Madhya Pradesh has always been an ideal place for nature lovers. It has all those things that can let you enjoy activities like trekking and bird watching. If you are a wildlife lover, then there are some very beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh you can visit. The best thing about them is that they have a wide variety of fauna and flora and all of them are taken good care of. Some of the places are so good that you can see rare animals and birds that could not be seen anywhere else. You can understand the importance of this only if you love wildlife.
15 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Madhya Pradesh
As we have mentioned already that Madhya Pradesh is a hub of wildlife sanctuary, hence it is the heaven for wildlife enthusiasts. However, not every place is popular. You will see something or another at every place, but here we have listed the best of all for you. Here is a list of 15 best wildlife sanctuaries that you could consider visiting in Madhya Pradesh.
- Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore The Flora & Fauna
- Karera Wildlife Sanctuary: Saviour Of Great Indian Bustards
- Bori Wildlife Sanctuary: Perfect For A Day Trip
- Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary: A Treat For Bird Lovers
- Ken Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary: See A Variety Of Crocodiles
- Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary: Famous For Teak Trees
- Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary: Must See The Rock Painting
- Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary: Witness The Beautiful Kuno River
- Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary: Get Some Beautiful Clicks
- Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary: Home To Bird Species
- Narsinghgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: The Kashmir Of Malwa
- Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary: The Largest Sanctuary Of MP
- Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary: Ideal For Adventure Junkies
- Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary: A Popular Biosphere Reserve
- Pench Wildlife Sanctuary: Perfect For Birdwatchers
1. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore The Flora & Fauna
The reason for putting this one on the top of the entire list is that it is an amazing wildlife sanctury, but very few people know about it. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is in Madhya Pradesh but shares its boundaries with Rajasthan. The time you enter this place, your eyes will be very delighted to see the beautiful rocky trails, dry deciduous forest and multiple terrains of woods. If you are someone, living in or out of Madhya Pradesh and want to ditch the monotony of your boring life, then this is the place you should come to. The variety of flora that you will find here include Kahir, Tendu, Palash, Kardhai, Salai and many more. Apart from that, you can see animals like wild dogs, civets, langurs, peacocks, nilgai, spotted deer, sambar, otter, leopard, and mugger crocodile.
Ideal For: Family, friends
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
Location: Chenpuriya, Madhya Pradesh 458118
Best Time To Visit: April & May
How To Reach: The nearest airport is Kota airport, approximately 100 km and the nearest railway station is Kota railway station, approximately 110 km away. Apart from that, if you want to come here by road, then you can reach Kota, Udaipur or Indore, as three of them are at a distance of less than 250 km from the sanctuary
Staying Options: Shri Ram Dharamshala and The Hinglaj Resort
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2. Karera Wildlife Sanctuary: Saviour Of Great Indian Bustards
If you are fond of birds, then this is the ideal place for you. You will be glad to know that this wildlife sanctuary was started in the year 1981 to save the Great Indian Bustard. It is located in the Shivpuri District and is a stunning place to visit. Looking at the beauty of this place, one could just say that, it’s a place not to be missed. The best thing about it is that it is a home for 255 bird species. If we talk about plant life that you could witness here, then there are Ber bushes located amidst deciduous forests as well as Acacia. Talking about the fauna that this place has Gadwalls Herons, Spoonbills, Egrets, Indian Robin, Teals, Indian bustard, coloured bustard, Indian Gazelles, Black-Bellied River Terns, Bearded Bustard and Black Buck in the list.
Ideal For: Family, friends
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
Location: Karera, Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: November to March
How To Reach: The nearest airport for this place is Gwalior airport, whereas the Shivpuri railway station is Tyrone nearest if you want to travel through train. Apart from that, if you want to travel by road, then you can come from Jhansi-Shivpuri road
Staying Options: Om Hotels
Suggested Read: 10 Khajuraho Hotels That Are Considered To Be Ideal Staying Options In Madhya Pradesh
3. Bori Wildlife Sanctuary: Perfect For A Day Trip
The Wildlife Sanctuary is near Pachmarhi Sanctuary and the Satpura National Park. These three beautiful places make the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. No matter which part of nature you love, you will find something or the other for yourself here. It has not just got good species of animals, but also some really beautiful flora. The list of flora that you can find here is Tendu, Teak, and Dhaora and if we talk about fauna then there are Leopard, Tiger, Rhesus Macaque, Gaur, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, and Hyena.
