Top 15 Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh

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Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Sanctuary :

Embarking on a journey to explore the diverse and enchanting wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh is a captivating endeavor. Nestled in the heart of India, this state boasts a tapestry of landscapes that provide refuge to an array of fascinating creatures. As you delve into the realm of these sanctuaries, you’ll witness the raw beauty of nature and experience the thrill of encountering wildlife in their natural habitats.

In this introductory guide, we’ll unveil the top wildlife sanctuaries that Madhya Pradesh offers, each a testament to the state’s commitment to conservation and preserving its rich biodiversity. Join us as we traverse lush forests, rolling hills, and meandering rivers, discovering the captivating stories of creatures that call these sanctuaries home. From the iconic big cats that rule the jungles to the vibrant avian wonders that grace the skies, let’s set forth on a virtual journey to uncover the magic and wonder of Madhya Pradesh’s finest wildlife sanctuaries.

Here are the top 15 wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh:

1- Kanha National Park:

Kanha National Park is located in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh and one of the largest in India. The park is known for its dense forests and is home to various animals, including tigers, leopards, and wild elephants.

Kanha National Park was established in 1955 and was declared a tiger reserve in 1973. The park is home to a healthy population of tigers, leopards, and wild elephants. The park is also home to various other animals, including sloth bears, gaur, chital, sambar, and nilgai.

Kanha National Park is a popular tourist destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park offers a variety of activities, including safaris, bird watching, and hiking.

Here are some of the key features of Kanha National Park:

Location: Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh, India
Area: 940 square kilometers (360 square miles)
Established: 1955
Tiger population: 117 (2022)
Other animals: Leopards, wild elephants, sloth bears, gaur, chital, sambar, nilgai, and more
Popular activities: Safaris, bird watching, hiking

Kanha National Park is an important part of the Indian conservation effort. The park helps to protect the tiger population and other endangered species.

2- Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is a national park in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is known for its high density of tigers and is one of India’s most famous tiger reserves.

The park was established in 1968 and was declared a tiger reserve in 1993. The park is home to a healthy population of tigers, leopards, and other wild animals, such as sloth bears, wild boars, and deer.

The park is divided into three core zones: Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli. The Tala zone is the most popular tourist destination and is home to the highest concentration of tigers. The Magadhi zone is home to the park’s only white tiger, Mohan. The Khitauli zone is the least-explored zone and is home to various wildlife, including elephants.

The park is open to tourists from October to June. The best time to visit the park is during the winter (November to February), when the weather is mild and the visibility is good.

There are several things to do in Bandhavgarh National Park, including:

Safaris: The park offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and camel safaris
Bird watching: The park is home to over 300 species of birds, including peacocks, eagles, and owls.
Hiking: The park has several hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging.
Nature walks: There are a number of nature walks that are led by park rangers.

Bandhavgarh National Park is a beautiful and fascinating place to visit. It is a great place to see tigers and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

3- Pench National Park

Pench National Park is located in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is named after the Pench River that flows through the park. The park is known for its rolling hills and grasslands, and is home to various animals, including tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.

The park was established in 1975 and was declared a tiger reserve in 1992. The park is home to a healthy population of tigers, leopards, and other wild animals, such as sloth bears, wild boars, and deer. The park also has several bird species, including peacocks, eagles, and owls.

The park has four core zones: Turia, Karmajhiri, Jamtara, and Khursapar. The Turia zone is the most popular tourist destination, home to the highest concentration of tigers. The Karmajhiri zone is home to the park’s only white tiger, Raja. The Jamtara zone is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants. The Khursapar zone is the least-explored zone, home to several bird species.

The park is open to tourists from October to June. The best time to visit the park is during the winter (November to February), when the weather is mild and the visibility is good.

There are several things to do in Pench National Park, including:

Safaris: The park offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and camel safaris.
Bird watching: The park is home to over 300 species of birds, including peacocks, eagles, and owls.
Hiking: The park has several hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging.
Nature walks: There are a number of nature walks that are led by park rangers.

