Satpura National Park, located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, is a paradise for wildlife lovers. The park is divided into different zones to protect its rich biodiversity. There are three main core zones in Satpura: Madhai, Churna & Panchmarhi. It has 2 buffer zones namely Parsapani or Pathai Zone and Jamani Devi or Sehra Zone. The core zone is the central part of the forest where human encroachment is restricted. Buffer zones surround the core zone and serve as a barrier between human habitation and wildlife.
In this blog, we will take you through the various gates and zones of Satpura National Park, highlighting what makes each area unique and what you can expect to see and do there.
Popular Core Zones and Buffer Zones in Satpura National Park
CORE ZONES IN SATPURA
1. MADHAI ZONE
The Most Popular of all the entry gates is the Madhai Gate comprising of varied topography like plains, valleys, meadows, water bodies, some hilly terrains and the Denwa Backwaters. From Madhai Gate, we can enter the Madhai Core Zone. Only 14 vehicles are permitted to enter this core zone per day, including the morning and afternoon safaris.
The density of the Tiger population is the highest in this zone, making it one of the best zones for Tiger Safari in Satpura. Named after the National Park, this is the most popular zone of the reserve.
Madhai zone is in itself a major tourist attraction. Apart from just tigers, tourists can visit other landmark spots in this zone. Madhai Zone also offers boat safari on the Denwa River, Canoe rides and nature walks.
Lagada in Satpura
Lagada is situated on the foothills of mountains. River Sonbhadra flows right next to it. On the bank of the river, there are large boulders that serve as a platform to have breakfast. Now this is what we call breakfast with a view.
Whilst you enjoy your hot cuppa and delicious breakfast, you might as well observe crocodiles swimming at a distance, Malabar Whistling Thrush melodiously whistling away or you may never know, a leopard might just come by to enjoy the sun-kissed rocks.
Jhin Jhini Mehel
Hidden deep inside the forest, is an ancient tribal temple. According to locals, this temple was built in the era of king ‘Bahutsingh’. The architecture of the temple is what makes it more fascinating. These temples are made up of massive rocks that are placed one above another without using any concrete.
If you’ve ever heard of Stonehenge, you can relate. It’s somewhat similar to it when we describe such an architecture. But both are different in terms of their significance and the intention behind their establishment. The temple reveres Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman and the Sun God.
Chutkidev at Satpura
Wanting an aerial view of Satpura, this place in Madhai will give you reasons to come here often. From here, when you gaze upon the grandness of Satpura, it just feels like a miniature world. It’s one of the longest mountain ranges and gets blurred as you try to see near the horizon. From here you can see both the rivers, Denwa and Sonbhadra
2. CHURNA ZONE
Wanting to enter Churna Zone, tourists can take the Churna Gate also known as Bheemkund Safari Gate. It can also be accessed through the Madhai Entry gate on a full-day safari. Churna zone comprises large grasslands and also has the Churna Forest Rest House.
For a full day safari in the Churna zone, you need to combine two permits for morning and evening from Madhai. Lesser vehicle numbers, a drive-through of lavish green forest, hot served food cooked on Chulha at the FRH, a walk along a stream, and a power nap on a swing inside a core area would surely make your trip unforgettable.
During the afternoon when the park is closed one can rest at Churna Forest Rest House. One can also plan an overnight trip to Churna for which booking is to be done with the forest department.
3. PANCHMARHI ZONE
This is the newest zone and is also known as the ‘Panaarpani Zone’ located in close proximity to the Pachmarhi Hill Station. The nearest gate to this zone is Panarpani Gate. Tourists come here in large numbers to visit and enjoy Satpura National Park. If any of the tourists want to undertake the jungle safari then, they will have to travel approximately 18 km. from Panchmari to Panarpani Gate to enter the national park.
However, it should be kept in mind that only 7 vehicles are allowed to enter in the morning round and 7 in the evening round. The safaris remain closed every Wednesday afternoon.
BUFFER ZONES OF SATPURA NATIONAL PARK
The Buffer zone adjoins or surrounds the core zone. It serves as the barrier between its wildlife and the human inhabitants of the neighbouring villages. This part of the forest is open to regulated activities including, but not restricted to, human habitation. An ample amount of Chinkara, Nilgai, and four-horned Antelope are found in this zone besides the other large cats. It is divided into four zones, namely:
1. PARSAPANI OR PATAHI ZONE
Also known as Pathai zone, the zone can be visited through safaris via private vehicles, 14 vehicles in the morning and 14 in the afternoon are permitted to enter this zone. This zone is full of unique terrain as it holds rich vegetation in an undulating habitat and is filled with several streams, ponds, grasslands, riverbanks, forests, etc. This area is full of unique terrain as it holds rich vegetation in an undulating habitat.
These patches are niched in with many ponds, streams, grasslands, riverbanks, forests, etc. This is best visited when you are staying near the Madhai gate. This zone meets the Denwa backwaters at several points and is situated between Shohagpur and Madhai (20 km.) on one side and Madhai and Pathai Gates (14 km.) on another side.
