Source: Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sloth_bear_in_Satpura_National_Park_01.jpg
Satpura National Park in the Satpura hills of Madhya Pradesh is part of Satpura Tiger Reserve, with the Pachmarhi plateau to its south. Sal and teak forest, deep gorges and the Denwa river backwaters shelter tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, Indian giant squirrels and many birds.
Safari essentials: besides jeep safaris, Satpura is known for activities rarely allowed elsewhere in India's tiger reserves, such as guided walks and boat rides on the Denwa. The main tourism entry is at Madhai. The core reopened on 1 October 2026 after the monsoon closure, with morning and afternoon shifts. Book permits on the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department portal, forest.mponline.gov.in.
- Hours: Morning and afternoon shifts. Core zones open 1 October to 30 June. Gate times from 1 October 2026: October and November 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM; December and January 6:20 AM to 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM; February and March 6:10 AM to 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM; April to June 5:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
- How to Reach: Madhai gate is reached from Sohagpur and Itarsi railway stations; Bhopal airport is about 150 km away. Pachmarhi is a separate hill station on the plateau.
- Website: https://forest.mponline.gov.in
Share a quick rating, tip, or photo so the next traveler knows what to expect.