Pench National Park is a beautiful and fascinating place to visit. It is a great place to see tigers and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

The park is also known for its association with the writer Rudyard Kipling. The Jungle Book, one of Kipling’s most famous works, is set in the Pench region.

4- Satpura National Park

Satpura National Park is located in the Hoshangabad and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is named after the Satpura range, which the park is located in. The park is known for its lush forests and is home to various animals, including tigers, leopards, and elephants.

The park was established in 1981 and was declared a tiger reserve in 2000. The park is home to a healthy population of tigers, leopards, and other wild animals, such as sloth bears, wild boars, and deer. The park also has several bird species, including peacocks, eagles, and owls.

The park has five core zones: Bori, Pachmarhi, Satpura, Piparkund, and Navegaon. The Bori zone is the most popular tourist destination, home to the highest concentration of tigers. The Pachmarhi zone is home to the park’s only white tiger, Raja Bhaiya. The Satpura zone is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants. The Piparkund zone is the least-explored zone, home to several bird species. The Navegaon zone is home to various wildlife, including tigers and leopards.

The park is open to tourists from October to June. The best time to visit the park is during the winter months (November to February), when the weather is mild and the visibility is good.

There are several things to do in Satpura National Park, including:

Safaris: The park offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and camel safaris
Bird watching: The park is home to over 300 species of birds, including peacocks, eagles, and owls.
Hiking: There are a number of hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging.
Nature walks: There are a number of nature walks that are led by park rangers.
Trekking: There are a number of trekking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging.

Satpura National Park is a beautiful and fascinating place to visit. It is a great place to see tigers and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

5- Panna National Park

Panna National Park is located in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh, India. It was declared as one of the Tiger reserves of India in 1994/95 and placed under the protection of Project Tiger.

The park is known for its dry deciduous forests and is home to various animals, including tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.

The park was established in 1981 and was declared a tiger reserve in 1994. The park is home to a healthy population of tigers, leopards, and other wild animals, such as sloth bears, wild boars, and deer. The park also has several bird species, including peacocks, eagles, and owls.

The park is divided into two core zones: Madla and Hinota. The Madla zone is the most popular tourist destination, home to the highest concentration of tigers. The Hinota zone is the least-explored zone, home to various wildlife, including elephants.

The park is open to tourists from October to June. The best time to visit the park is during the winter months (November to February), when the weather is mild and the visibility is good.

There are a number of things to do in Panna National Park, including:

Safaris: The park offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and camel safaris.
Bird watching: The park is home to over 300 species of birds, including peacocks, eagles, and owls.
Hiking: There are a number of hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging.
Nature walks: There are a number of nature walks that are led by park rangers.

Panna National Park is a beautiful and fascinating place to visit. It is a great place to see tigers and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

The park is also known for its many waterfalls, including the Dhuadhar Falls, the tallest waterfall in Madhya Pradesh.

6- Sanjay National Park

Sanjay National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is part of the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve, situated in the eastern part of the state. Here’s some information about Sanjay National Park:

Location: Sanjay National Park is situated in the Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh. The Son River borders it to the north and has the Rihand River runs along its southern boundary.

Flora and Fauna: The national park is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna. The forest is primarily made up of mixed deciduous trees and grasslands. Various plant species including sal, teak, mahua, tendu, and bamboo can be found here.

Wildlife: The park is home to various wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs (dholes), hyenas, chinkaras, barking deer, and various species of monkeys. The park also has a rich bird population, with species like peafowls, partridges, quails, and more.

Conservation: Sanjay National Park and the nearby Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary were declared a tiger reserve to protect the population of Bengal tigers in the area. The park is an important part of the landscape for maintaining biodiversity and preserving the natural habitat.

Landscape: The park’s topography is characterized by undulating terrain, low hills, and river valleys. The Son and Rihand Rivers flowing through the area contribute to the diverse ecosystems within the park.

