The second largest Indian state (according to area), Madhya Pradesh is blessed by the wonders of nature. Also, popular as the Tiger State of India for housing 19% of India’s tiger population, Madhya Pradesh is home to 10 national parks and 25 wildlife sanctuaries, as of now.
The tropical climate, dry deciduous forests and trickling rivers along with their lush green plains in the foothills of the hills – make this state a perfect shelter for accommodating countless exotic animals starting from Indian tigers, leopards, elephants, sambar deer, barking deer, sloth bear, wild boar, monkeys and many more. The national parks and the wildlife sanctuaries, which create MP wildlife tourism, attract flocks of researchers, enthusiasts, nature lovers and adventure junkies all through the year. These amazing places to experience a peaceful jungle safari away from the city’s chaotic life in the lap of nature make Madhya Pradesh one of India’s wildlife hotspots. Let’s know about some of the popular places to experience the best jungle safari in Madhya Pradesh.
Visit These 10 Wildlife Places in Madhya Pradesh to Have the Best Jungle Safari Experience
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Kanha National Park
- Panna National Park
- Pench National Park
- Satpura National Park
- Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve
- Karera Wildlife Sanctuary
- Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kuno National Park
- Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary
Get upto 30℅ of early bird discount on our India Wildlife Safari Packages. Reach us for more details / bookings – +91-7668130655.
Bandhavgarh National Park & Tiger Reserve
One of the popular national parks in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is located in Umaria District, covering an area of 1,161 square kilometres. Declared a national park in 1968, Bandhavgarh was previously a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Rewa. The national park was declared a tiger reserve in 1993 under Project Tiger as the green forests of the territory became a safe haven for the big cats in India. The favourite place for tiger safari in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is home to a rich collection of wildlife including Gaur or Indian Bison, Sambar, Indian Leopard, Nilgai, Indian Wolf, Striped Hyena and Caracal, Plum-headed Parakeet, Green-headed barbet, Oriental White Eye, House Sparrow, Orange-headed Thrush etc., apart from Bengal Tigers.
Nearby Attractions
- Bandhavgarh Fort
- Bandhavgarh Ancient Caves
- Khajuraho
- Tala Village
- The Climber’s Point
How to Reach Bandhavgarh?
Bandhavgarh National Park can be reached within seven to eight hours from Khajuraho, which is connected with the cities like Delhi, Agra and Varanasi. If you’re travelling by train, then the nearest railhead to the park is Umaria and the nearest airport is Khajuraho.
Best Time to Visit Bandhavgarh National Park
- April – May
- December – January
Safari Timings in Bandhavgarh National Park
In Summer Season –
- Morning Safari Timings – 5:30 AM to 10 AM
- Afternoon Safari Timings – 4 PM to 7 PM
In Winter Season –
- Morning Safari Timings – 6:30 AM to 11 AM
- Afternoon Safari Timings – 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Also Check Out: Bandhavgarh Jungle Safari Tour Package
Kanha National Park & Tiger Reserve
One of the best national parks for jungle safari experience, Kanha National Park is the backstory behind the popular story book, ‘The Jungle Book’ by Rudyard Kipling. Also, popular as Kanha Tiger Reserve, the park is one of the well-maintained national parks, spread across Mandla and Balaghat Districts in Madhya Pradesh. Covering an area of 1,177 square kilometres, Kanha National Park is the largest in the state, as well as in Central India. The stunning sights of the splendid wildlife of the park including the Royal Bengal Tiger, Barasingha, Blackbuck, Python, Panther, Sambar, etc., wandering through the forests carefree offer you some unforgettable memories to remember.
Nearby Attractions
- Kanha Museum
- Kawardha Palace
- Bamni Dadar
- Pachmarhi
- Ajaygarh Fort
How to Reach Kanha National Park?
Daily buses are available from Nagpur, Jabalpur, Bilaspur and Raipur to reach Kanha National Park. The nearest big airport to the park is Nagpur (Maharashtra), which has a well-connected network with all domestic airports in India. However, distance-wise, the nearest airport to the park is Jabalpur Airport. Moreover, you can also reach Kanha by train, and in this case, the nearest railhead is also Jabalpur Railway Station.
