Safari Zones in Satpura National Park
Satpura National Park is a beautiful and wild place in Madhya Pradesh. It is named after the Satpura Range of hills. The park is famous for its rough land, thick forests, and amazing animals. It is a safe home for tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison (gaur), and many, many birds. The scenery here is stunning, with tall hills, deep valleys, and the peaceful Denwa River. The best way to explore this park is on a jeep safari. These safaris take you into different parts of the forest called zones. Satpura is special because it also lets you go on boat rides and even walking safaris! This means you can explore the jungle on foot, which is a very exciting adventure. The best time to visit is from October to April when the weather is cool and nice for seeing animals.
Let's learn about the different safari zones in Satpura.
What are Core Zones?
The Core Zone is the most important and protected part of the forest. It is the main home for the animals. Here, human activities are very limited to keep the animals safe from harm and to protect their home. Think of it as the animal's private bedroom where we are just quiet visitors. There are three main Core Zones in Satpura.
Madhai Zone
- Most Popular Gate: This is the busiest and most famous entry point for safaris.
- Best for Tiger Sightings: This zone is known for having the highest number of tigers in the park, making it a great choice for those hoping to see the majestic big cat.
- Beautiful Landscapes: The land here has a bit of everything - open plains, small valleys, water bodies, and hills.
- Limited Jeeps: To keep the forest peaceful, only 30 jeeps are allowed to enter this zone each day, split between the morning and evening safaris.
- Boat Safari: A fun bonus of Madhai is the boat safari on the Denwa Backwaters, which is another way to spot animals coming to drink water.
Churna Zone
- Also Called Bheemkund: This gate is also known by the name Bheemkund Safari Gate.
- Good for Tigers Too: This area is also a very important home for tigers, so sightings are quite common here.
- Western Part: It is located in the western part of the Satpura reserve.
Pachmarhi (Panaarpani) Zone
- Near the Hill Station: This zone is close to the popular Pachmarhi hill station, which is a cool and beautiful place.
- Very Few Jeeps: To protect this area, only 7 jeeps are allowed in the morning and 7 in the evening.
- Weekly Closure: This zone is closed for the evening safari every Wednesday. This is a rule to give the forest a break.
What are Buffer Zones?
The Buffer Zone is the outer area that surrounds the Core Zone. It acts like a protective shield between the deep forest and the villages nearby. Some human activities are allowed here, but it is still a wonderful place for wildlife. While you might see fewer tigers here, you have a good chance of seeing other amazing animals.
Parsapani Zone
- Private Vehicles Allowed: You can explore this zone in your own private vehicle (like a car or jeep you bring).
- Vehicle Limit: Only 14 private vehicles are allowed in the morning and 14 in the afternoon.
- Diverse Landscape: This zone has a mix of streams, ponds, grasslands, and dense forests, making the scenery very interesting.
Jamani Devi Zone
- Very Scenic: This area is very pretty, with ponds, streams, and lovely forests.
- Lots of Activities: Besides jeep safaris, you can enjoy camping, trekking, birdwatching, and even visit local villages here.
- Private Vehicles Allowed: Just like Parsapani, 14 private vehicles are allowed per safari session.
Sehra Zone
- South-West Location: This zone is found in the south-western part of Satpura.
- See Rare Animals: While there are fewer tigers, this is a great zone to spot leopards, Indian Gaur (bison), and even rarer animals like the rusty-spotted cat.
Pathai Zone
- Close to Madhai: This gate is very close to the popular Madhai Gate, only about 15 km away.
- Easy to Reach: Its location near the town of Sohagpur makes it easy to access.
- Good Wildlife: It offers a fantastic wildlife experience with a chance to see many different animals.
How to Choose Your Safari Zone?
- For Best Tiger Chance: Pick the Madhai or Churna core zones.
- For a Mixed Experience: Choose Madhai for its boat safari and varied landscape.
- For a Quiet and Scenic Safari: Try the Parsapani or Jamani Devi buffer zones.
- For Seeing Rare Creatures: The Sehra zone is an excellent choice.
At Seven Safars, we know these zones very well. We can help you choose the right one for your adventure and handle all the booking for you. Contact us today to plan your perfect Satpura safari and get ready to explore the wild!