If you remember the catchy ‘Hindustan ka Dil’ advertisement by MP Tourism from 2007, you’d know that this stunning central Indian state brims with the most wonderful national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
With its dense forests and rolling grasslands, the national parks of Madhya Pradesh are magnificent with abundant wildlife that includes quite a variety of bird and animal species.
Besides treasured wildlife, the national parks in Madhya Pradesh also hold a lot of cultural significance which can be seen in the region’s ancient temples, historic ruins, and tribal communities.
So, if you’re a wildlife enthusiast or someone seeking an escape into the wild, do visit these top national parks in MP and we promise, they will blow away your mind!
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It is known to be one of the country’s premier tiger reserves and national parks in Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic Royal Bengal tigers thriving in their natural habitat.
The allure of Bandhavgarh, however, extends beyond its tiger population with its sprawling landscapes, dense Sal forests, and ancient ruins. All these factors add mystery to one of the most famous national parks in Madhya Pradesh.
You can easily spot sloth bears, deer, white tigers, and elephants within the boundaries of Bandhavgarh. It also has a whopping 300 species of birds that include bar-headed goose, comb duck, Indian gray hornbill, and coppersmith barbet.
Bandhavgarh offers a three-hour jeep safari to visitors that covers about 716 sq km of area of the national park. You can also book Bandhavgarh’s popular Elephant Safari priced at INR 1500 per person.
Do plan a visit to the Canter Safari which charges INR 1000 per person. You can also go camping or visit nearby places like the Bandhavgarh Fort and other heritage sites, bird watching, or simply soak in the beauty of valleys covered by forests and grassy swamps!
A visit to Bandhavgarh National Park is thus a journey that combines adventure and a profound connection with the wild, leaving visitors with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
To reach Bandhavgarh, you can opt for air travel to Jabalpur, the nearest major city, followed by a scenic drive. Alternatively, the Umaria railway station serves as the closest rail link.
Entry fee: INR 2200 for Indians and INR 4300 for Foreigners
Best time to visit: October to March
Must-do things: Jeep Safari (6 AM onwards in summer and 6.30 AM onwards in winter), Elephant Safari, visit Bandhavgarh Fort, man-made caves, and rock paintings, Baghel Museum, Village Tala, camping, etc.
With a history that spans over 70 years, Kanha National Park has housed more than 1,000 species of flowers. It has 300 species of birds, and countless animals, which makes it the largest among all the national parks of Madhya Pradesh.
Among the must-see is the mesmerizing Bamni Dadar, also known as Sunset Point. It gives panoramic views of the renowned national park in MP, bubbling streams running all over the dense forests, and elephants. You can also go for jeep safaris that are simply unmissable for wildlife enthusiasts.
The open jeep ride increases your chances of spotting, tigers, elephants, deer, and ‘Barasingha’ also known as the ‘jewel of Kanha’. This national park also has birds like Indian Roller, black ibis, blossom-headed parakeets, and crested serpent eagles.
Once you finish your guided safari tour, you can partake in other fun activities such as photography, birdwatching, hiking, and witnessing breathtaking sunsets amidst the wilderness.
The wonderful Kanha National Park is uniquely located near other popular national parks in Madhya Pradesh, including Bandhavgarh National Park, Tadoba National Park, and Pench National Park.
If you have an extra day, you can also explore Jabalpur, a beautiful city known for tourist attractions like Dhuandhar Falls, Madan Mohan Fort, stunning temples, and more.
Reaching Kanha is convenient, with Jabalpur serving as the nearest major city, offering air and rail connectivity.
Entry fee: INR 1800 (approx.) for adults and 3060 for foreign adults + extra for safaris
Best time to visit: November to March
Must-do activities: Jeep Safari, Elephant Safari, Night Safari, visiting Kanha Museum and Shravan Tal, camping in the park, bird-spotting, photography, etc.
Flourishing along the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh, Panna, a large national park in MP, sprawls over an area of 543 sq km. It is full of species like elusive tigers, leopards, sloth bears, sambal deer, hawk eagles, Indian Pitta, and Indian vultures.
The national park has at least seven species of vultures, one of the highest in the country.
Panna is one of the most visited national parks in Madhya Pradesh, and has even won the Award of Excellence from the Ministry of Tourism, Madhya Pradesh, in 2007!
One of the reasons for its popularity is also the successful re-introduction of the critically endangered crocodile species, Ghadiyal. Panna has received a lot of appreciation for its work towards the conservation of flora and fauna.
Even today, the park continues to attract thousands of visitors from across the country, thanks to some top points of interest including the tiger reserve, wildlife and boat safaris, walk through its deciduous forests, and Ken boating sites.
While visiting the national park do plan a visit to nearby attractions like Baldeoji Temple, Pandav Falls, Raneh Falls, and the Gharial Sanctuary.
One of the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh, the allure of Panna lies not just in its breathtaking landscapes and fascinating wildlife, but also in its commitment to conservation and the success stories it holds.
