Madhya Pradesh was once known as the lands of robbers and unexplored valleys, but now the state is home to some 12 percent India’s forest cover. Approximately 30 percent of landmass is densely wooded, making the environment suitable for national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of the state. The state is popular for its eminent flora and fauna globally. Apart from the Rajputs Mahals, Forts and Palaces, the scrumptious food cuisine and intricate design on beautiful saris; Madhya Pradesh has 9 National Parks and 25 wildlife sanctuaries. That is why it is also called the pride of India and the heart of India.
These popular national parks in the state offer haven for few of the world’s most rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. Animals like Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian White Tiger, Indian Bison, Blue Bull, Rock Python and variety of birds and reptiles. Here we list top 5 national park of Madhya Pradesh where you can enjoy nature bounty alongside historical wonders and cultural splendor.
1. Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is the largest national in the state. The varied flora and fauna of the park inspired Rudyard Kipling to write the extravagant “Jungle book”. The park is bestowed with lush green meadows, tiny villages and ravines. Kanha is home to Indian Swamp Deer regionally called ‘Barasingha’ is listed critically endangered by International Union for Nature Conservation and CITES. Kanha National Park offer grasslands and safe breeding environment to Indian Swamp Deer while saving them against poachers.
Kanha is only sanctuary on this globe where ‘Barasingha’ is seen solo or as mob. Spread over 940 square kilometers of grasslands big cats - tigers can be easily spotted here resting in their natural habitats. Apart from tigers Kanha houses several wildlife species such as Black Buck, Woodpeckers, Swamp Deer, Sambhar and Chital.
Flora in Kanha National Park – Sal, Saja, Lendia, Dhawa, Tendu, Palas, Bija, Mahua, Aonla, Achar and Bamboo
Fauna in Kanha National Park - 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.
Safari Timings in Kanha National Park
Safari Timing During Summer season –
· Morning: 6:30 am to 11:00 am
· Evening: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Safari Timing During Winter season –
· Morning: 6:00 am to 11:00 am
· Evening: 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
2. Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park is known for housing the highest number of tigers in India. It is one the best Tiger Reserve located in Madhya Pradesh where animal sighting is maximum as compared to other national parks in India. However, Bandhavgarh is the original home of the white tigers in India. It is sprawl over across 450 square kilometers, tourists from across the globe visit here to spot Indian bison, sambars, langurs and cheetals apart from tigers at Bandhavgarh National Park.
The place also signifies an interesting history as it believed that the white tiger was first seen here and it was also a famed hunting ground for the royal Maharajas. Apart from wildlife safari some of the most thrilling things here include trekking to the beautiful Bandhavgarh fort, shopping in Bandhavgarh market, wildlife photography, etc.
Flora and Fauna Found in the Bandhavgarh National park:
Flora: The flora found in Bandhavgarh National Park is varied and ranges from grasslands to densely forested area. Sal, Saj, Mahua, Bija, Bel, Banyan, Jamun, Bahera, Haldu, Pipal etc. are present in abundance.
Fauna: Bandhavgarh National Park is acclaimed for its dense population of tigers. Apart from tigers there are many species of wildlife species in the park which include Leopards, Sambar, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Chinkara and Sloth Bear.
Safari Timings in Bandhavgarh National Park
Safari Timing During Summer Season
· Morning: 05:30 am to 10:00 am
· Evening: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Safari Timing During Winter season –
· Morning: 6:30 am to 11:00 am
· Evening: 02:30 pm to 5:30 pm
3. Panna National Park
Located in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, Panna National Park is one of the most gorgeous National Parks of the state. It is known for the variety of flora and fauna found here. With the river ken flowing through it, this national park is the first choice for every wildlife lover. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the beauty of this place this wildlife destination by taking a boat safari or an elephant safari.
Panna National Park is among the most fascinating Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh and is popular for sightings of wildlife species like Tiger, Vulture, Gharial, Four Horned Antelope and many more. Some of the noted attractions that you should not miss while exploring Panna National Park are Raneh Falls, Ken Crocodile Sanctuary, Mahamati Prannathji Temple, Madla, Ajaygarh Fort etc.
Flora and Fauna Found in Panna National Park
Flora: Panna National Park is an abode of variety of incredible flora. Some of the popular flora includes Saja, Salai, Tendu, Achar, Kullu, Seja, Aonla, Mahua, Bel, etc.
Fauna: Tiger, Wild Dog, Leopard, Spotted Deer, Hyena, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Blue Bull, Four-horned Antelope, Chinkara, Porcupine, Hare, Rusty Spotted Cat, Ratel, Tree Shrew, etc.
Safari Timings in Panna National Park
Safari Timing During Summer Season
· Morning: 05:30 am to 09:30 am
· Evening: 3:30 pm to 06:00 pm
Safari Timing During Winter season –
· Morning: 07:00 am to 10:30 am
· Evening: 02:00 pm to 5:30 pm
