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One of the most common questions our guests ask us is about the top 3 tiger safari parks of Madhya Pradesh, India. Madhya Pradesh has 9 national parks out of which 6 are tiger reserves with a total forest area of 95,221 sq KMs. Some of the best tiger safari parks in Madhya Pradesh, India include Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Panna National Park, Satpura National Park, Pench National Park, Sanjay Dubri National Park. In this post, we will shortlist the top 3 tiger safari parks or tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh so it’s easy for you to decide and plan accordingly.
A brief about Madhya Pradesh, India
Madhya Pradesh is one of India’s most promising states, with excellent possibilities of seeing a tiger. Whether it’s Bandhavgarh, Kanha, or Pench, each national park is isolated from society and has its own rustic beauty. These nine National Parks have magnificent flora and animals, as well as beautiful landscapes and incredible diversity. Wildlife safaris in these enchanting National Parks are well worth the money. Wildlife safaris are available in Madhya Pradesh’s popular national parks and can be done by jeep, canter, or elephant. It is possible to visit these wonderful wild wonderlands on a short hike. Come to Madhya Pradesh for a breath of fresh air, quiet, and tranquilly.
Our parameters for the selection of parks are pretty simple, we shortlisted the top 3 tiger safari parks of Madhya Pradesh on the basis of “tiger population”, “tiger density”, “park area”, “other species”,
On the basis of the above-mentioned parameters, we shortlisted Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, and Pench National Park as the top 3 tiger safari parks of Madhya Pradesh.
1. Bandhavgarh National Parks, Madhya Pradesh, India
Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the best tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh spread over 1536 sq Kms to see this majestic species. It is known for having the largest number of tigers in India.
The location also has a fascinating history, as it is thought that white tigers were originally discovered here, and it was also a popular hunting field for princely. Trekking to the magnificent Bandhavgarh fort, shopping at Bandhavgarh market, going on a wildlife safari, wildlife photography, and so on are some of the most fun things to do here.
Flora & Fauna found at Bandhavgarh National Park
Flora: Sal, Saj, Mahua, Bija, Bel, Banyan, Jamun, Bahera, Haldu, Pipal etc.
Fauna: White Tigers, Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Sambar, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Gaur, Chausingha and Chinkara, the Asiatic jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Grey Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, and Leopard.
Tiger Population at Bandhavgarh National Park
As of 2018-2019, Bandhavgarh has a tiger population of 104
Tiger Density at Bandhavgarh National Park
5.83 tiger per 100 sq km (2018-2019)
Safari Timings at Bandhavgarh National Park
Summer: Morning: 5:30 am to 10:00 am and in the Evening: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Winter: Morning: 6:30 am to 11:00 am and in the Evening: 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Total area covered and best time to visit Bandhavgarh
Total Area: 1,536 square kilometers
Best time to Visit: October to June
Explore Bandhavgarh and other Tiger Safari Tours Here
2. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India
Kanha National Park is well-known for its stunning scenery. A visit to Kanha National Park is exciting because you can see Royal Bengal tigers as well as other animals like leopards and barasinghas. Kanha is adorned with several streams, lush meadows, and dense jungles, all of which add to the natural beauty of the region.
Bammi Dadar, which is also known as a Sunset Point, is one of the most popular spots here. Kanha National Park is well known for being the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s renowned novel “The Jungle Book.”
According to the census and data released in 2020, Kanha has the highest tiger population in India. Over 526 tigers roam the state of Madhya Pradesh, with about 108 of them living in Kanha National Park.
When on a tiger safari in India, Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve is noted for good sightings of male tigers, which are especially huge when compared to tigers in other parks. Aside from the scenery and fauna, the humble indigenous Baiga tribes of Kanha are what make this place truly unique. Kanha National Park is one of India’s best-managed tourism areas for a tiger safari.
Flora & Fauna found at Kanha National Park
Flora: Sal, Saja, Lendia, Dhawa, Tendu, Palas, Bija, Mahua, Aonla, Achar and Bamboo.
Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Chital, Sambar, Barasingha, Blackbuck, Barking deer, Python, Indian Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Indian Krait, Common Rat Snake, Common Skink, Giant Danio, Common Rasbora, Mud Perches etc.
Tiger Population at Kanha National Park
As of 2018-2019, Bandhavgarh has a tiger population of 88
Tiger Density at Kanha National Park
4.40 tigers per 100 sq km (2018-2019)
Safari Timings at Kanha National Park
Summer: Morning: 6:30 am to 11:00 am and in the Evening: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Winter: Morning: 6:00 am to 11:00 am and in the Evening: 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Total area covered and best time to visit Kanha
Total Area: 940 square kilometers
Best time to Visit: Mid-October to June end
Explore the best of Kanha National Park and Tiger Safari Tours here
3. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India
Pench National Park, home to numerous gorgeous tigers and elusive leopards, is a superb getaway for all wildlife enthusiasts. It is named after the Pench River, which runs through the national park and divides it into two sections.
The breathtaking scenery of Pench National Park is especially notable for being represented in Abul Fazal’s historical narrative Ain-i-Akbari. Various activities such as vehicle safaris, elephant rides, and bird watching can be enjoyed to appreciate the magnificence of this wildlife hotspot.
Sitaghat, alikatta, chhindimatta road, bodhanala range, raiyakassa, doob road, and kalapahad are some of the most prominent tourist sites in Pench National Park.
Flora & Fauna found at Pench National Park
Flora: Mahua, Palash, Teak, Neem, Palas, Baja, Bamboo, Jamun, Axle wood, Amaltas, etc.
Fauna: Indian Bison, Sambar, Nilgai, Cheetal, Wild Dog, Wild Pig, Tiger, Leopard, and Wolf, etc.
Tiger Population at Pench National Park
Pench alone is home to about 53 tigers, with an additional 80 tigers (estimated) using the area.
Tiger Density at Pench National Park
6.99 tigers per 100 sq km (2018-2019)
Safari Timings at Pench National Park
Summer: Morning: 6:30 am to 9:30 am and in the Evening: 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Winter: Morning: 7:30 am to 10:30 am and in the Evening: 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
The total area covered and best time to visit Pench
Total Area: 758 square kilometers
Best time to Visit: February to April
Explore the best of Pench and other Tiger Safari Tours here
Born and brought up in New Delhi, it was Sharad’s childhood passion to play cricket for India. While on a holiday in 1990, he saw his first tiger. Little did he know that this one sighting would immerse him into a realm where forests and tigers were all that mattered.
Sharad’s experiences as a wildlife photographer have inspired him to observe the tiger’s behavior for over 30 years and motivated him on his own journey as an entrepreneur. He started Nature Safari India Pvt Ltd, with a focus on “Conservation through Tourism.” to align himself to the mission of saving the regal species and repopulating them in India’s forests. In 2006, he set up one of India’s premier jungle lodges in Kanha National Park.
Sharad believes that there are many lessons to be learned from a tiger that can be applied successfully to leadership—both in business and in life. Here’s a new book by Sharad Vats on management and leadership skills to learn from a Tiger.