Visitor Information: The park offers wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers opportunities to explore its beauty. Safari and nature walks are common activities for visitors. It’s advisable to check with the local authorities or forest department for information on visiting, safari timings, and regulations.

7- Madhav National Park

Madhav National Park is located in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated in the Chambal river valley and is home to various animals, including tigers, leopards, and wild boars.

The park was established in 1958 and was declared a tiger reserve in 1973. The park is home to a healthy population of tigers, leopards, and other wild animals. However, the population of tigers declined due to poaching and other factors. In recent years, the park has been recovering and now has a healthy population of tigers.

The park is open to tourists from October to June. The best time to visit the park is during the winter months (November to February), when the weather is mild and the visibility is good.

There are several things to do in Madhav National Park, including:

Safaris: The park offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and boat safaris.
Bird watching: The park is home to over 200 species of birds, including peacocks, eagles, and owls.
Hiking: The park has several hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging.
Nature walks: There are a number of nature walks that are led by park rangers.

Madhav National Park is a beautiful and fascinating place to visit. It is a great place to see tigers and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Here are some interesting facts about Madhav National Park:

The park is named after Madho Rao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior.
The park has several man-made lakes, including the Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar lakes.
The park also has several temples and historical ruins, including the Shivpuri Fort.

8- Van Vihar National Park

Van Vihar National Park is a national park in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh in central India. Declared a national park in 1979, it covers an area of about 4.45 km2. It has the status of a national park, but is developed and managed as a modern zoological park, following the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority. Animals are kept in near natural habitats. Most animals are either orphaned and brought from various parts of the state or are exchanged from other zoos. No animal is deliberately captured from the forest.

The park is home to a variety of animals, including:

Tigers
Leopards
Sloth bears
Sambar deer
Chital deer
Nilgai
Wild boars
Jackals
Porcupines
Eagles

The park is open to tourists from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, all days of the week except Fridays. The entry fee for adults is INR 25 and for children it is INR 10.

There are a number of things to do in Van Vihar National Park, including:

Jeep safari: This is the most popular way to see the animals in the park. The jeep safaris run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Elephant safari: This is a more leisurely way to see the animals in the park. The elephant safaris run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Walk-through aviary: This is a great place to see a variety of birds, including peacocks, eagles, and owls.
Children’s zoo: This is a small zoo where children can see and learn about a variety of animals.
Botanical garden: This is a beautiful garden with a variety of plants, including trees, flowers, and shrubs.

Van Vihar National Park is a beautiful and fascinating place to visit. It is a great place to see animals in their natural habitat and learn about conservation’s importance.

9- Ghughua Fossil Park

The first fossil park in Madhya Pradesh is the Ghughua Fossil Park. It is located in the Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh, India. The park was established in 1983 and is home to various fossils, including plant, leaf, and shell fossils. The park is also home to several dinosaur fossils, including those of a sauropod dinosaur and a theropod dinosaur.

The park is open to tourists from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, all days of the week. The entry fee for adults is INR 10 and for children it is INR 5.

Here are some of the key features of Ghughua Fossil Park:

Location: Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh, India
Area: 75 acres (30 hectares)
Established: 1983
Fossils: Plant fossils, leaf fossils, shell fossils, dinosaur fossils
Popular activities: See the fossils, take a guided tour, go hiking, camping

The park is a great place to learn about the history of the Earth and to see some of the unique fossils found in India.

10- Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary

Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary on the northern boundary of Mandsaur and Nimach districts in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is spread over 368.62 km2 (142.32 sq mi) adjoining Rajasthan state in India. It was notified in 1974 and more area was added in 1983. The Chambal River passes through the sanctuary dividing it into two parts. The western part is in Nimach district and eastern part is in Mandsaur district. It is in the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.

