Satpura National Park

Satpura National Park, one of Central India’s most spectacular and diverse national parks, is situated in the lovely and varied suburbs of Madhya Pradesh. The sanctuary has won several awards for being the most visitor-friendly wildlife attraction.

The Satpura Hill ranges, also known as the Mahadeo hills, are the name of the 202 square mile Satpura Tiger Reserve in the Madhya Pradesh province of India. The Satpura National Park and the Bori and Pachmarhi sanctuaries provide about 550 square miles of tiger reserve territory, making it crucial to India’s ecosystem.

The park was constructed in 1981 with an elevation range of 300 to 1,352 meters. Along with a diversity of unique plants and animals, the forest enclaves at Satpura National Park serve as a habitat for several endangered and threatened species.

Quick Fact

Satpura, Pachmarhi, and Bori are the three wildlife sanctuaries combined to create the national park. The national park has various habitats, including deep valleys, sandstone plateaus, narrow gorges, the Tawa reservoir, backwaters, waterfalls, and a heavily rich forest of sal and other medicinal herbs because each of the original sanctuaries had completely different terrain.

Thus, Satpura National Park is among the priceless gems in the crown of the rich biodiversity of Madhya Pradesh. This fantastic wildlife park in Madhya Pradesh, teeming with an exotic diversity of flora and fauna, was established in 1981. Since then, it has been enticing wildlife lovers from India and outside. You do not necessarily have to be a wildlife enthusiast to love this wildlife park for everything it offers; it is heavenly for nature lovers and explorers too.

Popular Flora and Fauna of Satpura National Park

Satpura National Park’s best feature is its rich Central Indian Forest Ecosystem, which supports diverse biodiversity. The entire area of Satpura Tiger Reserve has over 1,300 plant species. It has over 62 tree species, 30 small tree species, 58 shrub species, and 32 climber species. 64 medicinal and grass species and rare herbs. In addition, many rare and endemic plants are found in and around the park.

Satpura National Park and its surrounding buffer zone area are bestowed with a vast and diversified population of wildlife species rarely found in other national parks. The forest areas of Satpura Park are unique in their ecosystem. Tourists can find more than 50 species of mammals, 254 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, 30 species of reptiles, and more than 50 species of beautiful butterflies.

Brief History about Satpura National Park

The seven mountains are generally translated from the Sanskrit phrase Satpura (Sapta means “numerical seven” and Pura means “mountains”). The seven mountains represent the Satpura Maikal Landscape and the Satpura Ranges.

In pursuit of the renowned Indian freedom fighter Tantya Tope, Bengal Lancers Captain James Forsyth is credited with exploring the Satpura region, including Pachmarhi.

In his outstanding work, “The Highlands of Central India,” Capt. James Forsyth provided a thorough overview.

The Satpura region’s lush trees and Pachmarhi’s elevation raised the area’s ecological and economic importance. As a result, they were one of the first protected areas to be established by the government.

Places to Visit Near Satpura National Park

There are a lot of locations close to Satpura that you can visit to strengthen your spirituality and connection to nature. Some of them are:

Pandav Caves

Pandav Caves, situated amid verdant hills, are well-known for their sacred significance to Hindus and draw numerous visitors annually. According to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas built these five caverns and remained here after losing to the Kauravas and being sent into exile. The station of Pachmarhi is named after these five caves because the location is so significant. One of the best caving experiences in Madhya Pradesh can be had in these caves, which look out over a garden and are thought to be over a thousand years old.

Bee Falls

If you want to add new hues to your search for wildlife, Bee Falls is one of the better possibilities near Satpura Tiger Reserve. It’s worth taking pictures of the stream of water as it cascades down from a height of 35 meters. If you visit the wildlife park, you must include this picturesque location on your agenda to experience the quiet and beauty of nature. It will undoubtedly relieve your weariness from your forest adventure.

