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Wildlife Sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh

Founded in the year 1978, the sanctuary is essentially a dry deciduous forest and abode of countless species of flora and fauna. The most famous attraction is the extremely fascinating rock painting of ‘Goura Hillock’ which is centered here.

Flora: Teak trees, Tendu, Dhawda, Khjair, Lendia, Creepers, and Orchards.

Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, along with Satpura National Park and Pachmarhi Sanctuary, makes up the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. The striking beauty of the park lures in herds of nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts from over the country and is home to some of the finest wildlife species.

Flora: Teak, Tendu, and Dhaora

Fauna: Leopard, Tiger, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Rhesus Macaque, Gaur, and Hyena

Sharing part of its territory with the state of Rajasthan, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Madhya Pradesh’s lesser-known gems! Carpeted with a mixed terrain of woods, rocky trails, and dry deciduous forest, the sanctuary is ideal for tourists who wish to be shaded away from the mainstream crowd.

Some of the famous tourists' attractions in its vicinity are Bhanpura Museum, Taxakeshwar Temple, and Bhadkaji Rock Paintings

Flora: Salai, Palash, Kardhai, Tendu, Kahir, and Dhawda.

Fauna: Nilgai, Sambar, Deer Otter, Leopard, Peacock, Chinkara, Civet, Wild Dog, Langur, and Mugger Crocodile.

Location: Northern borders of the Mandsaur and Neemuch district in Madhya Pradesh.

Total Area: 368.62 square kilometers

Best time to Visit: April and May

How to reach:

By Air: From Kota Airport in Rajasthan, which sits about 100 km away.

By Rail: From Kota Railway station, which is located at a distance of about 110 km.

By Road: The sanctuary can be reached by road from Udaipur (227 km), Kota (105 km), and Indore (267 km).

One of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh, Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary is shaded in the Gwalior District of Madhya Pradesh. It is also known as the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, after the species that it is famous for protecting.

Flora: Herons, Egrets, Spoonbills, and other residents and migratory birds.

Karera Wildlife Sanctuary is a stunning natural wonder sitting in the folds of Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, and was founded for the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard in 1981. It is home to more than 245 bird species.

Flora: Acacia, Ber bushes within mixed deciduous forests.

Fauna: Teals, Gadwalls, Indian Robins, Herons, Egrets, Spoonbills, Indian Bustard, Bearded Bustard, Coloured Bustard, Black-bellied River Terns, Indian Gazelles and Blackbuck.

Location: Karera, Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh 473660

Total Area: 202 square kilometers

Best time to Visit: November to March

How to reach:

By Air: From Gwalior Airport, which sits 170 km away.

By Rail: From Pendra Road, the nearest railway station at a distance of 17 km, or from Shivpuri station, located at a distance of 50 km.

Shaded in the Panna National Park area, Ken Gharial sanctuary houses the beautiful Ken River which cuts through it to meet the river Ganga. It tempts countless nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts from all over the country, for such is its beauty. It also helps that it sits in touching distance of the Panna Sanctuary.

Flora & Fauna

Gharials, Nilgai, Chinkara, Wolf, Jackal, Spotted Deer, Indian Fox, Wild Boar, Hyena, Chital, Peacock and many more. Evening hours may also gift you with a rare glimpse of Leopards or Sloth Bears!

The floral canvas of the sanctuary is lined by trees of Teak, Salai, Khair, Flame of the Forest, and Seja. 

Location: Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, 471405

Total Area: 45.201 square kilometers

How to reach:

By Air: From Khajuraho Airport, which sits at a distance of nearly 30 km.

By Rail: From Satna station, located at a distance of 150 km. Another option is Jhansi Station, located at a distance of 220 km.

Nestled in the Kannod region of Dewas, Kheoni is one of the richest wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh. It is also home to an ancient shrine of Lord Shiva, and the mesmerising Bal Ganga River flowing from the village of Kheoni.

Flora: A deciduous forest lined with trees of Teak and Bamboo.

Fauna: Palm Civet, Tiger, Blackbuck, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chital, Blue Bull, Wild Boar, Sambar, Four-Horned Antelope, Barking Deer, and bird species like Indian Paradise Flycatcher Black Drongo, Common

Founded in 1974, one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh, Narsinghgarh is also known as the ‘Kashmir of Malwa Plateau’ for so is its beauty. Bada Mahadev, Chota Mahadev, Narsinghgarh Fort, etc, are some bordering attractions to visit near the sanctuary.