The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including:

Chinkara: Also known as the Indian gazelle, it is a small antelope that is found in dry grasslands and scrub forests
Nilgai: Also known as the blue bull, it is the largest antelope in India. It is found in grasslands and open forests.
Sambar: A large deer that is found in forests and grasslands
Wild boar: A common wild pig that is found in forests and grasslands
Indian leopard: A large cat that is found in forests and grasslands.
Wild dog: Also known as dhole, it is a social carnivore that is found in forests and grasslands
Mugger crocodile: A large crocodilian that is found in rivers and lakes.

The sanctuary is also home to a variety of birds, including:

Peacock: The national bird of India, it is found in forests and grasslands.
Eagle: A large bird of prey found in forests and open areas.
Owl: A nocturnal bird of prey found in forests and grasslands.

The sanctuary is a popular tourist destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the winter months (November to February), when the weather is mild and the visibility is good.

The sanctuary is open to tourists from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, every week. The entry fee for adults is INR 50 and for children is INR 25.

Here are some of the things you can do in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary:

Jeep safari: This is the most popular way to see the wildlife in the sanctuary. The jeep safaris run from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Bird watching: The sanctuary is home to a variety of birds, so it is a great place for bird watching.
Nature walk: There are a number of nature trails in the sanctuary that you can walk on to explore the forest.
Camping: There is a campsite in the sanctuary where you can stay overnight and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

11- Karera Wildlife Sanctuary

Karera Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is spread over 202 km2 (78 sq mi). The sanctuary was established in 1981 to protect the population of the Great Indian bustard. However, the bird has been declared extinct in the sanctuary due to habitat loss and poaching.

The sanctuary is home to a variety of other wildlife, including:

Chinkara: Also known as the Indian gazelle, it is a small antelope that is found in dry grasslands and scrub forests.
Nilgai: Also known as the blue bull, it is the largest antelope in India. It is found in grasslands and open forests
Sambar: A large deer that is found in forests and grasslands
Wild boar: A common wild pig that is found in forests and grasslands
Indian leopard: A large cat that is found in forests and grasslands
Wild dog: Also known as dhole, it is a social carnivore that is found in forests and grasslands.
Mugger crocodile: A large crocodilian that is found in rivers and lakes.
Birds: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, including peacocks, eagles, and owls

The sanctuary is open to tourists from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, every week. The entry fee for adults is INR 50 and for children it is INR 25.

Here are some of the things you can do in Karera Wildlife Sanctuary:

Jeep safari: This is the most popular way to see the wildlife in the sanctuary. The jeep safaris run from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Bird watching: The sanctuary is home to various birds, so it is a great place for bird watching.
Nature walk: There are several nature trails in the sanctuary that you can walk on to explore the forest.
Camping: There is a campsite in the sanctuary where you can stay overnight and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

12- Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary

Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary is a national park and wildlife sanctuary in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated in the Vindhyan Hills and is home to a variety of wildlife, including:

Cheetah: The sanctuary is famous for its cheetah relocation project. In 2020, 12 cheetahs were brought to the sanctuary from South Africa to help repopulate the species in India.
Chinkara: Also known as the Indian gazelle, it is a small antelope that is found in dry grasslands and scrub forests
Nilgai: Also known as the blue bull, it is the largest antelope in India. It is found in grasslands and open forests.
Sambar: A large deer that is found in forests and grasslands.
Wild boar: A common wild pig that is found in forests and grasslands.
Indian leopard: A large cat that is found in forests and grasslands
Mugger crocodile: A large crocodilian that is found in rivers and lakes.
Birds: The sanctuary is home to over 300 species of birds, including peacocks, eagles, and owls.

The sanctuary was established in 1981 and was declared a national park in 2018. The sanctuary is open to tourists from October to June. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the winter months (November to February), when the weather is mild and the visibility is good.

