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"Where nature whispers through dense canopies and tigers tread softly, Satpura waits to be discovered."

Located in the stunning and awe-inspiring Satpura mountain range of Madhya Pradesh, Satpura National Park is an extraordinary and untouched wilderness area that is largely free from the stress of over-tourism that can affect many other nature reserves. Unlike other popular and more commercialized parks like Kanha or Bandhavgarh, which are very crowded and experience foot traffic, Satpura offers visitors the rare opportunity to experience a peaceful and deeply immersive experience of the Indian jungle in all its splendor. Satpura National Park is also part of the larger and more extensive Satpura Tiger Reserve, which also includes the stunning Bori and Pachmarhi sanctuaries, adding to its importance as a major ecological zone.

Location and Accessibility

• State: Madhya Pradesh
• District: Hoshangabad (now Narmadapuram)
• Nearest Town: Pipariya
• Nearest Railway Station: Pipariya (approx. 50 km)
• Nearest Airport: Bhopal (approx. 180 km)
• Best Entry Point: Madhai Gate

History and Creation

The Satpura National Park was established in 1981, although it must be said that its importance for ecology was realized a few years before that exact date. The region has a long history of protection since it was considered to have an extraordinary biodiversity that no other region had. In addition, the national park is a part of India's first biosphere reserve - the Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

Landscape and terrain

• A steep terrain with deep gorges, sandstone peaks, narrow ravines and meandering streams.
• The elevation varies between 300 and 1,352 metres.
• It has a geography of dense sal and teak forests, extensive grasslands and highly interconnected rivers, which collectively make it a great geographical wonder.

Wildlife

• The Satpura offers a vast amount of biodiversity:
• Mammals: Bengal tiger, leopard, Indian bison (gaur), sloth bear, wild dog (dhol), chinkara, spotted deer, sambar.
• Birds: Over 300 species such as Malabar pied hornbill, crested serpent eagle and paradise flycatcher.
• Reptiles: Marsh crocodile, Indian rock python, other lizards and snakes.

Unparalleled safari experience.

• Unlike most other national parks, Satpura allows:
• Boat safari on the Denwa River
• Walking safari with skilled naturalists
• Canoe rides for close wildlife viewing.
• Jeep safari in the main and buffer zones
• Elephant safari (seasonal)
• This diversity makes the Satpura experience completely different.

Weather and best time to visit

• Best season: October to April
• Due: Monsoon (July to September) - the park remains closed
• Winter (November-February): Good for birdwatching and unobstructed views
• Summer (March-June): Better chances of spotting tigers and other creatures

Accommodation Options

• Luxury Lodges: Raini Pani Jungle Lodge, Forsyth Lodge
• Mid-Range: MPT Bison Resort, Satpura Jungle Retreat
• Budget hotels are available in the form of forest rest houses and small-scale hotels in the Pipariya area.

Things to do

• Nature photography
• Stargazing in the clear night sky
• Jungle treks and bushwalks
• Visit the nearby Pachmarhi hill station.
• Cultural exchange with indigenous tribal groups

Eco-tourism and conservation efforts

• Community-based ecotourism projects
• Strict regulations for eco-sensitive zones
• Engaging locals as guides and naturalists
• Research partnerships for wildlife monitoring and biodiversity conservation

Mythology and cultural associations

• Although such forests are not very famous for having temples or powerful mythological associations, they still hold a strong and spiritual attraction for most indigenous tribes.
• This is especially relevant for the Gond and Baiga tribes, who have a strong belief in forest spirits.
• The tribals also have a close and intimate knowledge of the diverse fauna and flora that inhabit such forests.

Travel Tips & Advice

• It is recommended to pre-book safaris from the official website of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department.
• Wear light clothes (brown, green)
• Carry binoculars and a camera
• Avoid plastic and follow the park rules
• Dusk and morning are ideal times for safaris

Other incentives

• One of the only parks in India that offers walking safaris
• Less tourists, more personal connection with nature
• Excellent guides and naturalists
• Scenic river views and sunrise