Ideal For: Family, friends
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
Location: Ratibandar, Madhya Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: November to April
How To Reach: If you are travelling by air, then the nearest airport is Bhopal airport, while the nearest railway station is Pipariya railway station. If you want to travel by road, then you can travel to cities like Bhopal, Khujrao, Ujjain, Jabalpur or Nagpur
Staying Options: Some of the hotels and resorts where you can stay when in Bori Wildlife sanctuary are Bison Resort, Madhai riverside resort, Aawas, and MPT Tawa resort
Suggested Read: Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh Is A Hidden Gem That You Must Dig Up
4. Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary: A Treat For Bird Lovers
Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary is yet another beautiful wildlife sanctuary, not just for Madhya Pradesh, but in the entire nation. This could not be seen as one of those wildlife sanctuaries that have birds and birds in it, but it is known as the home to the Great Indian Bustard. It is known as Indian Bustard Sanctuary, for its collection of birds. It is situated in Gwalior and has spoonbills, herons, egrets, and others and migratory birds as its residents. If we talk about animals, then you will get to see chital, wolf, monkey, wild boar, blackbuck, hyena, palash, fox, seja, khair, ghote, monkey Royenja, katli, salai, beweg, murjan, dhawada, and dhaman here.
Ideal For: Family, friends
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
Location: Ghatigaon, Madhya Pradesh 475330
Best Time To Visit: November to June
How To Reach: For any mode of conveyance, you can reach Gwalior. Both the Gwalior airport and railway station are near to this place. Even if you are trying to come by road, you can come to Gwalior
Staying Options: GD palace, Taj Usha Kiran Palace, Depends on Bagh and Clarks Inn suits
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5. Ken Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary: See A Variety Of Crocodiles
This wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, as the name suggests, is home to crocodiles. It is located in the Panna National Park area and is one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh. It has the beautiful Ken river, which cuts from here to meet the Ganges. If you are a nature lover or a trekking enthusiast, then this is the place you should come to. It has a great variety of flora and fauna which includes Teak, Salai, Khair, Flame of the Forest, and Seja and animals like Gharials, Chital, Indian Fox, Chinkara, Nilgai, Wolf, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Wild Boar, Hyena, etc.
Ideal For: Family, friends
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
Location: Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: Any month
How To Reach: Khajuraho airport and Satna railway station is the nearest to this wildlife sanctuary. If you want to travel by road, then Panna and Khujrao are the nearest cities
Staying Options: Eurostar Inn, Hotel Surya, and Hotel Casa Di William
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6. Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary: Famous For Teak Trees
Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its bamboo and teak trees. Moreover, this place is home to the famous Bhimbetka Rock Caves that have been listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It has been able to conserve the number of tigers which is why it was updated to Tiger Reserve by NTCA in 2013. Not only this, Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary has a great cultural significance as one gets to witness the rock paintings. While exploring this sanctuary, you might get a chance to witness a great deal of animals like chital, gerbil, dhole, sambar, Indian langur, krait, parakeet, black drongo, nilgai, four-horned antelope, rhesus macaque, and many more.
Ideal For: Animal lovers, nature buffs, history enthusiasts
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 hours
Location: Ratapani, Madhya Pradesh 464990
Best Time To Visit: November to April
How To Reach: The closest airport is Bhopal Airport which is located at a distance of 77 kilometers. Apart from this, there are Obedullaganj, Itarsi and Bhopal as the nearest railway stations
Staying Options: Some of the closest hotels or lodges are Ratapani Range Retreat, Ratapani Jungle Lodge, Hotel Shivin Palace, and Hotel Naman Narmada
Suggested Read: 20 Tourist Places Near Indore To Experience The Magic Of Madhya Pradesh
7. Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary: Must See The Rock Painting
Image Credit: Charles J Sharp for Wikimedia Commons
Taking an area of around 478 square kilometers, the establishment of Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary can be dated back to 1978. It is a dry deciduous forest which is home to a legion of flora and fauna. Some of the most common animals to spot here are tigers, panther, wild deer, nilgai, wild boar, chinkara, blackbuck, hyena, sambar, and chital. To take a closer look at these animals, one can opt for a safari from 6 in the morning to 6 in the evening, except the monsoon season. Moreover, one can also witness a number of creepers, orchards, teak trees, lendia, and khair while exploring the sanctuary. Another popular attraction to Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary is the rock painting of Goura Hillock which is a must-see thing here.
