Satpura National Park
Exploring the Untamed Wilderness: Safari Zones in Satpura National Park
Satpura National Park, located in Central India, stands as the largest tiger reserve in the region, offering a mesmerizing blend of diverse ecosystems, captivating landscapes, and an abundance of wildlife. Spanning across the core and buffer areas, the park is divided into various safari zones, each offering unique experiences for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Let us embark on a virtual journey through the captivating safari zones of Satpura National Park, delving into their distinct features and the treasures they hold.
The Core Zones:
- Kamti Range: At the heart of Satpura National Park lies the Kamti Range, home to the Madhai gate, which serves as the primary entrance for tourists. This range boasts a plethora of tourism activities and is where the Denwa Backwater Escape is situated. Previously, it was the location of a village nestled within the core area, hence the name Madhai Gate. From here, visitors can explore the surrounding core zones and indulge in the wilderness of Satpura.
- Bori Range: As one of the core ranges of Satpura National Park, the Bori Range offers a captivating blend of landscapes and wildlife. Visitors can immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of the region and witness the magnificence of the tigers, leopards, and other inhabitants of the park.
- Churna Range: The Churna Range is known for its picturesque landscapes and tranquil ambience. To explore this range, visitors are required to obtain permits for both morning and evening safaris from the Madhai gate. The drive through the lush green forests, the opportunity to savor hot meals cooked on traditional Chulhas (stoves), and the chance to take a leisurely walk along a stream make the trip to Churna truly unforgettable.
- East Pachmarhi Range: Situated in the eastern part of Satpura National Park, the East Pachmarhi Range offers a unique experience, encompassing both the wildlife-rich core area and the scenic beauty of Pachmarhi, a popular hill station in Madhya Pradesh. The Panarpani Gate, serving as an entrance to this range, allows visitors to embark on tiger safaris while also providing access to the Pachmarhi biosphere.
- West Pachmarhi Range: The West Pachmarhi Range is another facet of Satpura's charm, presenting visitors with an opportunity to witness the captivating beauty of Pachmarhi and explore the wilderness. This range, with its diverse flora and fauna, ensures an enriching experience for all nature enthusiasts.
- Matkuli Range: Nestled between Pachmarhi town and Matkuli, this range acts as a gateway for visitors staying in Pachmarhi who wish to embark on thrilling tiger safaris. The Panarpani Gate, situated in this range, offers easy access to the dense forests and breathtaking landscapes of Satpura National Park.
The Buffer Zones:
Bagda Buffer: As one of the buffer zones of Satpura National Park, Bagda offers an equally rich wildlife experience as the core area. Visitors can explore the undulating terrain, which includes ponds, streams, grasslands, and riverbanks. The abundance of vegetation in this area attracts a wide variety of wildlife, providing ample opportunities for wildlife sightings and bird watching.
Pipariya Buffer: Adjacent to the core area, the Pipariya Buffer offers a tranquil escape amidst lush green meadows. It is a habitat where the majestic Gaur (Indian Bison) can be spotted peacefully grazing. The presence of an old shrine adds to the mystical allure of this area, making it a unique destination within Satpura National Park. Over the past few seasons, the forest in the Pipariya Buffer has undergone regeneration, resulting in a thriving ecosystem. Visitors may be fortunate enough to spot a female sloth bear with her cubs, as she frequently visits a nearby dam at the exact same time each day. Leopards and wild dogs also roam freely in this area, further adding to its allure.
Both Bagda and Pipariya Buffers feature watchtowers that provide panoramic views of the sprawling valleys. There is nothing quite like sipping a cup of tea while witnessing a breathtaking sunset from these vantage points. Camping is allowed within these buffer areas, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the wilderness. In Parsapani Buffer, guests can stay at the Forest Guard's camp, which was formerly a village school, while in Sehra, camping is done under the open sky, with tents providing a cozy shelter for the night.
The buffer zones of Satpura National Park offer a unique opportunity to explore the forest at night, unveiling a whole new world of nocturnal creatures. These areas are home to some of the rarest species on the planet, such as the Satpura Leopard Gecko, Rusty Spotted Cat, Mouse Deer, and Indian Crested Porcupine. Night safaris in the buffer zones provide an enchanting experience, allowing visitors to witness the wonders of the animal kingdom under the cover of darkness.
Satpura National Park, with its diverse safari zones, presents a plethora of opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers to explore the untamed wilderness of Central India. Each zone offers its own distinct charm, from the breathtaking landscapes of the core ranges to the tranquility of the buffer zones. Whether it's encountering the regal tigers, observing crocodiles basking in the sun, or listening to the melodious whistling of the Malabar Whistling Thrush, Satpura National Park promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature.
As you plan your visit to Satpura National Park, be sure to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the core and buffer zones. Embark on thrilling safaris, indulge in the rich biodiversity, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Satpura National Park is a true gem of India, a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its natural heritage for generations to come.