Situated in the nurturing lap of Central India.
Satpura National Park is a serene sanctuary nestled in the Mahadeo Hills of the Satpura range. Satpura translates to Seven Mountains (sat-seven, pura– mountain).
Spread over a sprawling 1427 sq. km.; Satpura National Park was formed in 1981 with Satpura, Pachmarhi, and Bori sanctuaries and the altitude ranges.
Madhai, the entrance of Satpura forests offers surreal views of wilderness and tranquillity.
Satpura National Park Information
Satpura National Park has fascinating terrain with deep ravines, sandstone peaks, narrow gorges, rivulets, and cascading waterfalls; abounds in expansive sal and teak, mahua, tendu, bamboo forests, and medicinal herbs. Satpura’s charming landscape with its rich tapestry of flora and fauna is home to the Spotted Deer, Indian Bison (Gaur), Tigers, Wild boar, Wild dog (Dholes), Blackbuck, Porcupine, Sambhar, Four Horned antelopes (Chowsingha), Crocodile, Malabar squirrels, Langurs, and the famous Albino Gaurs. Sloth bear and Leopard sightings are the special attractions of Satpura.
The water bodies attract a host of local and migratory birds, making Satpura a bird watcher’s paradise. Home to raptors like the Honey Buzzard, Black Eagle, Rufous-bellied Eagle, and many others, one can also delight in spotting Malabar Pied Hornbill, Paradise Fly Catcher, Migrant Waterfowl, Bar-headed Goose, Pintail, Garganey, Pochard, and Ruddy Shelduck. Rare species like the Indian Skimmer and other wading birds also visit this serene island, occasionally.
Satpura National Park is the largest tiger reserve of Central India and is divided into 10 different ranges. The core-Kamti, Bori, Churna, East Pachmarhi, West Pachmarhi, and Matkuli. The buffer is divided into Bagda, Pipariya, Denwa, and Tawa. Out of which Kamti range has the Madhai gate where maximum tourism activities can be done. Madhai gate is named after the relocated village that used to be nestled inside the core area before.
Highlights
Size
The size spread over a sprawling 1,427 Square Kilometer
Forest Type
Mix Decidious Forest with prominent Sal & Teak Vegetation
Mammal Focus
Sloth Bear, Leopard, Wild Dog, Giant Malabar Squirrel, Albino Gaur
Birds
Bar Headed Goose, Indian Skimmer, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Eagle Owl
Exclusive Park Activities in Satpura National Park
Canoe Ride
A canoe ride on the Denwa River can be a therapeutic experience. Become one with the serenity of the river and the stunning landscape that cradles it. The canoe ride promises special encounters with the varied water birds and witnessing somersaulting fish & other aquatic life. A trained guide from the forest reserve accompanies our guests and they are provided with life jackets. Can be arranged on a one pax or two pax basis.
Canoe Ride
Night Safari
The concerted efforts of the forest department have restored Sehra and Parsapani buffer zones. They are excellent for night patrol; also known as evening safari, during the twilight hour.The twilight hour from 5:30 P.M. to 8 P.M. is an ideal time for sightings, as most wild animals and birds start returning to their roost or resting sites. The predators on the other hand start crawling out of their hideouts, and can be caught on the prowl.
Night Safari
Overnighter at Churna F.R.H
One can spend a full day doing safaris with a pit stop for lunch at Churna Guest House or an overnight stay at the guesthouse; post the afternoon safari. This quaint guesthouse from the forest department, offers an unadulterated forest experience, amidst the wild. One can spend meditative moments in this peaceful sanctuary, watching the birdlife and other jungle visitors. A sound sleep is ensured, amidst the curious hooting of the owls and mysterious chirping of the crickets.
Churna Forest Guest House
Where to stay in Satpura National Park
Denwa Backwater Escape, by Pugdundee Safaris, is an eco-luxury, wildlife resort in Satpura National Park. This idyllic getaway is nestled in the densely forested land of Madhai, along the backwaters of the meandering Denwa River. Built on 10 acres of lush forest cover; our eco-luxury wildlife resort offers stunning views of the Denwa River, the rolling Pachmarhi hills, and the rolling grasslands of Satpura National Park.
Our forested estate is gifted with an undulating landscape, a versatile set of flora and fauna that includes in-house wildlife residents, water bodies, and a robust set of cottages and tree houses with unhindered, expansive views. The Denwa Backwater Escape is a quaint jungle eco-luxury resort in Satpura that is single-use plastic free. Built-in contemporary safari-style design, the lodge uses local and sustainable materials like stone, baked tiles, and even recycled old furniture, including wooden railway sleepers.
The eight Cottages and two Tree houses are done up in eclectically crafted, leather safari furniture, crisp cotton upholstery, and linen. The walls and the rooms are adorned with local art and crafts, which also include wrought iron Bastar art. The cozy accommodation offers sprawling verandahs with scenic views of the forest cover and the winding Denwa river of Satpura National Park.
How to reach Satpura National Park
By Air
Bhopal (150 kms) and Nagpur (320 kms) are closest airport for Satpura. There are many daily flights by national airlines and it is a 4-hour drive from Bhopal and 6½-hour drive from Nagpur. Taxis can be booked from the hotel you are staying in or from tour operators. There are not many options for taxi booking on arrival.
By Train
Piparia (40 kms), Sohagpur (20 kms), Itarsi (70 kms), Hoshangabad (70 kms), Bhopal (140 kms) and Nagpur (320 kms) are well-suited stations for Satpura. There are several trains to these stations on a daily basis.
FAQs for Satpura National Park
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What is Satpura National Park famous for?
Satpura National Park is famous for spotting Sloth bears, Leopards, Wild Dogs, Crocodiles, and an astounding variety of birds. In the last few years, the Tiger population has also increased and consistent sightings are there. Indian Giant squirrels and White Bison are a special feature of Satpura National Park.
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What is the best time to visit Satpura National Park?
Satpura National Park is wonderful to visit throughout the year. October to March offers the best weather with sunny days, cold nights, and very few days of rain. April to June gets hot but is excellent for sightings in the park. The core zone is closed from July to Sept but the buffer zone is open all year round. Buffer zones in Satpura are equally rewarding and also allow night safaris.
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What other activities are there in Satpura National Park beyond safari?
Satpura Tiger Reserve offers an array of activities very different from other parks in Central India, making it very special for the discerning guest. The guests can enjoy walking safaris, boat safaris, kayaking, hides, hikes inside the tiger reserve, and camping.
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Which is the nearest airport to Satpura National Park?
Satpura National Park can be best reached from Bhopal which is 3 ½ hours away. Bhopal is well-connected to all major cities in India.
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Which is the best safari zone in Satpura National Park?
Madhai is the most popular gate of Satpura National Park and offers jeep safaris, walk-in-the-core, canoe, and boat safaris. Madhai gates give easy access to the best parts of the parks and also the Churna range.