Madhya Pradesh, located in central India, is known for its rich natural heritage and diverse wildlife. The state is home to several national parks that offer breathtaking landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and incredible experiences for nature lovers. In this article, we will know about the 8 Best National Parks in Madhya Pradesh.
List of 8 Best National Parks in Madhya Pradesh
- Kanha National Park
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Pench National Park
- Satpura National Park
- Panna National Park
- Sanjay National Park
- Madhav National Park
- Van Vihar National Park
Best National Parks in Madhya Pradesh
1. Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is one of the largest and most famous national parks in Madhya Pradesh. It covers an area of 940 square kilometers and is famous for its population of Bengal tigers.
The park’s dense forests, rolling grasslands, and beautiful landscape inspired Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book”. Apart from tigers, Kanha is also home to leopards, sloth bears, Indian wild dogs, and a variety of bird species.
2. Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park is another popular wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. Spread over 105 square kilometers, this place is famous for its high density of Royal Bengal tigers.
Bandhavgarh’s rugged terrain, ancient ruins, and lush greenery make it a unique and picturesque destination for wildlife lovers. The park is also home to leopards, Indian bison, sambar deer, and several bird species.
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3. Pench National Park
Pench National Park situated on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra is famous for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Spanning across an expanse of 257 square kilometers, this national park stands out for its distinctive features, which include lush teak forests, expansive open grasslands, and the enchanting Pench River gracefully flowing through its picturesque landscape.
In addition to tigers, the park is home to several other mammal species, including leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, and Indian bison. Pench is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 285 species of birds recorded here.
4. Satpura National Park
Satpura National Park is one of the lesser-known national parks of Madhya Pradesh, which offers a serene and unique wildlife experience. It covers an area of 524 square kilometers and is characterized by its rugged terrain, deep gorges, and wooded hills.
The park is home to diverse wildlife including tigers, leopards, Indian bison, sambar deer and Malabar giant squirrels. The Satpuras also allow for unique experiences such as boat safaris, walking safaris, and night safaris, making it a favorite among adventure seekers.
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5. Panna National Park
Panna National Park is situated in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh and is spread over an area of 542 square kilometers. It is known for its pristine forests and rich wildlife. The park is home to a significant population of tigers and is famous for its successful tiger conservation efforts.
Apart from tigers, Panna is also home to leopards, sloth bears, Indian wolves, and several species of deer. The beautiful landscape of the park with teak forests, meadows, and the gleaming Ken River adds to its charm.
6. Sanjay National Park
Sanjay National Park, also known as Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve, is located in the northeastern part of Madhya Pradesh. Spread over an area of 466 square kilometers, it is one of the most important tiger habitats in the state.
The dense forests, hills, and meandering rivers of the park provide suitable habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Apart from tigers, Sanjay National Park is home to leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, and several species of deer.
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7. Madhav National Park
Madhav National Park is located near Shivpuri city of Madhya Pradesh. Spread over an area of 375 square kilometers, the park is known for its beautiful lakes, serene environment, and historical monuments.
The park is home to various species of animals and birds like deer, antelope, and leopard. Tourists can also visit the ancient ruins of the Mughal period while enjoying the scenic beauty of the park.
8. Van Vihar National Park
Van Vihar National Park is a unique and significant national park located in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. While it is not as vast as some other national parks in the state, Van Vihar holds great ecological importance and serves as a vital refuge for various species of flora and fauna.
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Spread across an area of approximately 4.45 square kilometers, Van Vihar National Park offers a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the bustling city. What makes it truly special is its concept of a “zoo without cages,” where animals roam freely within their designated habitats, closely resembling their natural environments.