Satpura Tiger Reserve

Satpura Tiger Reserve is positioned amidst the expanse of Satpura in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, reserve has immaculate wildlife habitation and admirable natural magnificence. Satpura range forms inimitable ecology, and is spread over an area of 2200 sq. kms which includes 524 sq. kms occupied by Satpura National park, and the expanse of 1427 sq. kms falls under the adjoining Bori wildlife sanctuary and Pachmarhi wildlife sanctuary although it is considered as range of Satpura national park.

Satpura is known for craggy landscapes, sandstone summits, narrow valley, canyons, and thick woodlands that makes it a unique and mesmerizing creation of the nature. The sustenance of Satpura range is Denwa river which flows from east to west and adjoins Tawa river. The other rivers borders Satpura range are Narmada, Mahanadi and Tapti. Wildlife enthusiast are recommended to visit and experience the splendor of pristine Satpura forest.

History of Satpura Tiger Reserve

Satpura national park, the name has been originated from Satpura range, the importance of Sanskrit word Satpura is “seven mountains”. Satpura range was discovered in the year 1862 by Captain James Forsyth, while he was on search of the renowned freedom fighter Tatya tope. After identifying the importance of this province of central India British government formed their establishment in this region. After independence Bori wildlife sanctuary was announced in 1975, Satpura National park was notified by Dr Salim Ali in the year 1981. In the year 1999, reserve was added under project Tiger and was declared as Pachmarhi biosphere reserve and it was announced as Satpura National park in the year 2000. The area was notified as critical Tiger habitat in 2007,after that the buffer zone was formed and declared in 2010 under Satpura range. Now Satpura reserve is one of the most visited National parks in Central India.

Flora

The true essence of Satpura national park is its vegetation which includes approximately 1300 various species of flora including teak, sal, tendu, mahua, bel, bamboos, grasses, bushes, and many other herbal plants. Sal and teak trees are the dominant trees in the region. Satpura forest is evergreen deciduous forest and has almost 10% of area as the grasslands namely Neemghan, Madai, Keria, Dhain, Geetkheda. It has been recognized that Satpura National park has more than 62 trees species, 30 small tree species, 58 shrubs species,32 climber species and almost 64 grass species and endemic and rare herbal plants, which makes the reserve extremely rich in bio diversity. There are few endangered plant species only found in Satpura range namely Bryophytes and Pteridophytes includes Psilotum, Cyathea, Osmunda, Lycopodium, Lygodium etc. The serene landscape, lovely hilly terrains, river streams, narrow valleys and Satpura peaks pulls the attention of wildlife enthusiasts to visit the pristine forest of Satpura. All these can only be explored while on the jungle safari trip to Satpura National park.

Funna

The astounding fauna of Satpura reserve consists of about 50 different species of wild mammals, 300 species of migratory and residential vibrant birds, 30 species of reptiles and 50 species of colorful beautiful butterflies. The mammals dwell in Satpura forest are Leopards, Tigers, Spotted Dear, Indian Bison(Gaur), Wild boar, Wild dog (locally called Dholes), Sloth bear, Black buck (unique attraction), Porcupine, Sambhar deer, four Horned antelopes (Chowsingha), Smooth otter, Pangolin, Marsh crocodile, Languars etc. Satpura is also home to Indian Giant squirrel, which is rarely seen in India now. Best way to explore the Satpura forest is through Satpura Jungle safari tour to Madhai and Churna.

Satpura national park is known for bird watching and Bird photography. various birds are seen in Denwa back waters which includes River Tern, Pied Kingfisher, Ruddy Shelduck, Indian Thick Knee, Ringed Plover, The Black-winged Stilt, Red-wattled Lapwing, Sandpiper, Little Egret, Wooly-necked Stork, Indian Skimmer, River Lapwing, Little Tern and many more. Satpura also inhabits Honey Buzzard, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Brown Fish Owl, Indian Roller, White Browed Wagtail, Crested Serpent Eagle, Bar-headed Goose, Great Cormorants, Nightjar, Peacock, Besra, Brahminy Starling. To witness the exquisiteness of immaculate Satpura National park travelers must plan Satpura boat safari trip and jeep safari tour to Satpura Tiger reserve.

Jungle Safari In Satpura Tiger Reserve

There are four entry gates in Satpura national park. Morning safari, afternoon safari, night safari and full day open jeep safaris and boat safaris are conducted in Satpura National park.

Madhai zone: To explore this part of the reserve one has to cross the Denwa river by boat, the assigned forest departments open jeeps are available at the other side of the river to take the travelers for Satpura game drive. Madhai safari gate is 100 kms from Pachmarhi, a very famous hill station of Madhya Pradesh.

Churna zone: Bori wildlife sanctuary is now Churna zone in Satpura national park. Churna zone is near Tawa reservoir and is known for the sightings of big cats.