Best Time to Visit Kanha National Park
- March – May
- November – February
Safari Timings in Kanha National Park
| Months | Morning | Afternoon |
| October 16 – February 15 | Sunrise to 11 AM | 2 PM to Sunset |
| February 16 – April 15 | Sunrise to 11 AM | 3 PM to Sunset |
| April 16 – June 30 | Sunrise to 10 AM | 3:30 PM to Sunset |
Also Check Out: Kanha National Park Jungle Safari Tour Package
Panna National Park & Tiger Reserve
Another one of the best places for exploring the wilderness in India, Panna National Park is a combination of the thick forests of the Vindhyan Hills, which is surrounded by the green valleys on the bank of the Ken River, pure nature and a profuse collection of biodiversity. Besides being one of the best places for a hassle-free tiger safari, it is also famed for being home to seven different species of vultures. Spread across an area of 542.67 square kilometres in the Chhatarpur and Panna District, this national park is also the 22nd tiger reserve in India. Apart from tigers and vultures, you can also get a glimpse of other creatures here like the Indian leopard, sloth bear, Chinkara and many more.
Nearby Attractions
- Pandav Falls and Caves
- Baldeoji Temple
- Mahamati Prannathji Temple
- Brihaspati Kund
- Padmavati Devi Temple
How to Reach Panna National Park?
Panna National Park can be reached from Bhopal, Gwalior, Jhansi and Satna by road. Daily bus service is available between the park and these above-mentioned cities. By rail, you can reach the park from Jhansi Railway Station, which is 176 kilometres away. Furthermore, the nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport, only 26 kilometres away.
Best Time to Visit Panna National Park
December – March
Safari Timings in Panna National Park
In Summer Season –
- Morning Safari Timing – Sunrise to 11 AM
- Afternoon Safari Timing – 3 PM to Sunset
In Winter Season –
- Morning Safari Timing – Sunrise to 11 AM
- Afternoon Safari Timing – 4 PM to Sunset
Also Check Out: Panna National Park Wildlife Safari Package
Pench National Park & Tiger Reserve
Pench National Park is another amazing place to have an adventurous Madhya Pradesh wildlife tour. Established in 1965 as a wildlife sanctuary, this national park covers an area of 758 square kilometres. Named after the Pench River, which flows through the park from North to South and divides the park into two equal parts, Pench National Park spreads across the districts of Seoni and Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh. Well-depicted in Ain-i-Akbari, the historical memoir written by Abu Fazal in the 16th century, Pench National Park is a place to spot Royal Bengal Tiger, Sloth Bear, Black Panther, Indian Leopard, Wild Dog, Peafowl, Jackal, Fox, Striped Hyena etc.
Nearby Attractions
- Bhedaghat
- Sanchi
- Khekranala
- Ramtek
- Pachmarhi
How to Reach Pench National Park?
The nearest airport and railway station to Pench National Park, both are at Nagpur, at an approximate distance of 130 kilometres. By road, you can reach the park via Nagpur-Jabalpur Highway. It takes around three to four hours to reach the forest from Nagpur and Jabalpur.
Best Time to Visit Pench National Park
February – April
Jungle Safari Timings in Pench National Park
In Summer Season –
- Morning Safari Timing – 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM
- Afternoon Safari Timing – 4 PM to 6:30 PM
In Winter Season –
- Morning Safari Timing – 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Afternoon Safari Timing – 3 PM to 5:30 PM
Also Read:Wildlife Tourism in India
Satpura National Park & Tiger Reserve
Satpura National Park offers an interesting jungle safari in Madhya Pradesh as the visitors are required to cross the Denwa River during the safari, either in a gypsy or an elephant. Flowing through the centre, the Denwa River adds glory to the beauty of Satpura National Park, which sits perfectly surrounded by the Satpura Ranges in Pachmarhi. The national park, which won several prestigious awards to protecting endangered species, covers an area of 202 square kilometres. The liveliest, visitor-friendly part of wildlife adventure tourism of Madhya Pradesh, Satpura National Park is the habitat of porcupines, Indian bison, leopards, tigers, Chousinghas, spotted deer, Langurs, crocodiles and many more exotic wildlife species.
Nearby Attractions
- Pandav Caves
- Christ Church
- Raj Bhavan
- Bee Falls
- Dhoopgarh
How to Reach Satpura National Park?
The closest airport to Satpura National Park is Bhopal, 176 kilometres away. You can also reach this national park by train; the closest railhead is Itarsi. Moreover, Satpura National Park is well connected with cities like Jabalpur, Bhopal, Hoshangabad etc. by road.