Ideal For: Animal lovers, history buffs, families
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 hours
Location: Bagdara Madhya Pradesh 483770
Best Time To Visit: October to March
How To Reach: The nearest railhead is located at a distance of 110 kilometers away and that is the Rewa Railway Station. From there, you will have to hire a taxi to reach the destination
Staying Options: Some of the most popular resorts are Wildflower Resort, Tiger’s Den Resort, Syna Tiger Resort, and The Roaring Salvan County
Suggested Read: Monsoon In Madhya Pradesh: 5 Best Places To Visit In The ‘Heart Of India’
8. Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary: Witness The Beautiful Kuno River
Image Credit: AJT Johnsingh for Wikimedia Commons
Next one on the list of wildlife sanctuaries in MP is Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to a number of Asiatic Lions that were relocated from Gir. This wildlife sanctuary takes a huge area and shares the rugged area of the Vindhya Ranges. Some of the other animals to see here are panther, leopard, nilgai, blackbuck, hyena, Indian fox, wolf, monkey, sambar, chital, chinkara, and many more. What adds to the beauty of this wildlife sanctuary is the Kuno River that flows aesthetically through it and ultimately divided into two streams. Trees of kardhai, khair, kahua, and gurjan are present here in abundance.
Ideal For: Families, animal lovers, nature buffs
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
Location: Barkheda, Madhya Pradesh 473775
Best Time To Visit: October to March
How To Reach: Both Gwalior airport and Gwalior Railway Station are far from this place which is why the best option to reach here is by hiring a taxi
Staying Options: MPT Jungle Resort, Hotel Tarun Residency, Hotel Sunrise, and Hotel Diksha Lodge are some of the best stay options near Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary
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9. Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary: Get Some Beautiful Clicks
Image Credit: Lip Kee Yap for Wikimedia Commons
Wedged between the Satpura and Vindhya ranges, Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary preserves a great number of animals, especially birds, deers, and tigers. It is home to a variety of avian species like jackal, chousingha, porcupine, sambar, wild dog, nilgai, hyena, bear, and more that are spread in an area of 249 square kilometers. The best way to explore this wildlife sanctuary is by opting for a safari that operates in the morning or during afternoon. With dense forest and animals to explore, several photographers head to Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary to click some beautiful shots.
Ideal For: Animal lovers, friends, family
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 hours
Location: MP SH 10, Panpatha, Madhya Pradesh 484661
Best Time To Visit: October to June
How To Reach: The best to reach this wildlife sanctuary is by taking a flight to Khajuraho Airport from where you can take a taxi to cover the distance of 73 kilometers
Staying Options: Lemon Tree Wildlife Resort, Syna Tiger Resort, Tiger’s Den Resort, King’s Lodge, Nature Heritage Resort, and Aranyak Resort are the best accommodations near the place
Suggested Read: These 10 Places To Visit In Madhya Pradesh In May Will Fulfill All Your Travel Dreams!
10. Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary: Home To Bird Species
Image Credit: Marle Hale for Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh, Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in MP. It might be a surprise for some people to know that it is connected to Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary through hidden corridors. The are of 132 square kilometers of this sanctuary is houses leopards, tigers, jackals, hyena, jungle cats, blackbuck, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, sambar, chinkara, palm civet, barking deer, and several other animals. Apart from this, it is also home to around 125 different bird species and some other birds like laughing dove, black drongo, Indian paradise flycatcher, plum-headed parakeet, and more.
