Madhya Pradesh is more or less the equivalent term of “Tiger State” of India; it houses some of the most famous and diversified national parks anywhere in the country. Even though they present an opportunity to see the magnificent Bengal tiger, it boasts remarkable biodiversity along with key habitats for several species of flora and fauna. Here’s a preview of the top 5 national parks in Madhya Pradesh:
1.Kanha National Park
- Location: Mandla and Balaghat districts, Madhya Pradesh
- Area: 940 sq km
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
Why Visit? Kanha is one of India’s largest and most renowned national parks, famous for its tiger reserve and stunning landscapes. It has even been given the credit for inspiring Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. This house also has world-famous and exotic fauna: The Royal Bengal Tiger, the Sloth Bears, the Indian Wild Dog-Dholas (now largely in view because of increasing threats in that department)-along with some varieties of antelope Barasinghas/swamp deer-in all. Also put on view: A spectacular Jeep safari/Canter safaris are in store for the visitors and wild-lifers coming here for adventure
Major Attractions:
- Kanha Meadows: Known for picturesque views and wildlife sightings.
- Bamni Dadar: Known as the sunset point, offering breathtaking views of the park.
- Tigers: Famous for tiger sightings, it is one of the best places in India to see tigers in the wild.
2.Bandhavgarh National Park
- Location: Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh
- Area: 1,536 sq km
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
Why Visit? Bandhavgarh is another major national park in Madhya Pradesh, known to have one of the highest densities of tigers in India. This park with its hilly terrain and ancient forts, is a paradise for the wildlife enthusiast. It also boasts of rich historical and cultural legacy with the Bandhavgarh Fort and numerous temples scattered throughout the park.
Major Attractions:
- Tiger Sightings: Famous for Tiger Viewings frequently.
- Bandhavgarh Fort: It is one of the ancient fort buildings placed at the top of the hill having brilliant view of the park.
- White Tigers: Bandhavgarh is one of the ancient residences of white tiger, and one can easily enjoy visiting this rare variant here.
3.Pench National Park
- Location: Seoni and Chhindwara districts, Madhya Pradesh
- Area: 758 sq km
- Best Time to Visit: November to June
Why Visit? Pench National Park is so famous for its dense forests and the Pench River. This park is also rich in wildlife and has Bengal tigers, which are very popular these days. One of the significant reasons to visit this national park is its association with Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. It is believed that the Seeonee jungle shown in the book is inspired from this park.
Major Attractions:
- Tiger Safaris: The park provides an excellent opportunity to view tigers in the wild.
- Biodiversity: It contains a variety of species such as leopards, wild boars, Indian wolves, and many more.
- Boating: Take a boat ride on the Pench River for a unique wildlife experience.
4.Satpura National Park
- Location: Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh
- Area: 524 sq km
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
Why Visit? Satpura National Park is one of the most scenic national parks in the state, and the unusual national park in Madhya Pradesh. Satpura, unlike many more renowned parks in the state, presents an experience with no crowds and has a soothing feel to the atmosphere. Satpura National Park is packed full of abundant biodiversity, featuring mountainous landscapes replete with thick forests, river valleys, and much more. It offers shelter to tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and elephants.
Main Attractions:
- Elephant Safaris: See the park from a different perspective while sitting on the back of the elephant.
- Trekking and Nature Walks: This is one of the few parks that offer trekking and walking safaris.
- Denwa River: A very beautiful river flowing through this very beautiful park, attracting nature lovers to enjoy the quiet climate of the place.
5.Kuno National Park
- Location: Sheopur District, Madhya Pradesh
- Area:1,188 sq km
- Best time to visit: October to March
Why Visit? Kuno National Park is a new entrant to the list of famous national parks in Madhya Pradesh, but it is already gaining fame as the site for the reintroduction of the cheetah into India. The park is known for its diversified wildlife, tigers, leopards, and the Indian Wolf endangered varieties. The park has been important for wildlife conservation and biodiversity preservation.
Major Attractions:
- Cheetah Reintroduction Project: Kuno is the ambitious project to introduce cheetahs to India, who had been missing in the country for decades.
- Safari Experience: Jeep safaris across the length and breadth of the park, spotting tigers and leopards in many other animals.
- Scenic Views: Beautiful landscape, the varied topography in the forests, and open grasslands of the park.
Best Time to Visit Madhya Pradesh National Parks
- Summer (March to June): This is the peak wildlife season in Madhya Pradesh. Many people have seen the tigers there around the water bodies, though the heat would be a constraint.
- Monsoon (July to September): It is off-season. Heavy water conditions are created by rainy seasons, and in many places, access to parks is very limited. In a few places, most of the parks are closed for the entire rainy season.
- Winter (October to February): Excellent time for birding as well as general park sightseeing. Nice climate and perfect for safaris.
An excellent destination for the wildlife lover, and the flora and fauna it possesses spread out among its top five national parks have been worth visiting. It can be spotting tigers in Bandhavgarh or merely inhaling the peace of Satpura -the places are thrilling as well as a treat to any nature lover’s eye. All these have different characteristics, histories, and diversities and have to be seen by any individual loving wildlife and adventure.