Best Time to Visit Satpura National Park
November – February
Wildlife Jungle Safari Timings in Satpura National Park
| Morning | Afternoon | |
| Summer | 5:45 AM to 9:30 AM | 3 PM to 6:30 PM |
| Winter | 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM | 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM |
Also Read: 10 Best National Parks in India
Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve
Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve is one of the popular tiger reserves in India to become home to the world-famous white tiger ‘Mohan.’ The reserve was established in 1975 where Mohan was rescued and then reared in an enclosure in Govindgarh. Most of the white tigers we see all across the globe are the progeny of Mohan and Radha, the tigress of Mohan in Govindgarh. The place encloses a thick forest of Sal trees, which make it a perfect shelter for hundreds of wildlife. Worth mentioning, Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve also plays a crucial role in being the wildlife corridor between Bandhavgarh National Park and Palamau Tiger Reserve.
Nearby Attractions
- Parsili
- Son Gharial Sanctuary
- Ghoghra Devi Temple
- Varchar Ashram
- Chandreh Shaiva Temple and Monastery
How to Reach Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve?
Both the nearest airport and railway station to Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve are located at Rewa, about 170 kilometres away. The national park is also connected with major cities in Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring states by road network.
Best Time to Visit Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve
October – June
Safari Timings in Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve
| Morning | Evening |
| 6 AM to 11 AM | 2:30 PM to 7 PM |
Karera Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated on the Jhansi-Shivpuri main road, Karera Wildlife Sanctuary offers one of the best safari experiences as it is home to more than 200 species of residential and migratory birds. Similar to Ghatigaon, it was also established in 1981 to protect the Great Indian Bustard. The mixed vegetation of the sanctuary where a tropical climate is found all through the year gets hot and humid during the summer. So, winter is the best time to make a visit here, not only to get a comfortable forest safari, but also to spot numerous migratory birds around Dihalia Lake, which is the only water body present in the forest. Some of the residential birds found here are Indian robins, pintails, herons, gadwalls, spoonbills etc.
Nearby Attractions
- Karera Fort
- Dihalia Lake
- Bhadaiya Kund
- Narwar Fort
- Tatya Tope Memorial
- Survaya Ki Garhi
How to Reach Karera Wildlife Sanctuary?
You can reach Karera Wildlife Sanctuary by train, bus and air. The nearest railhead is Jhansi, which is 44 kilometres away from the sanctuary. Moreover, the nearest airport is at Gwalior, at 150 kilometres distance. The place is also connected by road with Jhansi and Shivpuri.
Best Time to Visit Karera Wildlife Sanctuary
November – March
Safari Timings in Karera Wildlife Sanctuary
| Summer | Winter |
| 9 AM to 2 PM | 9 AM to 2 PM |
Also Read: Popular National Parks to Visit in Summer in India
Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary
Another best places for MP Forest Safari, the scenic beauty of Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary includes two trickling rivers, Barna and Ghoghara and verdant valleys at the foothills of picture-perfect hills and lush green flora. Located in the Raisen District, Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1976. It covers an area of 288 square kilometres that houses a rich collection of wildlife including tigers, leopards, sambhars and more. The sanctuary is a part of a dry deciduous forest and a tropical climate area, so it is best visited during the months of winter.
Nearby Attractions
- Jahaz Mahal
- Ghaus Mohammed Tomb
- Chouki Garh Fort
- Bandariya Temple
- Canes of Jamgarh
How to Reach Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary?
Bhopal is the closest hub for connection to this wildlife sanctuary. The nearest airport, railhead and bus services, are at Bhopal, which is around 100 kilometres from Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary
November – February
Kuno National Park
Kuno National Park is located in Sheopur and Morena Districts in Madhya Pradesh and was established in 1981 as a wildlife sanctuary. Covering an area of 344.686 square kilometres, this national park is the most possible place to experience the best of India’s wildlife as it is now home to eight African Cheetahs, who are brought from Namibia and reintroduced here in September 2022. Other than cheetahs, people can also enjoy spotting the Indian leopard, jungle cat, Indian wolf, sloth bear, Bengal fox and many more. The park also attracts several ornithologists as it is home to ruddy mongoose, Honey badger, Indian grey mongoose, Indian hare etc.
Nearby Attractions
- Bamni Dadar
- Kanha Museum
- Kawardha Palace
- Amarkantak
- Mandla
How to Reach Kuno National Park?
The nearest airport to Kuno National Park is Gwalior, from where you can hire a taxi. You can also reach the park by train. Sawai Madhopur, Gwalior, Jhansi, Kota and Jaipur are some nearest railheads to the park which have great connectivity by rail. From these places, you will reach the forest by road by taking a cab or a bus.
