Satpura National Park: A Journey into the Heart of the Satpura Hills

Satpura National Park is located in the Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is spread over an area of 524 square kilometers (202 sq mi).

Satpura National Park was established in 1981 and is a part of the Satpura Tiger Reserve, which was declared a tiger reserve in 1999.

The terrain of the park is extremely rugged and consists of sandstone peaks, narrow gorges, ravines and dense forests. The altitude ranges from 300 to 1,352 metres (984 to 4,436 ft).

Satpura National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, sambar, chital, and a number of bird species. The park is also home to a number of plant species, including sal, teak, tendu, mahua, bel, and bamboo.

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

• Jeep safari: This is the most popular way to see the animals in the park. Jeeps are driven along the park’s roads, giving you a good chance to spot tigers, leopards, and other animals.

• Elephant safari: This is a more leisurely way to see the park. You will ride on an elephant’s back as it walks through the forest. This is a great way to get up close to the animals and learn about their natural behavior.

• Trekking: There are a number of trekking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging. This is a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty and see some of the less-visited areas.

• Bird watching: Satpura National Park is home to a variety of bird species, so it is a great place to go bird watching.

• Visit the Pachmarhi hills: The Pachmarhi hills are located adjacent to Satpura National Park and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. There are a number of hiking trails in the hills, as well as a few waterfalls.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Satpura National Park is during the spring (March-May) or fall (October-November) when the weather is mild. The park is also open during the summer, but the weather can be hot and humid.

To reach Satpura National Park, you have several transportation options:

By Air:
The nearest airport to Satpura National Park is Bhopal Airport, located approximately 200 km away. Bhopal Airport has good connectivity with major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. You can fly to Bhopal and then continue your journey to the park by road.

By Train:
The nearest railway stations to Satpura National Park are Itarsi, Sohagpur, Pipariya, and Narmadapuram. These stations are well-connected to various cities in India. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park.

By Road:
There are three popular entrance gates to Satpura National Park. The first one is Panaarpani Gate, located close to the hill station of Pachmarhi. The second entrance gate is Madhai Gate, which is about 90 km from Pachmarhi and near Sarangpur village. The third entrance gate is Bheemkund Gate, which provides access to the famous Churna forest and is close to Betul town.

If you are traveling by flight, Bhopal Airport is the most convenient option. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Satpura National Park. If you choose to travel by road, it is recommended to use a large car with good ground clearance, as the roads through villages and forest areas may not be well-maintained, especially during rainy seasons.

For Madhai Gate, you can follow routes via Hoshangabad city, Betul city, or Pipariya town. After reaching Sohagpur township, you need to take a village route to reach Madhai Gate. If you are heading to Bheemkund Gate, you can reach Bhoura town first and then take the diversion towards Bori Safari Lodge and Goldmark Resort. The entry gate is located along this route.

It is advisable to arrive 30-45 minutes before the park’s opening time to prepare for your safari drive.

These transportation options allow visitors to reach Satpura National Park conveniently, whether by air, train, or road, and provide access to the park’s various entrance gates.