Satpura National Park complete detail – updated

Satpura National Park complete detail – updated. Geography of Satpura National Park. Dominant flora and fauna of Satpura National Park. How to Reach Satpura National Park. The park is came into light by British Officer Captain J. Forsyth when he was in action against Indian freedom fighter during 1857.

The park covers an area of 585.17 Km². It was declared as National Park in the year of 1981. Satpura National Park is very rich in bio-diversity. The wildlife comprises Spotted Dear, Indian Bison, Tigers, Leopards, Wild boar, Dholes, Sloth bear, Black buck, Porcupine, Sambhar, Chausingha, Otters, Marsh crocodile, Malabar squirrels, Langurs etc. 

There are a huge variety of birds including lots of water birds, hornbill and peacocks aplenty. The flora consists of mainly of Sal and famous Bori Teak forests, but also includes Tendu, Mahua and Bel trees, a variety of bamboo species, and a variety of grasses and medicinal plants………….

National park is an area which is strictly reserved for the betterment of the wildlife & biodiversity, and where activities like developmental, forestry, poaching, hunting and grazing on cultivation are not permitted. Their boundaries are well marked and circumscribed.

Satpura National Park is a beautiful place, located in the Hoshangabad district of the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Its name is derived from the Satpura Range. Satpura is a Sanskrit word, that means seven mountains (sapta – seven and pura – mountain). It was declared as National Park in the year of 1981. The park covers an area of 585.17 Km².

Satpura National Park, along with adjoining Pachmarhi & Bori Sanctuaries, Satpura Tiger Reserve is spread over an area of 1427 Km². Satpura National Park is one the areas of this landscape preserved marvelously for protection of flora and fauna.

Click here to view state wise list of Indian national parks – updated

State wise list of Wildlife Sanctuaries of India – updated 

It is the place where every wildlife lovers should must visit to appreciate the peaceful jungle, away from hustle & bustle of safari jeeps, beautiful hilly terrains, deep gorges, rivulets, virgin forest locations etc. of Satpura National Park is nurtured in the Satpura Ranges of Hoshangabad district in center Madhya Pradesh. Here one can do jeep safari, elephant safari, walking safari & boat safari.

Satpura National Park is very rich in bio-diversity. The wildlife comprises Spotted Dear, Indian Bison, Tigers, Leopards, Wild boar, Dholes, Sloth bear, Black buck, Porcupine, Sambhar, Chausingha, Otters, Marsh crocodile, Malabar squirrels, Langurs etc.

There are a huge variety of birds including lots of water birds, hornbill and peacocks aplenty. The flora consists of mainly of Sal and famous Bori Teak forests, but also includes Tendu, Mahua and Bel trees, a variety of bamboo species, and a variety of grasses and medicinal plants.

History

The park is came into light by British Officer Captain J. Forsyth when he was in action against Indian freedom fighter during 1857.

Captain Forsyth belongs to Bengal Cavalary Regiment and was in search of famous freedom fighter Tantya Tope. While following the information, he accidently reached the highlands of Central India and fined the place suitable for military base.

Most of the Satpura range was heavily forested, but the area has been subject to gradual deforestation in recent decades, although significant stands of forests remain.

Its name is derived from the Satpura Range. Satpura is a Sanskrit word, that means seven mountains (sapta – seven and pura – mountain). It was declared as National Park in the year of 1981. The park covers an area of 585.17 Km².

Satpura National Park, with inclusion of Pachmarhi & Bori Sanctuaries, Satpura Tiger Reserve it covers 1427 km².

Geography

Satpura National Park is a beautiful place, located in the Hoshangabad district of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The park covers an area of 585.17 Km².

The terrain of the national park is extremely rugged and consists of fascinating deep valleys, sandstone peaks, narrow gorges, rivulets, waterfalls, thickly dense green forest of Sal and other medicinal herbs.

Satpura Tiger Reserve encompasses Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, Satpura National Park and Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary.

The park lies cradled in the Satpura range of Madhya Pradesh and boasts of a unique Indian Highland ecosystem.