Best Time to Visit Kuno National Park
October – February
Safari Timings in Kuno National Park
| Morning | Afternoon |
| 6 AM to 1 PM | 3 PM to 6 PM |
Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary
Created in 1981 to protect the Great Indian Bustard, Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across the west of Gwalior City. It covers an area of 511 square kilometres and surrounds a fraction of the Tighra Dam. A part of the dry and deciduous Kathiawar-Gir forests, Ghatigaon is home to numerous plants including Khair, Tendu and Reonjha. The plants or the forests and the part of the reservoir make it one of the best jungle getaways, which is a shelter to several wildlife species in the sanctuary such as wild boar, hyenas, monkeys, chital and the Great Indian Bustard.
Nearby Attractions
- Tighra Dam
- Dev Cave
- Sarod Ghar
- Jai Vilas Mahal
- Baija Taal
- Gwalior Zoo
How to Reach Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary?
The nearest airport and railhead with better connectivity both are at Gwalior, around 75 kilometres away. You can also reach this place from Rewa and Sidhi by bus.
Best Time to Visit Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary
November – March
Safari Timings in Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary
| Summer | Winter |
| 9 AM to 5 PM | 9 AM to 5 PM |
Other Quick Info About MP Wildlife – List of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh
- Sardarpur Sanctuary
- Sailana Sanctuary
- Ghatigaon Sanctuary
- National Chambal Sanctuary
- Son Ghariyal Sanctuary
- Ken Ghariyal Sanctuary
- Bori Sanctuary
- Panpatha Sanctuary
- Sanjay Dubari Sanctuary
- Khionee Sanctuary
- Bagdara Sanctuary
- Veeragana Durgavati Sanctuary
- Nauradehi Sanctuary
- Singodi Sanctuary
- RalaMandal Sanctuary
- Oracha Sanctuary
- Ratapani Sanctuary
- Narsinghgarh Sanctuary
- Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary
- Gangau Sanctuary
If you are keen to explore the wild of India with the stunning views of picturesque landscapes, no other place is like Madhya Pradesh for that. These above-mentioned top 10 wildlife safari destinations are considered a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature-lovers, and they should be on your bucket list while you are making a trip to Madhya Pradesh. If you want to know more details about any of these places contact us or browse our website. Comment here which of these places you want to visit first.
Important MP Wildlife Tourism Facts
| Famous for | Tigers & Leopard |
| Forest Area | 77482.49 sq km |
| Also Known as | The Wild Heart of India |
| Total Numbers of Tigers | MP housing 10% of the world’s tiger population and 19% of India’s tiger population |
| Total Numbers of Leopards | More than 3400 Leopards |
| Total Numbers of National Parks | 11 |
| Total Numbers of Wildlife Sanctuaries | 21 |
| Total Numbers of Tiger Reserves | 6 |
Get upto 30℅ of early bird discount on our Madhya Pradesh Holiday Tour Packages. Reach us for more details / bookings – +91-7668130655.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time for a Jungle Safari holiday in Madhya Pradesh?
Winter is undoubtedly the best time to go for a jungle safari holiday in Madhya Pradesh, as the temperature is cooler and the wildlife is seen soaking in sun during the daytime.
Which national park has the highest number of tigers in Madhya Pradesh?
The highest number of tigers in Madhya Pradesh is found in Bandhavgarh National Park.
Why is Madhya Pradesh the most popular place to have a tiger safari?
Madhya Pradesh is called the Tiger State of India for housing 10% of the world’s tiger population and 19% of India’s tiger population. Hence, it is undoubtedly the most popular place for a tiger safari.
How many leopards are there in Madhya Pradesh?
There are more than 3,400 leopards in Madhya Pradesh.
Which are the must-visit places in Madhya Pradesh to have a fun-filled adventurous jungle safari?
Some of the must-visit places in Madhya Pradesh to have a fun-filled adventurous jungle safari are:
- Kanha National Park
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Pench National Park
- Satpura Tiger Reserve
- Panna National Park
Other Popular Jungle Safari Experiences in India
- Sariska National Park Jungle Safari
- Ranthambore Wildlife Jungle Safari
- Nagarhole National Park Wildlife Safari
- Bandipur National Park Jungle Safari
- Tadoba National Park Jungle Safari
- Sundarban National Park Wildlife Safari
- Rajaji National Park Jungle Safari
- Jim Corbett National Park Jungle Safari
- Gir National Park Lion Safari Tour
- Kaziranga Wildlife Safari Tour