The sanctuary is a popular tourist destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The best way to see the wildlife in the sanctuary is by jeep safari. The jeep safaris run from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

13- Bori Wildlife Sanctuary

Bori Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated in the Satpura Range and is home to a variety of wildlife, including:

Tiger: The sanctuary is home to a healthy population of tigers.
Leopard: The sanctuary is also home to several leopards.
Sloth bear: The sanctuary is home to several sloth bears.
Sambar: A large deer that is found in forests and grasslands.
Nilgai: Also known as the blue bull, it is the largest antelope in India. It is found in grasslands and open forests.
Chausingha: A rare antelope that is found in the Vindhya hills.
Birds: The sanctuary is home to over 300 species of birds, including peacocks, eagles, and owls.

The sanctuary was established in 1977 and is spread over 518 km2 (200 sq mi). It is a part of the Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the winter months (November to February), when the weather is mild and the visibility is good.

The sanctuary is open to tourists from October to June. The best way to see the wildlife in the sanctuary is by jeep safari. The jeep safaris run from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

14- Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is spread over an area of 478 km2 (184 sq mi). The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including:

Tiger: The sanctuary is home to a small population of tigers.
Leopard: The sanctuary is also home to several leopards.
Chinkara: Also known as the Indian gazelle, it is a small antelope found in dry grasslands and scrub forests.
Nilgai: Also known as the blue bull, it is the largest antelope in India. It is found in grasslands and open forests.
Sambar: A large deer that is found in forests and grasslands.
Wild boar: A common wild pig found in forests and grasslands.
Hyenas: A scavenger that is found in forests and grasslands.
Birds: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, including peacocks, eagles, and owls.

The sanctuary was established in 1978 and is a part of the Satpura Tiger Reserve.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the winter (November to February), when the weather is mild and the visibility is good.

The sanctuary is open to tourists from October to June. The best way to see the wildlife in the sanctuary is by jeep safari. The jeep safaris run from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Here are some other things to know about Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary:

The sanctuary is named after the Bagdara village, which is located in the Sidhi district.
The sanctuary is home to several temples and historical ruins, including the Bagdara Fort.
The sanctuary is a popular destination for bird watching.

15- Narsinghgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Narsinghgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is spread over 57.197 sq. km (22.197 sq mi). The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including:

Chital: Also known as the spotted deer, it is a medium-sized deer found in forests and grasslands.
Nilgai: Also known as the blue bull, it is the largest antelope in India. It is found in grasslands and open forests.
Sambar: A large deer that is found in forests and grasslands.
Wild boar: A common wild pig that is found in forests and grasslands
Bhedki: Also known as the Indian hare, it is a small hare found in grasslands and forests.
Crocodile: A large reptile that is found in rivers and lakes.
Birds: The sanctuary is home to over 164 species of birds, including peacocks, eagles, and owls.

The sanctuary was established in 1974 and is named after the Narsinghgarh Fort, located in the sanctuary.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the winter (November to February) when the weather is mild and the visibility is good.

The sanctuary is open to tourists from October to June. The best way to see the wildlife in the sanctuary is by jeep safari. The jeep safaris run from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Here are some other things to know about Narsinghgarh Wildlife Sanctuary:

The sanctuary is home to a lake called Chidikho Lake.
The sanctuary is a popular destination for bird watching.
The sanctuary is also home to several temples and historical ruins.

Final Notes:

In conclusion, Madhya Pradesh is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurers. Its top wildlife sanctuaries are not just geographical locations but gateways to a world teeming with life, mystery, and natural beauty. Through this exploration, we’ve discovered the intricate dance of ecosystems that support an astonishing variety of flora and fauna.

The journey takes us beyond the visual, allowing us to witness the harmonious symphony of nature’s elements. The calls of birds in flight, the rustle of leaves underfoot, and the ripple of water in tranquil lakes merge into an experience that transcends mere observation.

So, whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast yearning for a glimpse of the elusive, a nature lover seeking solace amidst green expanses, or an adventurer ready to unravel the secrets of the wild, Madhya Pradesh’s top wildlife sanctuaries await your exploration. Let the echoes of nature’s wonders guide you on this extraordinary journey into the heart of the wild.