Explore the famous national parks & wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh, home to tigers, rare species, and thrilling jungle safari experiences.
Madhya Pradesh, known as the “Heart of India,” is a paradise for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. The state holds a special place in India’s conservation landscape, boasting the highest number of national parks and tiger reserves in the country. The dense forests and rich biodiversity not only balance the ecosystem but also play a crucial role in eco-tourism, employment, and local economy. Let’s journey through some of the most significant wildlife destinations in Madhya Pradesh.
National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh
1. Kanha National Park
The national park is one of the most important national parks & wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh, Sprawled over 940 sq km, Kanha is famed for the hardground Barasingha and Royal Bengal Tiger. It houses over 300 bird species, 43 mammals, and vibrant butterfly life, making it one of India’s most well-maintained parks.
How to Reach: Nearest rail station is Gondia (145 km), nearest airport is Jabalpur (160 km). Taxis and MPSTDC buses are available.
Stay: Luxury – Taj Banjaar Tola; Midrange – Kanha Jungle Lodge; Budget – MP Tourism Rest House.
Entry Fee: Sharing Safari (Per Person): ₹600 for Indians, ₹1,500 for foreigners.
Caution: Plastic banned; no getting off the vehicle during safari.
2. Bandhavgarh National Park
Covering 716 sq km, this park boasts the highest tiger density in India. Home to leopards, deer, and over 250 bird species, it also holds ancient caves and the Bandhavgarh Fort.
How to Reach: Nearest railhead Umaria (35 km); Jabalpur Airport (180 km). Taxis, jeeps, and local buses are available to the park.
Stay: Luxury – Mahua Kothi; Midrange – Bandhav Vilas; Budget – Hotel Gagan Palace.
Entry Fee: single seat permit ₹500 ,for Jeep (₹2500) + Guide (₹600), total approx. ₹3350.
Caution: Strict silence enforced; drones and music banned.
3. Pench National Park
This is one of the best national parks & wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh Spanning 758 sq km, this park inspired The Jungle Book and shelters tigers, leopards, wild dogs, Indian wolfs and over 285 bird species. It’s known for both forest and riverine diversity.
How to Reach: Nearest station Seoni (30 km); Airport Nagpur (130 km). Buses and cabs operate regularly to Pench.
Stay: Luxury – Baghvan Lodge; Midrange – Pench Jungle Camp; Budget – Forest Guesthouses.
Entry Fee: ₹2000 for Indian and around ₹3000 – ₹4000 for foreigners per seat for jeep safari.
Caution: Book safaris in advance, night safaris not permitted in core zones.
4. Panna National Park
Covering 542 sq km, Panna is a tiger reserve famous for leopards, gharials, and over 200 bird species. The Ken river enhances its scenic beauty and biodiversity.
How to Reach: Nearest rail and air hub is Khajuraho (25 km). Jeeps, autos, and local taxis connect to the park.
Stay: Luxury – Pashan Garh; Midrange – Ken River Lodge; Budget – Tourist Cottages.
Entry Fee: A jeep safari for Indian costs ₹8,500, for foreigners ₹11000 – ₹13000 per jeep including permit fees, guide, and naturalist with an exclusive jeep
Caution: Avoid late evening travel; eco-friendly behavior mandatory.
5. Satpura National Park
Covering 524 sq km, it’s unique for offering walking safaris and canoe rides. Rich in leopards, sloth bears, Black buck (unique attraction), Porcupine, Sambhar, four Horned antelopes and over 300 bird species, it’s a paradise for explorers.
How to Reach: Pipariya station (55 km); Bhopal airport (150 km). Cabs and MPSTDC buses run frequently to the park.
Stay: Luxury – Forsyth Lodge; Midrange – Denwa Backwater Escape; Budget – Hotels in Pachmarhi.
Entry Fee: It costs around ₹4,500 for Indians and ₹11,000 -₹15,500 for foreigners per vehicle with a maximum of 6 people per jeep.
Caution: No entry without guide; max 6 people per vehicle.
You can also read –Essential Sundarbans Tour Guide: Tigers, Mangroves & Rivers
6. Kuno National Park
Spanning 748 sq km, it is now home to reintroduced African cheetahs. It’s Also shelters leopards, sloth bear, jackals, and over 200 species of birds and animals making it one of the best national parks & wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh
How to Reach: Nearest rail station Sheopur (45 km); Gwalior airport (160 km). Pre-booked taxis suggested to visit the park.
Stay: Midrange – Kuno Forest Lodge; Budget – Guesthouses in Sheopur.
Entry Fee: For vehicles (like a jeep) is ₹250 for Indian visitors and ₹500 for foreign visitors
Caution: Restricted zones near cheetah areas; no trekking allowed.
7. Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve
Covering 831 sq km, it shelters tigers, Indian gaurs, and rare birds. It’s less commercialized, offering a quiet, raw jungle experience.
How to Reach: Nearest station Rewa (90 km); Taxis available to reach there.
Stay: Midrange – Forest Rest House; Budget – Lodges in Sidhi.
Entry Fee: Cost 8000 for maximum 6 people and one child for Indians and 12500 for foreigners
Caution: Limited mobile coverage; carry ID for permit verification.
8. Madhav National Park
Situated on 375 sq km, it features a mix of dry deciduous forest and wetlands. Known for chinkara, nilgai, Chausingha, as well as various deer and marsh crocodiles.
How to Reach: Nearest station Shivpuri (10 km); Gwalior Airport (120 km). Autos and taxis available.
Stay: Midrange – Hotel Son Chiraiya; Budget – MP Tourism Lodges.
Entry Fee : The entry fee for Madhav National Park for a jeep safari (or private vehicle) is ₹1500 per vehicle, which can accommodate up to 6 people and guide fee is ₹350
Caution: Entry closed in monsoons; no loud music or honking.
9. Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary
Spanning 478 sq km, it’s lesser-known but vital for sloth bears, hyenas, sambar and panthers. It also supports dense forest and riverine systems thus it appears one of the adventurous national parks & wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh
How to Reach: Nearest rail station Singrauli (30 km); Varanasi airport (210 km). Taxis available to the wildlife sanctuary.
Stay: Budget – Hotels in Singrauli; Midrange – Forest Lodge.
Entry Fee: The entry fee for Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary is ₹50 for Indian national and about ₹300 for foreign people, jeep fare is extra
Caution: No solo trekking allowed; fire hazards monitored strictly.
10. Noradehi Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is home to blackbucks, jackals, hyenas, and significant bird life. It’s critical for wildlife corridors in central India. This is the largest Sanctuary amongst the national parks & wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh (1197 sq km)
How to Reach: Sagar rail station (90 km); Jabalpur airport (190 km). Tourists can reach Mohli gate of Nauradehi wildlife sanctuary by bus but it is not frequently available thus we recommend to book car.
Stay: Budget – Government Rest House; Midrange – Hotels in Sagar.
Entry Fee: A jeep can be hired for a 2-hour ride around the sanctuary for INR 2500
Caution: Scarce food stalls nearby, carry water and essentials.
conclusion
In conclusion, Madhya Pradesh is truly a haven for wildlife lovers. While this article covers only a few significant national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, there are many more to explore. Stay connected with us for more such travel guides and wildlife adventures. Thank you so much for reading. It means a lot to us. We look forward to bringing you along on many more such incredible journeys and adventures. Stay with Travelseek — there’s so much more beauty to discover together.
Related video – https://youtu.be/IwHRc_CxZWs?si=kHCURjiXyaF_Na7N