Ideal For: Birdwatchers, animal lovers, friends, family
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
Location: Kheoni, Madhya Pradesh 455332
Best Time To Visit: April to June
How To Reach: The nearest airports are in Bhopal (93 kms) and Indore (97 kms). The closest railhead is in Harda which is 53 kms away
Staying Options: Some of the best options are Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary Log Huts, Kheoni Forest Guest House, and Palash Hotel
Suggested Read: 17 Incredible Temples In Madhya Pradesh That Reflect Beauty And Charm!
11. Narsinghgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: The Kashmir Of Malwa
Image Credit: DammikaD for Wikimedia Commons
Narsinghgarh Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1974 which is one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh. Due to its rich beauty, Narsinghgarh is often referred to as the ‘Kashmir of Malwa Plateau’. Within its 59 square kilometers, this sanctuary houses sambar, chital, wild boar, blue bull, and leopard. The sanctuary also has a Chidikhon Tank where a variety of bird species fly in the migration period. Moreover, the sanctuary is home to a hundred caves that are painted with white and red paintings. If you wish to explore nearby areas then you must visit Narsinghgarh Fort, Bada Mahadev, and Chota Mahadev that border the sanctuary.
Ideal For: Friends families, flora & fauna lovers
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 hours
Location: Narsinghgarh, Madhya Pradesh 465669
Best Time To Visit: November to June
How To Reach: The nearest airport is in Bhopal at a distance of 72 kms and the closest railway station is in Biaora which is 35 kms away
Staying Options: Some of the top options are Bhandari Palace and Hotel Rajkumar Palace near this wildlife sanctuary
Suggested Read: 7 Best Places To Visit In Madhya Pradesh In June To Roll In Summers Like A Pro
12. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary: The Largest Sanctuary Of MP
Image Credit: Dhaval Vargiya for Wikimedia Commons
The largest wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary which covers an area of about 1,197 square kilometers. Spanning across four districts Raisen, Narsinghpur, Damoh, and Sagar, this sanctuary is home to several birds and animals. While exploring it, you might get a glimpse of birds like vultures, cranes, owls, kingfishers, doves, kites, and more. In the fauna section, you can see Bengal tiger, striped hyena, Bengal fox, golden jackals, Indian leopard, nilgai, grey langur, and rhesus macaque along with others. You might also come across a few reptiles here like tortoises, monitor lizards, turtles, snakes, and mugger crocodiles.
Ideal For: Animal lovers, friends, families
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 hours
Location: Madhya Pradesh 470227
Best Time To Visit: November to June
How To Reach: Jabalpur airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 80 kms and the nearest railheads are in Damoh (60 kms) and Sagar (65 kms)
Staying Options: Hotel Ganpati Plaza, Ravi Palace, Hotel Krish Palace, and Hotel Shanti Palace are some of the best options for accommodation near this sanctuary
Suggested Read: Chanderi In Madhya Pradesh: A Detailed Guide To This Unique Town
13. Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary: Ideal For Adventure Junkies
Image Credit: K Shiv Kumar for Wikimedia Commons
Nestled on the banks of Betwa River, Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most scenic sanctuaries with quiet surroundings. It is home to several animals like leopards, tiger, sloth bear, blue bull, and more. The sanctuary is the best for birdwatchers as one can witness over 200 species of birds like swans, peacocks, and many more in migratory season. The place is a special treat for adventure junkies as this sanctuary offers a variety of activities to do like canoeing, trekking, river rafting, camping, and more.
Ideal For: Adventure enthusiasts, friends, birdwatchers
Ideal Trip Duration: 3-4 hours
Location: MP SH 37, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh 472246
Best Time To Visit: November to June
How To Reach: The best way to reach here is via rail as the nearest railhead is just 16 kms in Jhansi
Staying Options: Orchha Resort, Shri Mahant Guest House, Betwa Retreat, and Hotel Sunset are the best choices for stay
Suggested Read: 10 Honeymoon Places In Madhya Pradesh Every Couple Should Visit
14. Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary: A Popular Biosphere Reserve
Image Credit: Abhay Ashok for Wikimedia Commons
Counted among the best wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the Satpura ranges. It has been awarded as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in the year 2009 as it is home to some of the most exquisite wildlife species. The sanctuary is dotted with several ancient caves which makes this place perfect for people interested in archaeological places. The wildlife to be spotted here are wild boar, panther, flying squirrel, malabar pied hornbill, honey buzzard, giant squirrel, whistling thrush, and otter among others.