2. JAMANI DEV OR SEHRA ZONE
This zone comprises of picturesque landscape consisting of ponds, streams, forests, riverbanks, etc. where you can go camping and undertake various activities like trekking, bird watching, jeep safari, village tours, cultural programs, etc. The ravishing buffer zone is closer to Denwa and comprises lush green meadows where the possibility of spotting Leopards, Indian Gaur, Indian Crested Porcupines, Rusty Spotted Cats, etc. is high. Slightly different from other zones, Sehra is closer to Denwa and is full of lush green meadows where the gentle giants, Gaur, peacefully graze.
This zone also has an old shrine that used to be a regular place of worship for the locals. Since the last few years, it has become an ideal site to spot sloth bears as they visit the place often due to its proximity to Sehra Dam. Leopards and wild dogs also roam free in this newly regenerating forest. This is best visited when you are staying near the Madhai gate.
Also Read: Tiger Cubs in India
TOPOGRAPHY OF SATPURA NATIONAL PARK
The land of Satpura is blessed with an ample amount of rivers, waterfalls and saucers, making it a haven for wildlife. The rugged terrain is dotted with stunning sandstone peaks and dense forests. Satpura may be termed as a ‘Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest with a predominance of both Sal and Teak in different areas’. It has a Dhoopgarh peak as high as 1,350 metres and almost level plains of Churna.
FLORA AND FAUNA OF SATPURA NATIONAL PARK
Evolutionary Studies have shown how life originated near water and Satpura is no different. Since the land is blessed with plenty of water reservoirs, it makes the best place for the flora and fauna to bloom and thrive up to their maximum potential.
Some of the thriving fauna of Satpura National Park include Spotted Deer, Indian Bison (Gaur), Tigers, Leopards, Wild boars, Wild dogs (locally called Dholes), Sloth bears, Black Bucks, Porcupine, Sambhar, Four Horned antelopes (Chowsingha), Otters, Crocodiles, Malabar squirrels, Langurs, Honey badgers, etc.
But apart from these animals, Satpura is a haven for bird watchers. It hosts a variety of birds, including many migratory species from November to March. The hotspots for birding include the Tawa Reservoir, the Denwa Backwaters, and the grasslands and fields of the Satpura National Park.
BRIEF HISTORY OF SATPURA NATIONAL PARK
Apart from the biodiversity, Satpura has its own set of history and archaeology attached to it. With more than 50 rock shelters, Satpura was the first official reserved forest of India. The rock shelters are donned with paintings that are 1500 to 10,000 years old.
Satpura Tiger Reserve stands out by its magnificent natural beauty and the famous Pachmari town, the only designated hill station of Madhya Pradesh which is famous for its picturesque locations, also falls within the reserve. Its unique geographical formations, dense forests, waterfalls, distinguished flora and fauna, rock shelters depicting ancient cultural heritage, pilgrim sites, colonial buildings and tribal culture make it one of the most unique wildlife destinations in Madhya Pradesh.
But one should never forget that we are mere guests in the wilderness and must never make the mistake of overpowering nature. We must always abide by the rules of the jungle and treat the hosts, next to God.
Wanting to live by the wildlife and haven’t decided on a place yet, Pugdundee Safaris’ Denwa Backwater Escape can be the place to go. Denwa Backwater Escape by Pugdundee is an eco-luxury, wildlife resort in Satpura National Park. This idyllic getaway is nestled in the densely forested land of Madhai, along the backwaters of the meandering Denwa River. It also gives easy access to Sehra and Parsapani buffers.
Also, to make the most of your tiger safari in Satpura, do remember to keep your best hats, sunglasses and camouflage. While you’re still making up your mind about that trip, immerse yourself in the magic of Satpura. Just imagine being surrounded by the mighty tigers, while you sit there reading this blog. Let the tall teak trees mesmerize you and the birds call you to indulge yourself in this natural.
Written by Richa Dhiryan
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Satpura National Park?
The best time to visit Satpura National Park is from October to June, however, the buffer zones are open throughout the year. It is to be noted that the core zones remain closed during the monsoon season i.e. from 1st July to 30th Sept. Buffer zones remain open throughout the year and are extremely scenic to visit in monsoons. Satpura is extremely scenic in monsoons also with the mountains covered with clouds and green.
2. How to reach Satpura National Park?
Bhopal (150 km) and Nagpur (320 km) airports are the closest airport to Satpura. Piparia (40 km), Sohagpur (20 km), Itarsi (70 km), Hoshangabad (70 km), Bhopal (140 km) and Nagpur (320 km) are the nearest train stations. Taxis can be booked from the hotel you are staying in, as not many options are available for taxi booking on arrival.
3. How to book Tiger Safari in Satpura?
Tiger Safari in Satpura can be booked through the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department website. Tiger Safari in Satpura can also be booked by the Pugdundee Safaris website. Tiger Safaris in Satpura are the biggest attraction and plenty of tourists visit the tiger reserve every year.
