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Madhya Pradesh has firmly established itself as India’s “Tiger State,” boasting an impressive 785 tigers according to the 2022 census – the highest in the nation. This central Indian state offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitats.
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is enhancing visitor experiences by introducing a range of activities, including vehicle safaris, nature walks, jungle safaris, treehouse stays, village tours, and stargazing. Workshops are being conducted across various national parks to ensure a seamless and exciting journey.
Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, emphasized the state’s commitment to responsible tourism. The focus is on minimizing environmental impact and involving local communities. By collaborating with forest departments, local authorities, and tourism operators, Madhya Pradesh aims to sustain tourism activities even during park closures (July to September) and generate employment for local residents.
Here’s an overview of the seven awe-inspiring tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh:
Bandhavgarh National Park: Known for its dense tiger population, Bandhavgarh National Park spans Umaria and Katni districts, covering 1,536.93 square kilometers with 104 tigers. Despite being one of the smallest parks, it offers the highest density of tigers in India, with one tiger per 14 km². The park is accessible via a 2-hour flight from Delhi to Jabalpur, followed by a 4-hour drive.
Kanha National Park: A pioneer in conservation, Kanha Tiger Reserve, spanning Mandla and Balaghat districts, covers 940 square kilometers with a population of 61 tigers. Known for its lush forests, which inspired “The Jungle Book,” the park offers an unforgettable safari experience with one tiger per 15 km². Visitors can fly to Jabalpur or reach the park via Balaghat Railway Station or bus.
Pench Tiger Reserve: Spread across Seoni and Chhindwara districts, Pench National Park covers 1,179.63 square kilometers with 61 tigers, offering a chance to spot a tiger every 19 km². The reserve is famously linked to Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book,” providing a unique wildlife experience.
Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve: The newest reserve, spread across Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts, covers 2,339 square kilometers and is home to 15 tigers. Located approximately 20 kilometers from Bhopal, this reserve is vital for tiger conservation.
Satpura Tiger Reserve: Recognized for its natural beauty, Satpura Tiger Reserve, nicknamed “Seven Folds” from the Satpura mountain range, covers an area with 40 tigers. It features ancient rock paintings dating back 10,000 years and is on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. The reserve is accessible from Bhopal or Jabalpur via a scenic road trip.
Panna Tiger Reserve: Spanning 1,598.10 square kilometers across Panna and Chhatarpur districts, Panna Tiger Reserve is home to 25 tigers. The reserve’s dry deciduous forest and the Ken River offer stunning visuals. The nearest airport and railway station are in Khajuraho, and the best visiting time is between October 15 and June 15.
Sanjay-Dubri National Park and Tiger Reserve: Covering 1,674.5 square kilometers across Sidhi and Shahdol districts, this reserve is a haven for wildlife with 5 tigers, 152 bird species, 32 mammal species, 11 reptile species, 3 amphibian species, and 34 freshwater fish species. The Sanjay National Park within the reserve is a popular destination.
Planning Your Tiger Safari: The best time to visit these reserves is generally between October and June.
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