The steep slopes in the east gradually descend into the flat country to the west of the park. The park is bordered by the Pachmarhi Sanctuary to the north and the Bori Sanctuary to the south. To the west of the national park lies the Tawa reservoir, and the Chindwara forests form a natural buffer.

The park boasts of over 1,300 different species of plants. A combination of different climatic and edaphic factors at different altitude levels has given rise to rich and luxuriant tropical flora, including rare species of mosses and ferns, making it a perfect place for botanical excursions. Sal and teak form the two major plant species of the region.

The altitude ranges from 300 to 1,352 metres. Highest point of Satpura hill range is Dhoopgarh in Pachmarhi whose height is 1352 m.

Dominant flora

Teak, Sal, Tendu, Mahua, Bel, Bamboos, Grasses, Bushes etc. Various type of grasses and medicinal plants are also found in the park.

Dominant fauna

Mammals – Blackbuck, Wild dogs, Leopards, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Indian wild bear, Spotted dear, Barking deer, Four-horned Antelope, Sambar, Tiger, Malabar giant squirrel, Flying squirrel, Flying squirrel, Three stripped palm squirrel, Common mongoose, Indian flying fox, Golden jackal, Hyena, Jungle cat, Indian porcupine, Blue bull etc.

Birds – Rufus-Treepie, Lesser Adjutant, Red-headed vulture, Peacock, Bulbul, Wagtails, Blue kingfisher, Teetar, Golden Hooded Oriole, Pigeons, Doves, Parakeets, Owls, Crimson breasted barbet, Egyption vulture, Herons, Egrets, White-necked stork, White ibis, Whistling teal, kites, Eagles, Harrier, vultures, Partridge etc.

Other Attractions

Dhoopgarh peak

Pachmarhi

Priyadarshini or Forsyth Point

Jamuna Prahat or Bee Fall

Handi Khoh

Apsara Vihar

Jalawataram or Duchess Falls

Mahadeo shrine in the hills

Best time to visit

The best time of the year to visit the Satpura National Park is between the months of November to May. The park is closed for visitor from 30th June to 30th September.

Timings

Winters

Morning – 06.30 AM to 10.30 PM

Evening – 2.30 PM to 5.30 PM

Summers

Morning – 5.45 AM to 9.30 AM

Evening – 03.00 PM to 6.30 PM

Safari fee

Indians – Rs. 3800/-

Foreigners – Rs. 5800/-

Elephant safari in buffer zone – Rs. 600/- per person

Canoeing in Denwa River to Tawa Reservoir – Rs. 1000/- per person

How to Reach

By Air – Nearest airport is Bhopal airport, about 190 Km from the Satpura National Park. Bhopal airport is well connected by road to Satpura National Park.

By Rail – Nearest railway station is Sohagpur railway station, about 18 Km from the Satpura National Park. Sohagpur railway station is well connected by road to Satpura National Park.

By Road – Satpura National Park is well connected to Major Cities and Places by road network. There are a number of government and privately operated vehicles that go to Satpura National Park at frequent intervals. The nearest bus station to Pachmarhi is 5 km. away.

Distance from Nearby and Major Cities

Jabalpur – about 220 Km

Indore – about 360 Km

Nagpur – about 330 Km

Pachmarhi – about 80 Km

Sanchi – about 230 Km

Bhopal – about 190 Km

Pench National Park – about 240 Km

Kanha National Park – about 400 Km

Accommodations

Accommodation is available for all budgets at Pachmarhi by the M.P. Tourism Development Corporation.

The Forest rest House, Pachmarhi

Guest Houses of M.P. State Tourism Development Corporation at Pachmarhi.

Other Private Hotels at Pachmarhi Forest Rest House, Madai.

There are very few resorts are also available for accommodation. Some of them are as follows:

Forsyth Lodge

Reni Pani

Madhai Wildlife Resort

MP Tourism’s- Tawa Resort

For bookings contact: Regional Manager, M.P.T.D.C., Amaltas Complex, Pachmarhi – 461881. Tel.: 07578-2100. Or Chief Executive Officer, Special Development Authority, Pachmarhi – 461881. Tel.: 07578-2030.

Other National Parks in Madhya Pradesh. Name of National Parks, Year of Notification and Total Area is as follows…