Know more about – Satpura Tiger Park
Nestled in the rugged Satpura hill ranges of Madhya Pradesh, the Satpura Tiger Reserve offers one of India’s most immersive and responsible wildlife experiences. Spread across 1,427 square kilometres and encompassing the adjoining Bori and Pachmarhi Sanctuaries, it protects a unique Central Indian Highland ecosystem of sandstone peaks, deep ravines, dense sal and teak forests, and tranquil water-filled gorges.
Your journey begins with a ferry ride across the Tawa Dam, the gateway to a landscape that feels untouched and wild. Satpura stands apart from other tiger reserves – it’s not designed for mass tourism or tiger “shows,” but for genuine nature exploration. Visitors can experience guided nature walks, canoeing, trekking, overnight camping, cycling trails, and elephant-back safaris, all with a focus on conservation and quality guiding.
Wildlife sightings are excellent, with opportunities to see wild dogs, sloth bears, leopards, sambar, chital, nilgai, gaur, foxes, and flying squirrels, along with a rich variety of birds such as hornbills, peacocks, skimmers, and river terns. The mugger crocodiles basking by the Tawa Lake coves are a common sight.
Beyond the park’s boundaries, visitors can explore Pachmarhi, a historic hill station once favored by the British Raj. Though beautiful, its growing popularity brings environmental pressures – from tourism, local forest use, and illegal fishing – reminding visitors to travel responsibly and report any poor practices to admin@toftindia.org.
Night safaris, birding by the lake, and village visits by bike or jeep add variety to the experience, while longer treks reach parts of the park inaccessible to vehicles.
The park allows limited entry, with only twelve vehicles permitted per session, ensuring an intimate experience with nature.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit: October to June (Madhai and Churna gates closed 16 June–30 September; Pachmarhi open year-round).
Park timings: About 4.5 hours after sunrise and 2.5 hours before sunset (closed Wednesday afternoons).
Access:
By air: Bhopal (135 km)
By rail: Piparia (55 km)
By road: From Hoshangabad or Bhopal
Activities: Jeep safaris, walking trails, canoeing, kayaking, elephant safaris, night safaris, trekking, and camping.
Guides: All park visits must be accompanied by a registered forest guide.
Booking: Through your lodge or an authorized tour operator.
Eco-friendly Properties in the Area
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge
A beautifully designed conservation and wildlife lodge run by an experienced Bhopali family of hoteliers. Set in pristine forest near Satpura National Park, Reni Pani offers a close-to-nature experience with strong eco-friendly values and warm hospitality.
Forsyth Lodge
Founded by early pioneers of Satpura’s sustainable tourism, Forsyth Lodge transformed 44 acres of once barren farmland into thriving forest and meadow. It reflects a deep passion for conservation, community, and understated style, offering guests a thoughtful, immersive nature experience.
Denwa Backwater Escape (Pugdundee Safaris)
An eco-luxury retreat nestled along the backwaters of the Denwa River in Madhai, surrounded by lush forest and sweeping views of the Pachmarhi hills. Built on 10 acres of rewilded land, it combines comfort with sustainability, offering one of the most scenic and serene stays in the region.
