Vanam / Parks / Madhya Pradesh
सतपुड़ा टाइगर रिज़र्व
Rugged hills, rivers and walking safaris in the heart of India.
Satpura Tiger Reserve lies in Narmadapuram (Hoshangabad) district of Madhya Pradesh, in the Satpura range. It was set up in 1999 by joining Satpura National Park (1981) with the Bori and Pachmarhi wildlife sanctuaries, and it sits inside the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
The terrain is rugged: sandstone ridges, deep gorges, dense sal and teak forest and the Denwa river backwaters. Unlike most reserves, Satpura allows walking safaris and boat or canoe trips in the buffer areas, which makes it a good choice for travellers who want to leave the jeep. Tigers are present, but harder to see than in better-known parks. Leopards, sloth bears, gaur, dhole and the Indian giant squirrel are the other draws.
Part of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO biosphere reserve, 2009)
Taller bars mean better wildlife viewing. Select a month to read what it is like.
The dots show how likely you are to see each animal on a typical safari.
India's national animal and the reason most visitors come to a safari.
Tigers live here but sightings are harder than in better-known reserves.
A large, colourful tree squirrel that leaps between the crowns of tall trees.
A Satpura highlight in the tall riverside trees.
A shaggy, long-clawed bear that feeds mainly on termites and fruit.
Often seen in the buffer areas.
The most common deer on safari, and the main prey of tigers and leopards.
A red, pack-hunting wild dog that whistles to keep its pack together.
A small, shy antelope; the males usually carry two pairs of horns.
The largest wild cattle in the world, with a muscular shoulder hump.
A long-tailed monkey whose alarm calls often reveal a hunting tiger or leopard.
A secretive spotted cat that often hunts at night and rests in trees or rocks.
The largest deer in India, whose alarm call warns the forest of a predator.
Distances and travel times are approximate. Closure dates and permit rules change, so confirm them with the forest department before you book.
Guided walking safaris are offered in the buffer areas. Check the current rules with the forest department.
It is possible but not likely. Satpura is better for sloth bears, gaur, the giant squirrel, and the scenery.
Most visitors stay near the Madhai gate or in Pachmarhi.
Satpura National Park was established.
Combined with the Bori and Pachmarhi sanctuaries as a tiger reserve.
The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve was added to UNESCO’s list.
Satpura is one of the few reserves where visitors can follow a guide on foot through the forest, hearing birds and seeing tracks instead of looking through a jeep window.
Tell us your dates and group size. We will arrange the safari permits, stay and transfers.