Panarpani gate: This is buffer entry gate of Satpura Tiger reserve. It has a close proximity to Pachmarhi and is about 85 kms from Madhai gate. Night safaris in Satpura are conducted at this part of the reserve.

Parsapani gate: This is the buffer expanse of Satpura forest, and is close to Madhai zone. This entry gate is open throughout the year.

Jungle Safari Timings in Satpura National Park:

Satpura Jungle Safari timings during winter season: Satpura Morning safari starts at 6:30 am to 11:00 am. Evening safari starts at 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm in winters.

Satpura Jungle Safari timings during summer season: Morning safari starts at 5:30 am to 11:00 am. Satpura evening safari starts at 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm in winters.

Night safari timings in Satpura : Night safari starts at 5:00 pm and lasts till 9:00 pm.

Full day safari Timings in Satpura: Full day safari in Satpura starts at 6:15 am and lasts till 5:45 pm.

Types of Jungle Safari in Satpura Tiger Reserve

Jeep Safari

Description: The most popular way to explore the park, jeep safari is take you deep into the wilderness. These guided tours are conducted in open-top 4×4 vehicles, allowing you to get close to the wildlife.
Timings: Usually conducted in two shifts – morning and evening.
Duration: 3-4 hours per safari.
Best For: Spotting tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of other wildlife.

Boat Safari

Description: Similar to the canoe safari, but in larger boats. Boat safaris on the Denwa River offer a relaxed way to view wildlife along the riverbanks.
Timings: Morning or evening.
Duration: 1-2 hours.
Best For: Bird watching and observing animals coming to the river for a drink.

How to reach Satpura Tiger Reserve

Nearest airport to Satpura National Park: The nearest airport from Satpura national park are Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal (Approx. 209 Km), Jabalpur Airport (Approx. 368 Km), Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur (Approx. 274 Km). Taxi services are available from these airports. recommended to book the transfers in advance.

Nearest railway station to Satpura National Park: The nearest railway station to reach Madhai, Satpura national park is Pipariya (Approx. 50 Km), Bhopal (Approx. 140 Km), Jabalpur (Aprrox. 260 Km). These railway stations have the train connectivity from all the major cities of the country.

Roadways to reach Satpura National Park: Satpura National Park is well connected to many cities by road including Bhopal (Approx. 180 Km), Jabalpur (Approx. 360 Km), Chindwara (Approx. 360 Km),Pipariya (Approx. 50 Km), and Nagpur (Approx. 265 Km). Madhai gate is easily accessible from Pachmarhi, a hill station in Madhya Pradesh.

Distance between major cities and Satpura Tiger Reserve

Bhopal to Satpura National Park: ~140 km
Indore to Satpura National Park: ~260 km
Nagpur to Satpura National Park: ~260 km
Mumbai to Satpura National Park: ~820 km
Pune to Satpura National Park: ~810 km
Delhi to Satpura National Park: ~890 km
Jabalpur to Satpura National Park: ~260 km

Best Season to Visit Satpura Tiger Reserve

The core jungle safaris are operating from 15^th October to 30^th June. Buffer zones are operational throughout the year.

Summer season in Satpura National Park: The summer season is the best time for the sightings of the wild. The weather is pleasant during evenings in the summer season.

Winter season in Satpura National Park: The winter season is the best time to visit Satpura National Park for birdwatchers. Numerous residential and migratory birds can be witnessed during this time of the year.

Monsoon season in Satpura National Park: The Satpura forest is lush green and at its best during the rainy season. Buffer safaris are operational during monsoon season in Satpura National Park. One can enjoy the scenic beauty with a wildlife safari in Satpura National Park.

Excursions in Satpura National Park:

Open Jeep Safari in Satpura: Open Jeep Safari in Satpura is recommended to explore the pristine forest and for the sightings of the wild in their natural habitat.

Elephant safari in Satpura: Elephant safari is an exciting safari trip to Satpura, also known as a joy ride. For the elephant safari, wildlife enthusiasts have to take a boat ride to reach the starting point of the elephant safari in Satpura. Elephant safari in Satpura Reserve offers to discover the unexplored vegetation, flora, and fauna deep into the woods.

Boat Safari in Satpura: Thinking about the Satpura boat safari excites every individual. Satpura is home to residential and migratory birds. Boating in Satpura ensures a very close witness of different species of birds and is the best way for eye-level bird photography in Satpura.

Night safari in Satpura: Night safaris in Satpura National Park are officially allowed and are adventurous and thrilling. Night safaris in Satpura are conducted at Parsapani Gate.

Full-day safari in Satpura: Full-day safari is permissible and conducted in Satpura National Park. The entries have to be booked in advance.

Walk safari: Satpura is amongst one of those national parks in India where walk safari is permitted in the core and buffer area of the reserve.