Satpura National Park

August 19, 2017
Summer Tour
10 mins read

0 Shares

Satpura National Park is located in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is spread over an area of 524 km², and is known for its diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, bison, and various species of deer and antelope. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including the endangered white-backed vulture. The park is also unique for its rugged terrain and dense forests, which are a part of the Satpura Range. It is also a popular destination for trekking and nature walks.

Table of Contents show

Interesting Fact

An interesting fact about Satpura National Park is that it is one of the few national parks in India that allows visitors to go on trekking expeditions in the park. The park’s rugged terrain and dense forests make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by boat, and have the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, bison, and various species of deer and antelope. Additionally, the park is home to several rare and endangered species, such as the white-backed vulture, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers.

Wildlife

Satpura National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the notable species found in the park include:

Tigers: Satpura National Park is one of the few places in India where visitors have a good chance of spotting tigers in their natural habitat. Tigers are apex predators and play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem balance.
Leopards: Leopards are also commonly found in the park, and are known for their elusive nature. They are smaller than tigers and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and mountains.
Indian Bison or Gaur: They are the largest wild cattle in the world, and are also found in the park. They are herbivores and play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by controlling the growth of grasses and other vegetation.
Sloth Bear: They are common in the park and are known for their shaggy black fur and long claws. They are omnivores and feed on insects, fruits, and small mammals.
Deer: The park is home to several species of deer, including the sambar, chital, and nilgai. They are herbivores and play an important role in the food chain by providing food for predators.
Antelope: The park is also home to several species of antelope, including the blackbuck and the four-horned antelope. These are herbivores and play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by controlling the growth of grasses and other vegetation.
Birds: The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 200 species of birds, including the endangered white-backed vulture, crested serpent eagle, and the Indian pitta.
Reptiles: The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including crocodiles, cobras, and kraits. They play an important role in controlling the population of smaller animals and insects.
Amphibians: The park is also home to a variety of amphibians, including frogs and toads. They are an important food source for many animals and also play a role in controlling the population of insects.

In addition to the above, Satpura National Park also has a rich variety of plant life with more than 1000 species of plants, many of which are medicinal plants. These plants provide a habitat for wildlife and also play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

How to reach Satpura National Park

There are a few ways to reach Satpura National Park, which is located in Madhya Pradesh, India:

By air: The nearest airport is Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal, which is around 150 km from the park. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park.
By train: The nearest railway station is Pipariya railway station, which is located around 50 km from the park. From there, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the park.
By road: The park is well-connected by road to major cities in Madhya Pradesh, such as Bhopal, Pachmarhi, and Hoshangabad. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park.

It is advisable to check the availability of transport and timing before you plan your trip.

Famous For?

Satpura National Park is famous for several reasons, some of which include:

Wildlife: The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, bison, and various species of deer and antelope. It is also known for its birdlife, with over 200 species of birds, including the endangered white-backed vulture.
Trekking and nature walk: The park is one of the few national parks in India that allows visitors to go on trekking expeditions in the park. The park’s rugged terrain and dense forests make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Scenic views: The park is home to several lookout points where visitors can get panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Accommodation: The park has several accommodation options, including jungle lodges and cottages, for visitors to stay in. These facilities are generally basic but provide a comfortable and authentic jungle experience.
Ecotourism: The park is a popular destination for ecotourism. Visitors can learn about the park’s unique ecosystem and the importance of conservation efforts.
Cultural and historical significance: The Satpura Range has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with several ancient temples and rock paintings in the area.
Biodiversity: The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, making it an important place for biodiversity conservation.
Medicinal plants: The park has over 1000 species of medicinal plants, which are known for their medicinal properties and are an important part of Ayurvedic medicine.

Safari in Satpura National Park

Safari in Satpura National Park is a popular activity for visitors. The park offers several options for visitors to explore the park and see its wildlife, including:

Jeep safari: Visitors can take a jeep safari through the park to see its wildlife and scenic views. The jeeps are typically open-air vehicles, allowing visitors to get a better view of the surrounding landscape.
Elephant safari: Visitors can also take an elephant safari through the park. This is a unique way to explore the park’s terrain and see its wildlife.
Boat safari: Visitors can also take a boat safari on the park’s rivers and lakes to see its wildlife and scenic views. This is a great way to see the park’s birdlife and other aquatic animals.
Trekking: Visitors can also go on trekking expeditions in the park. The park’s rugged terrain and dense forests make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

The park is open for safari from October to June, and it’s best to visit during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and the chances of seeing wildlife are higher. The park also has certain restrictions on the number of vehicles and visitors allowed at one time in the park to reduce the disturbance to the wildlife and maintain the ecological balance of the park.