Flora: Trees of Teak, Sal, Khair, Bhirra, Karghai, Lendia, Arjun, Chandan, Karonda and Saja.

Fauna: Leopard, Sambar, Nilgai, Blue Bull, Chital, Wild Boar, and over 140 species of resident and migratory birds, mainly peacocks.

Location: Rajgarh district, Madhya Pradesh, 465661

Total Area: 57 square kilometers

Best time to Visit: November to June

How To Reach:

Of all the wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh, National Chambal is possibly the finest! Straddling the tricky-state area of UP, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, the sanctuary harbors a rich plethora of fauna, endangered and otherwise.

Flora: Neem, Shisham, Bel, Kadamn, Mahua, Siris, Acacia, and more.

Fauna: Bengal Florikin, One-horned Rhino, Crocodile, Lion, Tiger, Muggar, Gharial, Turtles, Otter, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Flamingoes, Ruddy Shelduck, and Indian Skimmer.

Safari Timings: Morning: 07:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Evening: 02:00 PM to 06:00 PM

Safari Cost:

River Safari- INR 1,500 per Indian

Noradehi is the largest of all the wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh and spans across four districts of the state, namely Sagar, Damoh, Narsinghpur, and Raisen. The beautiful waters of Narmada and Ganga flow through the area, enhancing the floral canvas and the wildlife.

Flora: Trees of Teak, Dhaora, Saja, Ber, Bhir ra and Amla

Fauna: Indian Wolf, Chinkara, Sloth Bear, Golden Jackals, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Blackbuck, Leopard, Asiatic Lion, Four-horned Antelope, Sambar, Nilgai, Langur, Barking Deer, Rhesus Macaque, Grey Fox, and Wild Dogs.
Safari Timings: Morning: Sunrise to 09:30 AM

Evening: 04:00 PM to sunset

Location: Sagar, Damoh, Narsinghpur districts of Madhya Pradesh

Total Area: 1,197 square kilometers

Best time to Visit: November to June

Perched along the banks of the river Betwa, Orchha Sanctuary is possibly the most quaint yet scenic wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. While wildlife spotting might not be very prominent here, activities like rafting, boating, camping, and trekking more than make up for it!

Flora: Dhawa, Teak, Palash, Kardhai, Khair

Fauna: Deer, Monkey, Blue Bull. Jackal, Nilgai, Wild Pig, Sloth Bear, Blackbuck, birds like Kingfisher, Owl, Black Swan, Woodpecker, Jungle Bush Quail, and other migratory birds

Location: Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, 494661 

Total Area: 46 square kilometers

Best time to Visit: November to June

How to reach:

By Air: From Gwalior Airport (125 km), or Khajuraho Airport (176 km)

By Rail: From the railway station of Jhansi (16 km) or Orchha.

A beautiful sanctuary lying in the folds of the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi earned the designation of a 'biosphere reserve' by UNESCO in 2009. Home of many exquisite species of wildlife, and a herd of tribal folks, the beauty of the reserve is amplified by a line of ancient caves it harbours, rendering it archaeologically significant!

Flora: Acacia Nilotica, Sterculia Urens, Terminalia Arjuna, Anogeissus Latifolia.

A dwelling of the endangered Asiatic Lions, which were relocated from the former residence of Gir, Kuno is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh. Spanning over a huge area of land, it shares the rugged terrain of the Vindhya Ranges. The sanctuary is graced by the beautiful Kuno River which flows through it, dividing it into two.

Flora: Trees of Kahua, Khair, Gurjan and Kardhai.

Flora: Trees of Teak, Tectona Grandis, Anogeissus Latifolia, Anogeissus Pendula, Lannea Coromandelica,Madhuca Indica. Plants like Lantana Camera, Grewia Sp., etc.

Fauna: Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Wild dog, Hyena, Chinkara, Chital, Deer, Nilgai, Chousingha, and Sambar. Birds like white-necked Stork, Bar Headed Goose, Paradise Flycatcher, King Vulture, Honey Buzzard, and Blossom-Headed Parakeet
Safari Timings

Morning: 06:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Cradled gracefully between the stunning ranges of Vindhya and Satpura, Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary sits within touching distance of the famous Bandhavgarh National Park. Replete with lush, dense forest, the sanctuary fosters an array of fascinating wildlife and avian species.

The area of Pench National Park is vast enough to span across two states, and arguably the best wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh! It also inspired the classic ‘The Jungle Book’ by Rudyard Kipling.  Home to over 300 different types of flora and fauna, there are various luxury accommodations shelters within the park.