Dhoopgarh

There is no better location than Dhoopgarh near the national park if you enjoy catching magical sunrises and sunsets. The views of endless lengths of velvety green forested landscapes that may be viewed from here are incredibly mesmerizing. It is the highest peak in the Satpura range. From up here, one can also see the whole of Pachmarhi. 

Safari in Satpura National Park

Jeep Safari

Imagine the thrill of exploring the raw nature of Satpura National Park in an open jeep with the hope of spotting a Royal Bengal tiger in the act of hunting or passing by your jeep. A Jeep safari is the preferred option for wildlife photography while exploring the park.

The jeep safari activity at Satpura National Park has a certain kind of charm and thrill. One must take a Satpura National Park safari and spend a couple of hours deep in the dense jungles of the wildlife park. A half-day jeep safari can be categorized as a morning and evening safari. After the morning safari, the guest heads back to the lodge/resort. You can freshen up, eat a quick lunch, relax, and later head back to the jungle for your evening safari.

Safari Timings

Summer timings

  • Morning: 6:00 am to 10:00 am.
  • Evening: 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Winter timings

  • Morning: 6:30 am to 10:30 am.
  • Evening: 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

Elephant Safari

This exhilarating experience entails riding an elephant with a safari guide through the Satpura National Park forest. Compared to a Jeep safari, this is a different kind of safari in Satpura National Park. An elephant safari typically has a higher chance of seeing tigers than a jeep safari.

It is an excellent way to see and photograph tigers. This safari is a must-try activity because of its unique kind of experience. You need special authorization from the national park’s field director to go on an elephant safari. However, the experience is worthwhile.

Safari Timings

Summer timings

  • Morning: 7:00 am to 11:00 am.

Winter timings

  • Morning: 7:00 am to 11:00 am.

Nature Walk safari

Only by walking can you truly understand the jungle. You will walk through deep sal and teak forests across broad meadows next to the Tawa Reservoir’s banks, past ravines, and seasonal streams as you set off with your naturalist at sunrise. One of central India’s least frequented parks, Satpura will make you feel like the area’s first visitor.

When you’re walking into the jungle and trying to spot tigers, Satpura may not be the best park in all of India to go to. Even the sound of a jungle bird scraping through the leaf litter might send your heart pounding when your senses are on high alert.

Safari Timings

Summer timings

  • Morning: 6:00 am to 10:00 am.
  • Evening: 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Winter timings

  • Morning: 6:30 am to 10:30 am.
  • Evening: 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

Churna Safari

The Churna Forest is located in the core area of the Satpura Tiger Reserve. It is located in the western portion of the tiger reserve and is reachable via the Madhai and Bhimkund entry gates. The likelihood of seeing tigers here is relatively high because it is a vitally important tiger habitat. As a result, it is particularly well-liked by wildlife photographers, tiger photographers, and fans of the natural world.

It is located in the Satpura Tiger Reserve’s western section, unlike the northern Madhai Gate. The Madhai Gate and the Bhimkund Gate can be used to enter the Churna Forest.

Safari Timings

Summer timings

  • Morning: 6:00 am to 10:00 am.
  • Evening: 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Winter timings

  • Morning: 6:30 am to 10:30 am.
  • Evening: 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

Boat Safari

Boating is another activity provided by the management of Satpura Park, in addition to Jeep and Elephant Safaris. The Denwa River is regarded as the park’s lifeblood. The boat journey offers an excellent opportunity to see the beautiful grandeur of the Satpura hills and woods, crocodile sightings, and even creatures grazing near the river. Boat safaris must also include a forest guide.

Visitors are charged for this service, which they must pay by depositing the appropriate amount at the Madhai Safari ticket desk. Similar to park management, some resorts provide their visitors with a boat excursion as an additional activity while they are there.

