About Satpura National Park

A premier tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh known for its dramatic landscapes, deep gorges, and exclusive walking and canoe safaris.

Located in the Narmadapuram (formerly Hoshangabad) district of Madhya Pradesh, Satpura National Park offers a wildlife experience unlike any other. As a core part of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, its terrain is wonderfully rugged, featuring towering sandstone peaks, narrow gorges, and dense ravines. Away from the typical tourist crowds, Satpura provides a highly immersive and peaceful jungle safari experience in Central India.

Unique Safari Experiences: Walk, Boat, and Jeep

What makes a Satpura Tiger Reserve safari truly special is its diverse modes of exploration. It is one of the few core tiger reserves in India that allows visitors to explore the wilderness beyond a standard jeep. You can experience:

• Walking Safari: Explore the core forest on foot with a trained forest naturalist.
• Canoe & Boat Safari: Glide silently across the backwaters of the Denwa River to spot basking crocodiles and aquatic birds.
• Jeep Safari: The classic 4x4 open gypsy ride deep into the dense woodland.

Wildlife & Bird Watching

A safari here often begins with a scenic boat ride across the Denwa River to reach the famous Madhai entry gate. Satpura is renowned as one of the best places in India for Sloth Bear sightings. While the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger calls this park home, the forest is equally famous for its thriving populations of Leopards, Indian Wild Dogs (Dholes), the endemic Indian Giant Squirrel, and massive herds of Gaur (Indian Bison).

For birdwatchers, the riverbanks and dense canopy offer spectacular sightings of the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Paradise Flycatcher, and various raptors.

Key Safari Zones & Gates

To maximize your wildlife tracking, the park is divided into distinct zones:

• Madhai Zone: The primary tourism hub and most popular gate for jeep and boat safaris.
• Panaarpani Zone: Conveniently located near the famous Pachmarhi hill station.
• Bheemkund (Churna): Deep inside the core area, offering excellent opportunities for big cat tracking.

For travelers looking to go beyond just chasing tigers and wanting to soak in the pristine silence of the forest, Satpura National Park is the ultimate wildlife destination.