Ideal For: Animal lovers, families, history buffs
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
Location: Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh 461881
Best Time To Visit: October to March
How To Reach: The best way to reach this sanctuary is to take a train ride and reach Pipariya Railway Station which is 52 kms away
Staying Options: Rock End Manor, Woodland Adventure Resorts, Satpura Retreat Pachmarhi, and Champak Bungalow are the best accommodations
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15. Pench Wildlife Sanctuary: Perfect For Birdwatchers
Image Credit: Plant World for Pixabay
How can one forget about Pench Wildlife Sanctuary when talking about wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh? Established in the year 1975, this sanctuary derived its name from the Pench River that flows from it. This sanctuary is home to a variety of fauna like Bengal tiger, jackal, sloth bear, wild dog, jungle cat, gaur, four-horned antelope, striped hyena, and other animals. Besides this, one can also spot a great array of birds here like racket-tailed drongo, crimson-breasted barbet, common kingfisher, munia, magpie robin, junglefowl, Indian roller, wagtail, and many other species in the migratory season.
Ideal For: Flora and fauna lovers, birdwatchers
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
Location: Madhya Pradesh, India
Best Time To Visit: February to April
How To Reach: The sanctuary can be easily reached via road as the major cities like Nagpur and Bhopal are nearby. The nearest airport is in Nagpur at a distance of 110 kms
Staying Options: Baaz Jungle Resort, Pench Jungle Camp, and Olive Resorts & Villas are perfect for stay near this sanctuary
Further Read: Heritage Of India: 7 Architectural Marvels To Witness The Diversity In Planning Over The Years!
So, these were all the wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh that you need to visit if you are a big-time wildlife lover and visiting Madhya Pradesh for the first time. The points that are written here will help you in finding and visiting these places in the best way possible. We are sure you won’t feel like visiting these places for the first time, after reading the points above.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wildlife Sanctuaries In Madhya Pradesh
Which are some of the best wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh?
There are a lot of wildlife sanctuaries that one could visit in Madhya Pradesh. Some of the best are Boring wildlife sanctuary, Gandhi Sagar wildlife sanctuary, Karera Wildlife Sanctuary, and others.
What is the ideal time to visit the wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh?
The ideal timing for visiting a particular wildlife sanctuary depends on the place itself. However, the rainy season is not recommended if you want to go for it.
What are the activities one could do at the wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh?
Wildlife sanctuaries are known especially for giving us the chance to look at the various plants and animal species closely, which we can’t do usually. Apart from that, you can go trekking and bird watching at some places.
Is it ideal to visit the wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh with family?
Yes, the visit to Wildlife sanctuaries is ideal for your family. It is fun going with them and you will probably get bored alone unless you are a big-time wildlife enthusiast.
What are the different types of animals we could expect to see in these wildlife sanctuaries?
You can get to see almost every animal in the different wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh. To make it specific, Chital, Monkey, Blackbuck, Wolf, Wild Boar, Fox, Hyena, Khair, Seja, Royenja, Palash, Ghote, Heans, Monkey, Bewig, Salai, Katli, Murjan, Dhawada, Dhaman, and Wolf are in the list.
Is there a wildlife sanctuary, especially for birds in Madhya Pradesh?
Yes, there is one wildlife sanctuary that is completely dedicated to birds. The Karera Wildlife Sanctuary is home to 255 bird species.
What are the staying options near the wildlife sanctuary of Madhya Pradesh?
We believe, if you are traveling during the daytime, then you won’t need to stay at any place. However, if you still want to do that, then there are a lot of resorts and hotels near these places and they are all very good.
Are the wildlife sanctuaries safe in Madhya Pradesh?
Well, the sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh are located far from the main city. To be safe at these places one should follow the instructions given by the guides and other security personnel.
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