6 national parks in Madhya Pradesh you should make plans for right now

Are you thinking about your year-end adventure trips? We suggest you pick Madhya Pradesh this time of year. In fact, plan a back-to-back adventure trip. For this, we bring you six most exciting national parks in Madhya Pradesh for an unforgettable wildlife adventure. Each of these national parks offers a unique experience, from tiger safaris to birdwatching and river excursions, you name it, the state’s got them all.
Here are six national parks in Madhya Pradesh that deserve a spot on your travel itinerary.

Bandhavgarh National Park has one of the highest tiger densities in India, offering incredible chances of spotting the majestic predator in its natural habitat. Fun! The early morning safari is going to be chilly but so worth the effort. As the forest slowly comes to life, from numerous birds in action to sightings of tigers enjoying the morning sun, the park is definitely an exciting place to be in. The jeep safari also takes you to the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort site. With the backdrop of the fort, photography enthusiasts can get some of the best views.

Kanha National Park is commonly known as the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. And we can see why. Kanha is renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park is also known for its conservation efforts to protect the tiger population and the iconic barasingha (swamp deer). To see the barasingha grazing, with their heads completely submerged underwater for a long period of time, it’s a sight you will never forget. Kanha National Park is one of the most photogenic forests in the country.

Another Kipling inspiration, Pench National Park straddles Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The Madhya Pradesh side of the forest is what we are here for. Pench is famous for its breathtaking scenery and vibrant wildlife population that includes tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and jackals. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds. The picturesque Pench River that runs through the park adds to the beauty of the park.

In November 2020, UNESCO declared Panna National Park as a biosphere reserve due to the park’s incredible work on tiger conservation. There was a time when there were no more tigers in Panna National Park. In 2009, the last tiger from Panna Tiger Reserve (a male) disappeared. That same year, the Species Recovery and Reintroduction Project began with the introduction of two female tigers and a male tiger. The project was a success. As of 2024, there are over 90 tigers in the park.

This lesser-explored gem is ideal for those seeking solitude amidst nature. Satpura National Park is one of the few national parks in north India where walking safaris are allowed. The diverse fauna of Satpura National Park and Tiger Reserve includes tigers, leopards, sloth bears and giant squirrels. Also, when in Satpura, don’t miss the Denwa River boat rides.

Recently gained international attention as the site for India's cheetah reintroduction program, Kuno National Park is on the list of every big-cat fan. If reports are to go by, as of October 2024, there are 24 cheetahs in the park. Kuno National Park is also home to jackals, striped hyenas, and leopards.