Satpura National Park is rich in biodiversity – sightings of sloth bear, leopard, bison (gaur) and wild dog are particularly good, and there is a wide array of flora and other fauna.
Satpura is starting to emerge as one of India’s most intriguing wildlife destinations. Not many travellers venture here yet, and you can enjoy watching wildlife from hides around the park. Tigers stalk the park's terrain, along with prey species such as nilgai and sambar. These are less habituated to human presence than in other reserves; they are shy and even harder to see, however the delightful environment makes Satpura a worthwhile addition to any itinerary.
Other wildlife you may see includes species such as: sambar, chital, bhedki, nilgai, four-horned antelope, chinkara, wild boar, tiger, blackbuck, fox, porcupine, flying squirrel, mouse deer and Indian giant squirrel. Among the various birds, hornbills and peafowl are common. The flora consists of mainly of sal, teak, tendu (much prized for wrapping India bidi cigarettes), Indian gooseberry, mahua and bel trees, stands of bamboo plus a variety of grasses and medicinal plants.
This is central India’s least-known national park, established in 1981 and located in Madhya Pradesh state, 210 kilometres (or some four hours drive) from the state capital, Bhopal, and 55 kilometres from Piparia, the nearest railhead. The reserve covers an area of 524 square kilometres, which is trebled by the adjoining sanctuaries of Bori and Panchmarhi, creating a unique highland ecosystem. The rugged terrain consists of sandstone peaks, narrow gorges, ravines and dense forests ranging in altitude from 300 to 1,352 metres.
View suggested itineraries