Safari Timings

  • 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Satpura Zones

Satpura National Park is distinguished by core and buffer areas, which include various zones. The core area of the forest within the Satpura National Park is off-limits to human encroachment. A small amount of tourism is allowed in the forest region, but the extraction of any forest products is prohibited. The core zone is separated into three zones that share boundaries with the buffer zone: Madhai Zone, Churna Zone, and Pachmarhi Zone.

The central Zone of the Satpura National Park is bordered by or adjacent to the buffer zone. It is a partition between the village’s human residents and the fauna that calls it home. Regulated activities are permitted in this forest area, but not exclusively human habitation. The area is home to various animals, such as chinkara, nilgai, wolves, and four-horned antelope. It is separated into four zones: Parsapani Zone, Jamani Devi Zone, Sehra Zone, and Pathai Zone.

Pachmarhi Zone

This is the new core zone of Satpura National Park. It is also referred to as the “Panaarpani Zone” and is situated close to the popular ecotourism destination of Pachmarhi Hill Station.

Tourists had to travel about 18 km to go on the forest safari. Every Wednesday, only the evening round will be open for safaris as per the rule.

Churna Zone

Churna Safari Zone is the western portion of the reserve, and it can be easily reached through the Madhai Entry Gate and Bhimkund Entry Gate.

The Churna Gate, also known as Bhimkund Safari Gate, is nestled in the core zone of the Satpura National Park. The number of tiger sightings is comparatively high because this region is integral to the tiger’s habitat. The reserve is well-liked by animal enthusiasts and photographers for this reason.

Madhai Zone

The Madhai Gate of Satpura National Park, which has a variety of topography, including plains, valleys, meadows, water bodies, some steep terrain, and more, is the most well-known of all the access gates.

This area of Satpura National Park has the highest concentration of tigers because it serves as the center for wildlife tourism. However, this core zone only allows 30 vehicles per day, including the morning and afternoon safaris.

Parsapani Buffer Zone

The Zone is accessible via private vehicle safaris. However, this area is full of unusual terrain, holds lush vegetation in an undulating habitat, and is packed with various streams, ponds, grasslands, riverbanks, and woodlands. In this safari zone, only 14 cars are allowed each day, 7 in the morning and 7 in the afternoon.

Jamanidev Buffer Zone

This beautiful landscape has ponds, streams, forests, and riverbanks. You can go camping and participate in activities like hiking, bird watching, Jeep safaris, village tours, and cultural programs to make your trip more exciting.

You can also travel there on safaris in your car. The number of vehicles allowed to enter this Zone every morning and afternoon is 14.

Sehra Zone

The possibilities of seeing Gaur, Satpura Leopard Gecko, Rusty Spotted Cat, Mouse Deer, and Indian Crested Porcupine are great in this gorgeous buffer zone, which is closer to Denwa and has lush green meadows.

Pathai Zone

The Pathai Buffer Zone is located between Shohagpur and Madhai (20 km) on one side and Madhai and Pathai Gates (14 km) on the other side, where it intersects the Denwa backwaters at several spots.

Resorts in and around Satpura National Park

For an unforgettable journey to Satpura Jungle, visitors can take advantage of the benefits of lodging in the stunning lodges of Satpura National Park. Below are the accommodations in and near Satpura National Park:

  • The Aanandam Hotel Resort
  • The Summer House – AM Hotel Kollection
  • Hotel RAJVIHAR
  • Narmada River View – Narmadapuram
  • Hotel Banjara, Pachmarhi

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    BEST TIME TO VISIT SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

    SUMMER SEASON

    (March to June)

    Satpura experiences hot, humid summers with highs between 15 and 39 °C. Even though it’s inconvenient to travel at this time of year, early summer is the best time to enjoy a jungle safari because many animals may be seen roaming the area.
    Due to the park’s arid surroundings, the summers are sweltering and dry there. During summer, the small water basins inside the park tend to dry up, forcing the animals and their cubs to gather near the Ken River daily to quench their thirst. This is also the best time to visit as it is more affordable and increases your chances of seeing animals.