It’s important to note that the sightings of wild animals cannot be guaranteed as it depends on the animal’s movement and behavior. However, the park’s guides and naturalists are knowledgeable and experienced, and they will do their best to help visitors spot wildlife during the safari.

Before going on a safari, visitors should be aware of the park’s rules and regulations, such as not getting off the vehicle during the safari, not feeding the animals, and not disturbing the wildlife. Visitors should also be prepared for the weather and bring appropriate clothing and footwear.

Overall, a safari in Satpura National Park is a unique and exciting opportunity for visitors to see the park’s wildlife and scenic views in their natural habitat. It is an opportunity to learn about conservation and the importance of preserving the park’s biodiversity for future generations to enjoy.

Safari Timing

The safari timing in Satpura National Park varies depending on the time of year and the type of safari. Generally, the park is open for safari from October to June, with the peak season being from November to May. The park is closed during the monsoon season, from July to September, due to heavy rains and flooding.

Jeep safari and Elephant safari: The park generally conducts jeep safari and elephant safari twice a day, one in the morning and another in the evening. The morning safari starts around 6:00 am to 9:00 am and the evening safari starts around 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. These timings may vary slightly depending on the park’s schedule and weather conditions.

Boat safari: The boat safari timings vary depending on the park’s schedule and weather conditions. The park generally conducts boat safari in the morning and evening.

Trekking: The trekking timings vary depending on the park’s schedule and weather conditions. The park generally conducts trekking expeditions in the morning and evening.

It’s always best to check the park’s official website or contact the park’s management for the updated safari timings as it changes seasonally.

Best Time to Visit Satpura National Park

The best time to visit Satpura National Park depends on what you want to see and do in the park. The park is open for visitors from October to June, with the peak season being from November to May. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the chances of seeing wildlife are higher.

Winter (November to February): This is the best time to visit the park if you want to see wildlife. The weather is cool and dry, and the animals are more active as the vegetation is less dense. This is also the best time to see migratory birds.

Summer (March to June): This is the best time to visit the park if you want to see the park’s flora and fauna. The monsoons are around the corner, so the park’s landscape is lush and green, and the water bodies are full. This is also the best time to see the park’s reptiles and amphibians.

It’s important to note that the park is closed during the monsoon season, from July to September, due to the heavy rains and flooding. The park’s management also has certain restrictions on the number of vehicles and visitors allowed at one time in the park to reduce the disturbance to the wildlife and maintain the ecological balance of the park.

Nearby Tourist Attractions to Visit

Satpura National Park is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, and there are several nearby tourist attractions that visitors can visit while they are in the area. Some of the popular nearby tourist attractions include:

Pachmarhi: This is a hill station located about 100 km from the park. Pachmarhi is known for its colonial-era bungalows, waterfalls, and temples. Visitors can also take a trek to the nearby Dhoopgarh, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Bhedaghat: This is a town located about 110 km from the park. Bhedaghat is known for the Dhuandhar Falls and the Marble Rocks, which are a natural formation of white marble cliffs along the Narmada River. Visitors can also take a boat ride through the Marble Rocks.
Amarkantak: This is a pilgrimage town located about 150 km from the park. Amarkantak is considered the source of the Narmada River and is known for its temples, natural hot water springs and waterfalls.
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site located near Pachmarhi. The reserve is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including several endangered species. Visitors can take guided tours of the reserve to learn about its biodiversity.
Chauragarh Temple: This is a temple located about 60 km from the park. Chauragarh Temple is known for its beautiful architecture and is considered a sacred site by both Hindus and Jains.
Handi Khoh: This is a gorge located about 20km from the park. It is known for its scenic views and is a popular spot for picnics.
Various Rock Shelters and Caves: The park is surrounded by many rock shelters and caves, which are known for their rock paintings. Some of the popular ones are Chauragarh caves, Madan Mahal caves, Pandav caves, and Pachmarhi caves.