Satpura National Park is situated in Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most sought out destinations for a tiger safari in India. Apart from just tiger safaris, there are a lot of things to do in Satpura.
Hill stations like Pachmarhi and Patalkot Valley are an ideal gateway from Satpura National Park. A full-day safari as well as a night stay in a guest house in Churna is something you can look forward to. You can also camp around Forsyth trail. A boat cruise in Tawa Dam and experiencing the historical Bhimbetka rock paintings near Satpura are another set of things to do in Satpura. Read below to know more.
Top 11 Things To Do in Satpura National Park
1. Jeep Safari in Satpura
A jeep safari in Satpura is the most sought out activity when in a jungle. It allows you to explore the jungle at its best and give you a clear view of the entire landscape. If you’re in for an adrenaline rush, then this activity is a must for all adventure lovers.
2. Visit to Pachmarhi
A hill station is located in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh. It is the nearest hill station to Satpura. Pachmarhi Hills are the perfect destination if you are planning for a short-day trip from Satpura. The hills are famous for their numerous waterfalls, with Rajat Prapat waterfall being the largest waterfall in Pachmarhi.
Pachmarhi translates to “five caves” (panch-five, marhi-caves), and if the legend is to be believed, they were once home to the five Pandava brothers and their wife Draupadi. Though according to archaeological findings these caves belong to the Gupta era (4th-7th century AD) with an ancient brick-built stupa on top of the caves. This stupa dates back to Emperor Ashoka’s time from the 3rd century BC.
3. Camping & Walking on Forsyth trail in Satpura
This special camping facility offered by Pugdundee Safaris will give you an experience like no other. The Mobile and Walking Safari conducted from November to March includes tailor-made walking safari trails with exclusive overnight camping facilities.
This enchanting trek, customized especially for its guests, unfolds a whole new forest adventure. A team of experienced naturalists and a trained camp core team will accompany you for all the walking and mobile safaris. The camp offers walk-in tents with regular camp cots, dry toilets, and shower tents with hot shower bags.
The housekeeping and kitchen team takes special care of the guests, offering them personalized services and comfort. There is no electricity at the campsite, only lanterns, and flashlights. This experience helps you unplug in the lap of nature without any phone connectivity.
These camping adventures can be customized to one, two, or three nights; depending on the requirement of our guests
4. Full-day safari in Churna
Nestled deep inside Satpura Tiger Reserves, this magical old-world forest is a must visit. When in Satpura, you need morning and evening jeep safari tickets through Madhai gate to start the trail and make it a full day.
5. Night Stay at Churna Forest Rest House
Churna Guest House is a minimalistic setting where one stops for lunch between safaris (morning and afternoon) or opts to stay the night. Managed by the forest department, this guest house serves as a resting point for all the trekkers. We at Pugdundee Safaris offer our guests an overnight stay at Churna Forest rest house subject to availability.
6. Canoe Ride in Satpura
A canoe ride in the Denwa River is one of the things to do in Satpura. The canoe ride is offered near Denwa Backwater Escape at the Madhai entrance point of Satpura. Along with enjoying the pristine waters of the river, one can have a glance at the wide variety of water birds and somersaulting fishes. A trained guide from the forest reserve accompanies our guests and they are provided with life jackets. This canoe ride can be arranged on a 1-person or 2-person basis.
7. Night Patrol Safari at Sehra and Parsapani
Sehra and Parsapani buffer zones of Satpura are excellent for night patrol, also known as night safari, during the twilight hour. The twilight hour starts from 5:30 P.M. to 8 P.M. It is an ideal time to spot wild animals and birds as they start returning to their roosts or resting places. Meanwhile, the predator species start crawling out of their hideouts and can be caught on the prowl.
Sehra also has a few water bodies and a watchtower that lends it a certain historical charm.
8. Bineca overnight camping
Yet another unique tailor-made walking safari trail with exclusive overnight camping facilities, Camp Bineca promises to be an exclusive experience. This safari is organized from November to March.
It is considered best for people who prefer not to walk too much due to its vicinity to Denwa Backwater Escape.
9. Bhimbetka Rock Paintings
A world heritage site, Bhimbetka rock paintings get their name from Bhimbhaitaka or the sitting place of Bhima from the Mahabharata. These cave paintings date back to about 30, 000 years and are rock shelters that were home to humans.
Amidst the dense forests of Bhimbetka, this site is en route to Bhopal. A day trip can be organized to this archaeological site, or one can visit on the way to Satpura or while returning. Tickets & guides are available at the entrance of this heritage site.
10. Patalkot Valley
It is located in the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, its highest point gives you a bird’s eye view of the entire valley. The valley appears to be in the shape of a horseshoe when seen from above. The top of the valley is as high as 1,200-1,500 feet. Best visited en route Pench or a day trip can be organized along with a packed picnic lunch.
11. Boat Cruise from Tawa Dam to Satpura
This unique, two-hour ferry experience from Tawa Dam to Denwa Backwater Escape via a river cruise, is an exciting way to reach the pristine destination of Satpura. The ferry picks up the guests from Tawa Dam and drops them guests directly to the Denwa Backwater Escape.
This exclusive experience can be availed for a maximum of eight people and promises to be enthralling. Lunch with soft beverages onboard can also be organized prior to booking.
MORE ABOUT SATPURA NATIONAL PARK
Satpura National Park or Madhai, as it is popularly known, is a paradise for tiger lovers. Crested in the lap of Central India, lies the serene Satpura. This wilderness is a gateway to the vast land where humanity is bestowed upon by the mightiness of Mother Earth. This is the beauty of nature, its serenity enthralls you, leaving you wanting for more
Hidden amidst the Mahadeo hills of the Satpura range, this landmass is home to the bountiful of God’s most lovely or we can say the most ferocious creatures. Geographically located in the Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh, this land hosts the best Tiger Safari in Satpura.
WHERE TO STAY IN SATPURA
Pugdundee Safaris’ Denwa Backwater Escape is one of the premium luxury resorts in Satpura National Park. It is an idyllic getaway, nestled in the expansive forested land of Madhai, along the backwaters of the meandering Denwa River. The core forest reserve lies across the river and is accessible through a placid boat ride, which can then be reached through a jeep safari that takes one into the depths of the forests
Written by Richa Dhiryan