You can reach Panna easily from Khajuraho which has the nearest airport and railway station. A short drive brings you to the park’s entrance, where a world of wilderness awaits.
Entry fee: INR 40 for adults and INR 500 for foreign adults
Best time to visit: November to April
Must-do activities: Jeep Safari, photography, boating in Ken River, visiting Pandav Falls and Caves, Diamond mines, Badi Devi temple, etc.
Pench National Park is located in the southern part of MP and stands as a living testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature’s elements.
This enchanting national park in MP is said to be the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book.’ It all began with a report published in 1831 that narrated the story of a boy who was raised by a pack of wolves in a village near Seoni district, which later became a part of this popular national park.
The glory of Pench National Park was also mentioned in several historical texts, including Ain-i-Akbari, High Lands of Centra India by James Forysth, and R.A Strenthal’s Sivni, the Camp Life in Satpura.
No wonder that Pench has captivated the interest of wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers for years now. On top of its rich history, Pench also caters to a unique landscape of rolling hills, pristine rivers, and dense teak forests.
Even a simple walk through the wet, dry, or mixed deciduous forests is enough to relax your body and calm your mind. So, if you are looking for a quick yet peaceful getaway in Madhya Pradesh, this should be it.
Its star wildlife attractions include the regal Bengal tiger, leopards, Indian bison, spotted deer, and wild boars. The avian population is equally impressive with over 285 bird species, including the Indian roller, crested serpent eagle, and racket-tailed drongo.
The best way to venture into Pench’s heart is through its guided jeep safaris where you can witness the elusive big cats or a herd of deer grazing in the meadows.
Beyond the wildlife, the park boasts intriguing historical ruins with the Pench River meandering through the landscape, adding more charm to the park’s glory.
If you book one of the SOTC’s Madhya Pradesh tour packages, you can further explore nearby attractions like the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ramtek Temple Complex.
Entry fee: INR 15 for Indians and INR 150 for foreigners
Best time to visit: October to February
Must-do activities: Jeep safari, nature trails, visit Shukla Dam, Kohka Lake, Mahakaleshwar Mandir, etc.
Brimming in the rugged terrains of Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh, Satpura National Park emerges as a hidden gem. It offers a unique blend of wilderness and serenity in one place.
The park’s fauna is rich and varied, with over 50 species of mammals, including the Indian bison, spotted deer, and wild boars. It shelters an array of avian species, from the Malabar pied hornbill to the paradise flycatcher.
You can visit the Madhai zone where only 30 vehicles are allowed, whereas the Churna zone allows visitors to bring their pollution-free four-wheelers. Other areas that you can explore are Jamanidev Parsapani and Pachmari.
Nonetheless, wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers often find the courage to tiptoe around the green foliage that may be hiding a tiger’s den or keeping a sambal deer safe and away from the crowd.
If you aspire to be the walker too, make sure to book a guide with you because it is not unlikely to cross paths with a tiger or a leopard.
Another must-do activity in the Satpura National Park is to book a cycling tour in its buffer zone. The area comprises mustard fields reflecting a bright yellow colour and a dry river bed. You and your friends or family members will experience the thrill of a lifetime as you cycle through this zone.
Apart from the wild adventures, the flora of this national park is equally captivating with the landscape adorned by bamboo, teak, and sal trees. Let’s not forget the ultimate profusion of wildflowers that eases all senses.
Besides, the park’s meandering rivers, tranquil lakes, and pristine wilderness create an ambience that soothes the soul. Some of the nearby attractions include the ancient cave paintings of Bhimbetka and the prehistoric rock shelters.
For those seeking a holistic experience, the park offers nature walks, birdwatching excursions, and the chance to simply immerse oneself in the quietude of the wild.
You can also book a stay at one of the wildlife resorts close to the national park, such as Reni Pani Lodge, Forsyth Lodge, and Denwa Backwater Escape. If you book any of these resorts, make sure to spend a day or two in Panchmarhi, a beautiful hill town only two hours away from the national park.
Satpura National Park’s tranquil ambience perfectly suits both the thrill as well as peace seekers. It promises to deliver memorable experiences to all types of tourists during all seasons.
Reaching Satpura is easy, you can opt for air travel to Bhopal or book a rail journey to Itarsi.
Entry fee: INR 3800 for Indians and INR 5800 for foreigners.
Best time to visit: October to April
Must-do things: Boating, photography, bird-watching, canoeing, jeep safari, visiting Pachmarhi, Bee Falls, Jatashankar Temple, Shri Panch Pandav Caves, camping, trekking, etc.
Whether seeking a glimpse of India’s regal big cats, an escape into pristine landscapes, or a chance to witness the harmonious coexistence of nature and human heritage, the national parks of Madhya Pradesh provide an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. So, don’t miss the opportunity to soak in their enthralling beauty and book your Madhya Pradesh tour packages with SOTC today!
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