National Parks in Madhya Pradesh
Do you have a love for Tigers?
If yes, then which can be a better place to have a glance at them other than India.
With around 3000 tigers, India has become one of the safest and enormous habitat for them in the world. India is now home to about 75% of the world's tiger population. Something to be proud of isn’t it.
Among all the states, Madhya Pradesh has recorded the maximum number of tigers which is more than 500. Madhya Pradesh is also called the “Tiger State” as it the home for around 20% of India’s tiger population. Magnificent Madhya Pradesh is the heartland of India, blessed with nature and wildlife. If you are interested in having an extraordinary experience, then exploring the best of jungles in MP is a treat for you.
Madhya Pradesh has 9 National Parks. Among them, the most famous are the Bandhavgarh, Panna, and Pench. Let us know about them in detail.
1. Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National park is far from civilization, located in the Umaria district of MP. It covers the area of 694 Kms Sq. It was once the hunting ground for the Royals.
Bandhavgarh has a story of its own. Do you know that this was the place, where the first white tiger was spotted by Maharaja of Rewa in 1951? He was captured, domesticated and was named “Mohan”.
Bandhavgarh has the highest density of tigers in India. You can easily spot a tiger in this place. It has 37 species of mammals, 250 species of birds and 80 species of butterflies.
If you love wildlife photography, this is the best place for you to visit. On the tour in the dense forest, you can spot Tigers, Leopards, Deers, Nilgai, Striped Hyena, Chausingha, Chinkara, Langurs and many more wild animals.
Best time to visit: Bandhavgarh is open for visitors from 15th October till 30th June. It is advisable to visit this place in winters from October to March when the weather is pleasant. During this time, the temperature remains between 12 – 20 degrees. At night, it becomes cold, so don’t forget to bring warm clothes.
How to reach: Jabalpur City is the closest city to Bandhavgarh. If you wish to come here, Jabalpur Airport is the best option. If you are coming from Indian Railways, you can hop off at Katni railway junction (100km), Umaria (40 km) or Jabalpur (180 km) away from Bandhavgarh National Park.
2. Panna National Park
It is one of the most enthralling National Parks, located in Chhatarpur district of MP. It has an area of 542.7 kms sq. It has been recognized as the best maintained national park in 2007 from the Ministry of Tourism of India.
You can capture the breathtaking glimpses of big cats in the mystic landscape of Panna National Park through boat safari or an elephant safari.
River Ken flows through the park, making it more attractive and enduring. If you want to have a gripping experience and make your tour memorable, take a boat ride in the Ken river. The boat safari is the best way to spot animals quenching their thirst and for birdwatching as well.
It is a scenic landscape with the best of flora and fauna. You can see many Teak trees in the park because of the hot tropical climate. Some of the wild animals which can be spotted are Leopards, Hyena, Wolf, Sloth Bear, Chital, Chowsingha, Chinkara, Sambar, Ghariyal, Vulture, four-horned Antelope and of course Tigers.
While visiting this park, Renah waterfall, and Ken Ghariyal Sanctuary is something not to be missed. Ghariyal is only found in Indian Subcontinent and can be spotted at this Sanctuary.
This park is also famous for birds. It has more than 200 species of birds, which include Honey Buzzard, Blossom-Headed Parakeet, Bar-Headed Goose, Indian Vulture and many more. If you are a bird watcher, this place is a paradise for you.
Best time to visit: November to January is the best time to visit this place, as many migrating birds gather here. The days are pleasant and the nights are cold.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Khajuraho (26km) from National Park. The nearest railway station to the park is Jhansi. From Khajuraho, you can hop on a direct bus to the national park.
3. Pench National Park
Pench National Park is located in Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh. It covers the area of 299 Kms sq. Its name has been derived from the Pench River which flows through the park, dividing it into two halves. It is an enduring place for nature and wildlife lovers.
Do you remember the classic novel “The Jungle Book” written by Rudyard Kipling? How can anyone forget the adventures of Mowgli with Bagheera, Baloo, and Sher Khan? But do you know what inspired him to write a jungle book? It was the enthralling and captivating jungles of Pench National Park.
You can enjoy the beautiful landscape and take a glimpse of Bengal Tigers and other wild animals like Indian Bison, Sambar, Chital, Wild Boar, Indian Leopard, Porcupine, Guar any many more from Jeep Safari.
Have you taken the photographs of Migratory birds like Magpie Robin, Red-Vented Bulbul, Northern Pintail, and Crow Pheasant? If not, then this place is waiting for you to explore, where you can find more than 210 species of birds.
The forest is mostly covered by trees like Teak, Saja, Haldu, Jamun, Palash, etc. The most important tree found here is Mahua. Its flowers are not only consumed by birds or mammals but also by tribals for making beer.
Best time to Visit: The Park is open from 16th October till the end of June. The best time to come here is from November to March. The maximum temperature goes to 30-32 degrees and a minimum of 13-11 degrees. The weather being pleasant on these days will make your trip more memorable.
How to reach: National Park can be reached from Dumna airport, Jabalpur (around 200km away from the park) and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (around 100 km away from the park). You can also reach here on the train. The nearest railway station is Seoni.
Madhya Pradesh is one of the most fascinating wildlife destinations in India. It is a kaleidoscope of wild animals, beautiful landscapes, chirping birds, waterfalls, fluttering butterflies and much more. A trip to the wilderness will surely be a life-changing experience. Visit this place to experience an adrenaline rush in the dense jungles of MP. Thirsty for adventures? This place is for you.
So what are you waiting for? Plan a jungle tour in Madhya Pradesh and experience the most amazing jungles and discover nature at its best.
Have a memorable trip to this Paradise!