    MONSOON SEASON

    (July to September)

    Every year the time of rain changes. The wet season usually begins in June and lasts through September. Satpura experiences terrible summer heat until the monsoons arrive because of the area’s heavy rainfall. The rainy season in Satpura, therefore, varies annually. Bicycle and foot travel is tricky as the ground becomes sticky and muddy.
    Forest safaris are not permitted because most animals in the forests are in their breeding season, even though the great weather attracts many visitors during this period. As a result, if you intend to visit the national park, you should consult the authorities.

    WINTER SEASON

    (October to February)

    The best time to visit Satpura and go on adventurous activities is during the winter. In the daytime, it is 26°C, and at night, it is 7°C. Satpura receives the most visitors during winter when migratory birds flock to the wildlife zones.
    Winter lasts from October to February. The best time to go bird watching is from November to January when migratory bird populations are at their maximum. Come in the winter if you enjoy watching migrating birds fly by.

    Winter lasts from October to February. The best time to go bird watching is from November to January when migratory bird populations are at their maximum. Come in the winter if you enjoy watching migrating birds fly by.

    HOW TO REACH SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

     
    By Flight
    By Train
    By Road
    The nearest domestic airport is the Ozar Airport at Nashik, which flies domestic flights to cities like Ahmedabad, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Bhopal, and Hyderabad.

    The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai offers the nearest international airport, which flies flights to several cities like Singapore, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Zurich, and Hong Kong as domestic flights to most Indian cities. You could board a bus or a private car from the Mumbai airport to Saputara.

    Itarsi is the nearest major railway station to Satpura National Park, located about 70 kilometers away. You can reach Itarsi by train from various cities in India. From Itarsi, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park.
    Tourists could travel from Mumbai to Saputara via Nashik by private vehicle or rented taxi. The best method of transportation to Saputara is by road, nevertheless. The little hill station of Saputara has a steep landscape. Various state and private bus operators run bus services to Satpura National Park from nearby cities and towns.

    TIPS FOR SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

    • It could be risky to visit Satpura National Park when it’s raining. Additionally, after June, several portions of the park will be closed.
    • It takes less time to go there because Pachmarhi is the nearest to Satpura National Park.
    • The Jeep Safari’s afternoon shift is closed every Wednesday. Additionally, both shifts are suspended during the Holi festival.
    • Wear thick pants and tall boots if you’re going on an elephant safari to protect your legs from injury from brushing against trees and bushes.
    • Wear subtle colors like beige, mild brown, and green to blend in with the surroundings because bright colors frighten animals.

    FAQs

    Why is Satpura National park famous?

    The fauna of Satpura National Park is abundant. Leopard, sambar, chital, Indian muntjac, nilgai, four-horned antelope, Chinkara, wild boar, bear, black buck, fox, porcupine, flying squirrel, mouse deer, and Indian giant squirrel are among the inhabitants of this area.

    Which national park is better, Bandhavgarh or Satpura?

    Tigers have a stronghold in Bandhavgarh, the best location in the world to see one. However, crocodiles, leopards, sloth bears, and migratory birds are more common in Satpura. While jeep safaris are the main attraction in Bandhavgarh, Satpura offers a distinctive way to explore the park on foot, on the boat, and by jeep.

    Which city is nearby Satpura National Park?

    Satpura Tiger Reserve is easily accessible by road, air, and rail from all regions of India. The closest airport to Satpura is in Bhopal, 176 km away. Only 70 km separate you from Itarsi, a well-known railway crossroads where trains come from across the nation.

    Is Satpura National Park worth visiting?

    One of Central India’s quietest and least frequented national parks, Satpura is a breathtakingly gorgeous location that provides an experience of wilderness unlike any other.

    Which gate is best in Satpura National Park?

    Out of all the entrances to Satpura National Park, Jamani Dev Gate, Pachmarhi, Churna, and Parsippany Gate are the most frequented.