Flora: Teak, Bel, Saja, Lendia, Sal, Mahua, Neem, Bamboo, Bija, Palas,

Fauna: Tiger, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Leopard, Panther, Hyena, Fox, Chinkara, Civet, and Langur.

Safari Timings:

Summer

Morning: 06:30 AM to 9:30 PM

Evening: 4:00 PM to 06:30 PM

Winter

Morning: 07:30 AM to 10:30

Evening: 03:00 PM to 05:30 PM

One of the many buffer zones in Kanha National Park, Phen Zone is stationed near the Mukki entrance of the Park. Though a popular part of Kanha, Phen remains less explored than the other zones. 

Flora: Teak, Bel, Saja, Lendia, Sal, Mahua, Aonla, Achar, Bamboo, Bija, Palas, and Tendu.

Replete with a range of fascinating flora and fauna, Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary is a true paradise. It gives you an unmatched experience to cherish, especially with the famous camelback rides it offers. There are many accommodations housed within the sanctuary for visitors to stay at.

Flora: Eucalyptus, Bamboo, Saja, Babool, Chandan, and Teak.

Widely known for its fine teak trees and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhimbetka Rock Caves, Ratapani is one of the most exciting wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh!

In the year 2013, the NTCA upgraded Ratapani’s status to ‘Tiger Reserve’. In addition to being an important natural reserve, it is also of great cultural significance, owing to the rock paintings that grace its interiors.

Flora: Trees of teak and bamboo.

Sheltered in Ratlam District of Madhya Pradesh, Sailana is smaller than other wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh, but no less beautiful! Housing a plethora of flora and fauna, the place is most celebrated for its luscious cactus garden that. The sanctuary remains open from 06:00 AM to 10:30 AM in the morning, and 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM in the evening.

Comprising the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve, the sanctuary is located in the dry deciduous forests of the Narmada Valley. It is the abode of several exquisite avian species and wildlife. 

Flora: Sal, Bamboo, Palas, Salai, Mahua, Harra, Tendu, Ber, Gurajan, Semal, and Dhawada, Sakhua.

Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Wild Deer, Chinkara, Nilgai, Civet, Porcupine, Wild Dog, Monitor Lizard, Python, Bulbul, Peacock, Wagtails, Blue Kingfisher, Red-headed Vulture, Golden Hooded Oriole and Egyptian Vulture.
Safari Timings: Morning: 06:00 A.M to 10.00 AM

Notified in the year 1983, Sardarpur Sanctuary is probably amongst the most shaded, unexplored wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh. Although it harbours a decent range of wildlife, but is devoid of large predators. 

Flora: Teak, Palash, Gunradi, and Khjda.

One of the most stunning wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh, the one in Singhori is home to a broad spectrum of wildlife. On every Shivratri, the place is witness to the splendour of a great fair! The neighbouring Shiva Temple, Choukigarh Fort, Jamgarh Caves and Bhandariya Temple are some exciting places to visit in the the vicinity of the park.

Flora: Teak, Bamboo, Chair, Baja, Daora, Tendu, and Salai. Tropical deciduous forest.

One of the rare places in India where the spectacular gharials can be observed in their true glory, Son Gharial is amongst the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh. It is dedicated to the conservation of Gharials. The place owes its name to the mesmerising river Son that crosses the sanctuary, and is the main water source for the resident animals.

Flora: Teak, Sal, Saja.

Fauna: Gharials, Chital, Bison, Sambar, Nilgai, Fox, and exotic species of alligators, crocodiles and turtles

Location: 50 km away from Amarkantak.

Best time to Visit: November to June is the best time to visit the Son Sanctuary.

How to reach:

By Air: From Jabalpur Airport, sitting almost 250 km from Amarkantak.

By Rail:

From Pendra Road Railway station (20 km), or Anuppur station (50 km).

By Road:

The sanctuary can be reached by road from neighboring cities of Jabalpur (245 km), Rewa (261 km) and Shahdol (67 km)

Are you looking for famous Hindu temples in Madhya Pradesh? Have a look to this list that consists of all holy such places spread across the state.

Cradled in Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh, the beautiful sanctuary is named after Queen Durgavati. It is relatively smaller in expanse, yet has garnered fame for its stunning beauty and wildlife. The Forest Rest House in Damoh offers decent accommodations within the park!

Flora: Teak trees, Terminalia Alata, Anogeissus Latifolia, Butea Monosperma, and Pterocarpus Marsupium.