Nestled at the centre of India, Madhya Pradesh is abundant with natural beauty, where emerald forests whisper ancient tales and majestic creatures roam free. Nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers have many choices as the state boasts some of the most beloved national parks in the region.
Seven National Parks in Madhya Pradesh, each a unique tapestry of flora and fauna, that lure travellers across India and the world to its heartland:
- Pench National Park: Rudyard Kipling’s beloved ‘Jungle Book’ comes alive amidst the sal forests and meandering Pench River of this park. Home to the ferocious Royal Bengal tiger, sloth bears, leopards, and a magnificent variety of birdlife, the national park is one of the popular tourist attractions that offers jeep safaris and boat rides for an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
- Kanha National Park: Kanha’s rolling grasslands, dotted with Sal trees, paint a picture of evergreen wilderness. The national park houses over 300 bird species, 43 kinds of mammals, and 26 species of reptiles. Kanha, a Project Tiger reserve, allows tourists to explore only 20% of its vast expanse.
- Bandhavgarh National Park: Another protected reserve for royal Bengal tigers, Bandhavgarh National Park rises from the Vindhyan Plateau. Its towering cliffs and sandstone caves stand tall as the witnesses of the ancient monarchs. Besides boasting about the highest tiger densities in India, the park also has leopards, sloth bears, and a wealth of avian species.
- Panna National Park: Replete with natural and archaeological grandeur, Panna National Park is another tiger-centred reserve area in the Vidhyan Hills. The wildlife reserve has staged a remarkable comeback concerning tiger conservation. Panna also welcomes wildlife travellers to watch leopards, chital deer in their natural habitat and the Ganges River dolphin in its meandering Ken River.
- Satpura National Park: Surrounded by the mighty Satpura range, the tiger reserve is cloaked in dense forests. Not just observing the fanged cats in its domain, the park also renders adventure and tranquillity equally. Adventure lovers may take this opportunity to trek through hidden valleys, boat across pristine lakes, and spot tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and the elusive Indian wolf.
- Sanjay-Dubri National Park: This lesser-known gem, bordering Chhattisgarh, is a haven for wildlife viewing. Apart from tigers, Sanjay-Dubri National Park houses leopards, gaur, and a vibrant birdlife, offering a unique opportunity to explore wilderness off the beaten track.
- Kuno National Park: This lush green wild vegetation adorns the rocky mountainous terrain. The Asiatic lions once again roam the grasslands of Kuno. With its mix of grasslands and forests, the wildlife reserve offers a glimpse into the future of lion conservation in India.
From the thrill of tiger spotting to savouring the scenic topography that lines the forests, Madhya Pradesh serves it all. The state’s eminent national parks are a rich reservoir of diverse species and promise the serenity of hidden valleys to nature lovers.
