National Park in Madhya Pradesh: List with Safari Details

Madhya Pradesh is known as the Tiger State of India. There are 12 National Park in Madhya Pradesh. These parks are big forests where animals live safely. Many people visit these parks to see tigers, deer, birds, and many more animals. According to the 2022 census, a total of 785 tigers were officially recorded in Madhya Pradesh. This is the highest number of tigers in any state of India. Lakhs of people visit these parks each year to move around the jungle and see animals and many other birds. If you want to visit this place with your family, this simple guide will help you get a better understanding of the top national park and the safari details easily.

Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is one of the most famous National Park in Madhya Pradesh. It is located in the Maikal range of Satpuras in Madhya Pradesh. This park is famous for the Barasingha, also known as the swamp deer. It is a special kind of deer that was rescued from extinction. There are four main zones for the safari, named Kisli, Kanha, Mukki, and Sarhi. Jeep safari is the most popular form of tourism. There are two times for the safari, morning (roughly 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM) and afternoon (roughly 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM). The cost of a jeep safari in Kanha National Park for Indians ranges from approximately ₹6,500 to ₹10,000 per vehicle (up to 6 adults) for core zones, while foreign nationals pay around ₹9,500 to ₹15,000 per vehicle. At Kanha, you can see tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, and many species of deer. There are more than 300 species of birds. The nearest railway station to Kanha National Park is Gondia Junction (approx. 145 km) and Jabalpur Railway Station (approx. 160–170 km). Jabalpur is the nearest airport. Kanha is a very good park for families, as the roads are good and the safari is well managed.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district. It is smaller than Kanha National Park but very famous for tiger spotting. Bandhavgarh has one of the highest tiger populations. This implies that you have a higher opportunity to see a tiger. Bandhavgarh has three main zones. These are Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli. Jeep safari runs twice a day, like other national parks. Morning safaris (sunrise to 11:00 AM) and afternoon safaris (3:00 PM to sunset). The cost is ₹7,500 to over ₹10,000 for Indians and higher for foreigners. Bandhavgarh has an old Bandhavgarh Fort inside the park. Bandhavgarh Fort is 2,000 years old. Besides seeing tigers, you can see elephants, spotted deer, sambar deer, and many birds. Umaria railway station (35 kilometers) is the nearest railway station to Bandhavgarh. Jabalpur Airport ( 160 kilometers) is the nearest airport to Bandhavgarh.

Pench National Park

Pench National Park is situated on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. This park gained fame as the inspiration for the book "The Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling. Pench has well-known safari routes such as Turia, Karmajhiri, and Jamtara. The Turia Gate is the most popular gate. The time for the safari is similar to that of other parks. Going on a morning safari is better as the weather is cooler. The cost is ₹7,500 to ₹11,000 per jeep for Indians, and for foreigner fees are around ₹13,500–₹19,000 per jeep. Animals found in the park include tigers, leopards, wild dogs, jackals, and many birds. There are many teak trees and open grasslands. The railway station near the park is Seoni and Nagpur. The nearest airport is Nagpur Airport. It is 90 kilometers from the Turia gate. This park is suitable for people coming from Maharashtra and nearby cities.

Satpura National Park

Satpura National Park is located in the Narmadapuram district. This park is special because more activities are available here in comparison to other parks. In this park, one can enjoy a jeep safari, a boat safari, and a walking safari in a few safe areas with a guide. This is what makes this park different from other parks. The cost of a safari permit is almost the same as that of other parks, but the cost of a boat safari is separate. The animals that are spotted in this park are tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, and crocodiles. This park is special because of the beautiful hills, rivers, and forests. The railway station that is closest to this park is Itarsi, which is about 70 kilometers away. The airport that is closest to this park is Bhopal, which is about 140 kilometers away. This park is less crowded, making it a good option for people who like a quiet forest experience.

Conclusion 

Now you know about the top four parks in Madhya Pradesh. Kanha is known for the Barasingha and the largest forest area. Bandhavgarh is known for tiger spotting. Pench is known for its connection to the Jungle Book and proximity to Nagpur. Satpura is known for boat and walking safaris. All the parks are open from October to June and closed during the rainy season. It is always better to book tickets online before your visit. It is better to carry water and wear cotton clothes. Visiting a national park in Madhya Pradesh is a great idea to see wild animals and enjoy nature with your family.