Satpura National Park

About Satpura National Park

Satpura National Park was set up in 1981 and covers 524 sq km. It runs through dense forest of evergreen sal, teak and bamboo, and the terrain is a good deal more broken than in most central Indian parks, which is part of why it feels different to visit.

Several landscapes meet inside its boundary. The high peaks of Dhoopgarh and Mahadeo stand at one end, the legendary teak and bamboo forests of Bori at another, and the vast Tawa reservoir forms a third edge. Pachmarhi's deep valleys, high mountains, rivulets and waterfalls sit in the middle of it. The park is home to bison, tiger, leopard, bear, four-horned deer and blue bull, along with a rich variety of birds.

Wildlife and landscape

The large mammals

Tiger, leopard, bison, bear, four-horned deer and blue bull all occur here. Sightings are not as frequent as in the better-known reserves, and the forest is thick, so treat any big cat sighting as luck rather than expectation.

Birdlife

The park holds a rich variety of birds across its forest, water and hill habitats. For many visitors this is the most reliable wildlife on offer, and the Tawa reservoir edge is especially good.

The forest and the hills

Evergreen sal, teak and bamboo cover most of the park, with the peaks of Dhoopgarh and Mahadeo rising above and the Bori forests on the far side. The combination of deep valley, high mountain, stream and reservoir within one boundary is the park's real distinction.

Planning your visit

Safari entry is controlled and permits are issued through the forest department, so arrangements have to be made ahead rather than at the gate.

• Book safari permits and a vehicle in advance; walk-in slots are limited.
• Morning and evening are the two safari windows.
• Carry binoculars, warm clothing for early starts and neutral-coloured clothes.
• Check the current park closure dates, as national parks in Madhya Pradesh shut for part of the monsoon.

Best time to visit

The park is at its best from November to April. The cool months are comfortable for early safaris and the birdlife is strong; by March and April the thinning cover and concentration of animals at water improve sighting chances. The park closes for part of the monsoon, so confirm the dates before planning a trip.