Madhya Pradesh (MP) is known as the “Heart of India” and is a top destination for wildlife safaris. The state offers a variety of safari experiences, especially in its national parks and tiger reserves. Madhya Pradesh is home to several wildlife sanctuaries.
Madhya Pradesh experiences, especially in its national parks and tiger reserves. It is home to several wildlife sanctuaries, it is known as the “Tiger State of India” because it has the highest number of tigers over 500 tigers.
Best time to visit MP for a wildlife safari is from October to June. The parks are closed during the monsoon season (July to September).March to June is considered the best period for tiger sightings, as animals tend to gather around water sources during the hotter months.
Jeep Safaris are the most common and popular way to explore the national parks. Elephant Safaris in some parks like Kanha, elephant safaris are offered, which provide a unique vantage point for spotting wildlife, especially tigers.
Here are some of the prominent wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh –
1. Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve located in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts, this sanctuary is famous for its tiger population, leopards, and gharials in the Ken River. It also hosts a variety of bird species.
2.Bandhavgarh National Park located in the Umaria district, Bandhavgarh is known for having one of the highest densities of tigers in India. The park also features a large number of leopards and deer species.
3. Kanha National Park located in the Mandla and Balaghat districts, Kanha is one of the largest national parks in India. It is the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book” and is famous for its population of Bengal tigers, leopards, and the rare Barasingha swamp deer.
4. Pench National Park spread across Seoni and Chhindwara districts, Pench is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, and various species of birds. It also inspired the famous “The Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling.
5. Bori Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Hoshangabad district, Bori is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India. It is part of the Satpura Tiger Reserve and is home to tigers, leopards, Indian bison, and various other species.
6. Satpura National Park located in the Hoshangabad district, Satpura is a lesser-known gem with a rugged terrain and dense forests. It is home to tigers, leopards, Indian bison, and various species of birds.
7. Madhav National Park situated in the Shivpuri district, this park is known for its diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and several species of deer. The park also has beautiful landscapes and lakes.
8. Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve located in the Sidhi district, this reserve is part of the Sanjay National Park. It is known for its population of tigers, leopards, and a variety of bird species.
9. Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary situated in the Dewas district, Kheoni is a relatively lesser-known sanctuary with a good population of tigers, leopards, and other wildlife species. The sanctuary is known for its rich dense forests.
10. Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary located near the Gandhi Sagar Dam in the Mandsaur and Neemuch districts, this sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild boars, and several bird species. The Chambal River flowing through it adds to its scenic beauty.
11. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary spread across the Sagar, Damoh, Narsinghpur, and Raisen districts, this sanctuary is known for its diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, wolves, and a variety of bird species.
These sanctuaries are not only important for wildlife conservation but also offer great opportunities for eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts.