure beyond the wild landscapes.

 
How to reach:

• The nearest railway station is the Nagpur junction (approximately 95 km) which is well connected to other major railheads of the country. 
• Nagpur airport is the nearest airport which is approximately 102 km. 
  
• Situated on the Nagpur-Jabalpur highway, Pench National Park is easily accessible by local means of transport like buses and taxis. Chhindwara district is approximately 90 km and Seoni district is 58 km from the park. 
  

3. Kanha National Park 

Renowned for its enchanting bamboo groves, undulating grasslands, and meandering streams, Kanha offers a unique canvas for wildlife enthusiasts. Proudly showcasing 'Bhoorsingh the Barasingha' as its official mascot, Kanha National Park stands as the exclusive sanctuary for the Rare Hardground Barasingha. 

Imagine yourself traversing the untamed canvas of the forest, beholding picturesque landscapes, and embracing the refreshing caress of cool breezes through your hair, all while pursuing encounters with majestic wildlife creatures amid Kanha's verdant jungles.

Spot the Indian Grey Hornbill, Indian Wild Dog, Indian Bison or Gaur, and Barking Deer as you navigate the winding paths of the jungle meadows. Moreover, the park hosts a diverse array of commonly sighted species, such as the Peafowl, Crested Serpent Eagle, Pond Heron, Black Ibis, Racket-tailed Drongo, Red-wattled Lapwing and many more. 

Embarking on a jungle safari within Kanha National Park promises an indelible experience that should not be missed during your sojourn in Madhya Pradesh.

After a thrilling jungle safari, you can also dive deeper into the wonders surrounding Kanha National Park. Don't miss out on visiting the Kanha Museum, a fascinating showcase of the wildlife conservation efforts within the park.

To extend your adventure, explore local villages like Mocha which is approximately 50 km from the Mukki gate. Here, you can immerse yourself in the heart of the jungles and experience authentic village life, adding an extra layer of cultural richness to your Kanha exploration.

How to reach:

• Kanha National Park is approximately 125 km from Jabalpur. 
• The nearest airport is Jabalpur (approx 130 km). The nearest railway stations are the Jabalpur railway station (approx 125 km) and Bilaspur railway station (approx 186 km). 
• Public transport like taxis and buses are available from Jabalpur, Bilaspur, Nagpur and Raipur, making Kanha easily accessible via roadways.

4. Panna National Park 

Nestled in the Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh, the jungles of Panna is an exquisite wildlife jewel known for its delicate but lively dry deciduous forest.

It has vast plateaus and deep gorges, making it quite unique. You'll find stunning waterfalls here, adding to the natural beauty. The magnificent Ken River flows south to north through the reserve, serving as the perfect spot for sighting Gharials in their natural habitat. 

To elevate your Panna adventure, embark on a captivating boat ride along the Ken River. Seamlessly blending into the landscape, this serene journey allows you to glide along the river's gentle breezes. As you navigate the water, the magical scenery unfolds, offering a unique perspective of the park's natural beauty. 

In this secure habitat of Panna National Park, tigers roam freely, sharing the lush landscapes with fellow wild creatures like leopards, wild dogs, wolves, and wild cats. During winters you can spot 7 different species of vulture soaring through the skies in the park. 

Across the open grasslands Chinkara gracefully roam, particularly along the periphery, providing a picturesque showcase of wildlife in their native habitat.

Embarking on a jungle safari amid the dense meadows of Panna promises an immersive encounter, bringing you intimately closer to the unrivalled wilderness nestled in the Heart of India.

Beyond wildlife, enjoy the nearby waterfalls or plan an excursion to the Madla Village to relish the slow-paced living. While exploring the treasures of Panna, ensure you don't miss out on the Fort of Ajaygarh, Mahamati Prannathji Mandir, Baldeoji Temple, and many more exciting tourist spots. These attractions seamlessly weave history, spirituality, and natural wonders into your Panna experience. 

How to reach:

• Madla gate is the main entry gate to Panna National Park, which is well connected with the road network. You can take any public transport from Khajuraho (approx 24 km), Panna (approx 20 km) and Satna (approx 92 km) to reach the park. 
• The nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport (approx 22 km). 
  
• The nearest railhead is Khajuraho railway station (approx 20 km) and Satna railway station (approx 92 km). 
  

5. Satpura National Park 

Awarded as the most visitor-friendly wildlife destination by TOFT (Travel Operators for Tigers), Satpura National Park is nurtured and cradled within the Satpura range of the Narmadapuram district in Madhya Pradesh. It unfolds its beauty in a tapestry of serene jungles, captivating hilly terrains, deep gorges, and meandering sharp streams.

The profound stillness of the park allows the clear transmission of natural sounds, from the gentle snoring of bears to the resonant roars of tigers.

With a rich and diverse biodiversity, the park serves as a residence for various creatures, including Leopard, Sambar, Chital, Four-horned antelope, Chinkara, Wild boar, Bear, Blackbuck, Fox, Porcupine, Flying squirrel, Mouse deer, and more. Noteworthy among the residents is the Indian giant squirrel, affectionately known as "Nanhi" by the locals.

Elevating your safari experience in the park is the enchanting array of bird species, featuring water birds, hornbills, peacocks and more.

Beyond jungle safaris, indulge in a unique adventure by enjoying tree camping in the buffer zones. This extraordinary experience allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the forest canopy, offering a perspective of nature that goes beyond the conventional. You can also explore the surrounding treasures with attractions like Pachmarhi (approx 82 km), Panaarpani gate (72.8 km), and Churna (approx 150 km), making Satpura National Park a central point for a holistic wildlife and nature getaway.

How to reach:

• The closest airport to Satpura is the Bhopal airport (115 km).
• Itarsi is the prominent railway junction with trains from all across the country, located approximately 70 km away from the park.
• Satpura is well connected by roads to other major cities of the state like Bhopal, Indore, and Pachmarhi.

As our virtual safari through the wild wonders of Madhya Pradesh comes to an end, we extend an open invitation to all adventurers, nature lovers, and curious souls. Madhya Pradesh, with its untamed beauty and diverse landscapes, awaits your arrival. So, pack your bags, leave the ordinary behind, and step into the extraordinary. Let the rustling leaves, the majestic tigers, and the tranquil rivers be your companions. Madhya Pradesh is not just a destination; it's an experience waiting to be lived.

Adventure, discovery, and the thrill of the unknown are calling!   

For more details about safari timings and bookings, please visit https://forest.mponline.gov.in/