National Parks in Madhya Pradesh

Kanha National Park is the largest among the national parks in Madhya Pradesh and central India and has been ranked as one of the best parks in Asia. Among the 22 species of large mammals, the royal Bengal tigers are one of the major attractions. Abundant in flora and fauna, the Kanha National Park houses one of the rarest species of deer- the Barasingha. It became famous the world over through Rudyard Kipling's book - The Jungle Book.

The park remains closed during the monsoon months.

Safari Timings: Twice a day, depending on sunrise and sunset. Safaris are avoided in the harsh sun.

Best Time: October to June

Formerly a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Rewa, the Bandhavgarh National Park is a world-renowned tiger reserve. The park is a beautiful forest area with wildlife and vegetation in abundance. Bandhavgarh is known to have the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers in the world and the frequent sightings of royal tigers make this national park a must-visit for all wildlife enthusiasts. There are more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of avifauna.

Best Time to See Tigers: April and May

Safari Timings:
15 Oct to 15 Feb: Morning- 6:30 AM - 11:00 AM; Evening- 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
16 Feb to 31 March: Morning- 6:00 AM - 11:00 AM; Evening- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
1 April to 30 June: Morning- 5:30 AM - 10:00 AM; Evening- 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

(1 July to 15 October, the park is closed)

Best Time: October to June

With the majestic Pench river flowing through the greens and a variety of wildlife to be spotted in the rocky terrains, Pench National Park served as one of the inspirations for the famous novel 'The Jungle Book'. Visitors can enjoy many different experiences along with the wildlife safari on the boat rides, such as catching a glimpse of the tribal life and viewing some famous local dams and temples along the way. An open jeep Jungle Safari is available both day and night. Light vehicles and 15 seater buses are allowed on the premises.

The park remains closed during the monsoon months.

Safari Timings: 
Morning: 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Afternoon: 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Night: 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Safari Cost: INR 6500 for a jeep with 6 people

Best Time: October to June

Among the national parks in Madhya Pradesh, Panna National Park is the 5th tiger reserve of Madhya Pradesh and the 22nd of India and is located in Panna and Chhatarpur districts. Known for its plentiful wildlife and avifauna, the national park covers an area of around 542.67 km square. The park is famous for its attractions like wild cats, including tigers as well as deer and antelope. It is also an abode for more than 200 species of birds.

Best Time to Visit: December to March

Safari Timings:
Summer- Morning: Sunrise - 11:00 AM; Evening: 3:00 PM - Sunset
Winter- Morning: Sunrise - 11:00 AM; Evening: 4:00 PM - Sunset

The Satpura National Park in Madhya Pradesh is an exclusive and pristine landscape that has been preserved primarily for the protection of flora and fauna. This park was the winner of the TOFT Wildlife Tourism Award for the most visitor-friendly wildlife destinations in the year 2010. Located in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh in India, the park spreads over an area of 202 square miles and gets its name from the Satpura Hill ranges, or Mahadeo hills.

The Satpura National Park is also of crucial importance to the ecosystem of India, because this sanctuary, along with the Bori and Pachmarhi sanctuaries, provides around 550 square miles of tiger reserve area.

Best Time to Visit: October to April; The park remains closed from 1 July to 30 September

Safari Timings:
Morning: 6:30 AM - 11:00 AM; Evening: 3:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Guru Ghasidas National Park is a beautifully protected reserve stretched into an area of 1440.71 sq kilometres. It is located in the Koriya district of Chhattisgarh and was initially a part of the Sanjay National Park in Madhya Pradesh. However, after the formation of Chhattisgarh, 60% of the park's land went to the Koriya district and this part was renamed Guru Ghasidas National Park. The park is a mesh of small streams cutting through forests which contain immense amounts of distinct flora and fauna

Best Time to Visit: November to April; closed during monsoon.

Safari Timings:
Morning: 6:00 AM - 11:00 AM; Evening: 2:30 PM - 7:00 PM.

Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh is located in Sheopur and Morena districts. Popularly referred to as the Kuno Palpur among local people, it has a fort, Kuno River, Kanji House, and Khemcha Lake inside the national park. There are three entrance gates to the park. Kuno is home to diverse wildlife like Chital, Sambar, Barking deer, Blackbuck, Jackal, Wild boar, Indian Bison and leopard among others.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Open throughout the year, except monsoon (1st July to 15th October)

Safari Timings:
Morning: 6:00 AM - 9:30 AM; Evening: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM.

Madhav National Park is one of the major national parks in Madhya Pradesh located in the Shivpuri district. It boasts of some of the most exquisite species like the little Chinkara, the Indian gazelle, and the Chital, Nilgai, Sambar, Chausingha or four-horned Antelope, Blackbuck, Sloth Bear, Leopard and the omnipresent common Langur.  It was a famous hunting spot for the Gwalior royal family as well as the British. 

Best Time to Visit: October to March; the park remains open all year round.

Safari Timings: 
Morning - 6:30 AM - 10:00 AM; Evening - 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Located in the city of lakes, Bhopal, Van Vihar is a national park in Madhya Pradesh and a zoological park that operates under the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority. It is located just adjacent to the Upper Lake in Bhopal, near Shymala Hills. The animals here are kept closest to their natural habitats. You can spot a vast variety of animals including leopards, cheetah, Neelgai, panthers, etc. as well as birds such as kingfishers, bulbuls, wagtails, and some migratory species. 

Best Time to Visit: July - September when the chances of seeing a white tiger are the highest

Safari Timings: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM; Friday closed

Admire the timeless natural beauty on your visit to the Mandla Plant Fossils National Park, located in the Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh, spread over seven villages of Mandla District. The park features numerous plants, leaves, fruit, seed, and shell in the form of fossils, the most prominent being the palm fossils that existed in India between 40 million and 150 million years ago, belonging to either the Jurassic or the Cretaceous Age.