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Madhya Pradesh has a rich biodiversity with various national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. One of the most beautiful places to visit is the national parks near Jabalpur. Home to the majestic Bengal tiger, leopards, and a wide range of bird species, Kanha Tiger Reserve is a prime destination for safaris and wildlife photography. The rich biodiversity and tranquil surroundings of the various national parks in Jabalpur make it the perfect getaway for those seeking adventure and a deep connection with nature.
10 National Parks Near Jabalpur
These are the top 10 best national parks in Jabalpur that simply cannot be missed:
1. Kanha National Park
Photo: Bhups77 / Wikimedia Commons
Kanha National Park, with its lush greenery, local plants, and herbs, serves as the city’s lungs and is the best national park in Jabalpur. Kanha Tiger Reserve has the maximum number of Tigers in the world living in the wild. The Banjar River acts as a lifeline of the jungle, quenching the thirst of thousands of living organisms. Visitors can spot various wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and Indian giant squirrels. The park also takes bookings through its official website, and tourists can find additional information about booking guides and safaris there.
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Entry Fee: ₹500 for Indians nationals, ₹1,500 for Foreign nationals
Timings: 6 AM – 6:30 PM
2. Bandhavgarh National Park
Photo: Swaroop Singha Roy / Wikimedia Commons
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, is one of India’s premier tiger reserves. It boasts one of the highest tiger densities in India, with about 70 – 80 royal Bengal tigers in an area of 1,536 square kilometres. It is also home to leopards, sloth bears, and over 250 bird species. In addition to tigers, Bandhavgarh is also home to a rare 10th-century statue of reclining Vishnu, which can be seen during a jeep safari in the Tala zone. Bandhavgarh is famous for its ancient Bandhavgarh Fort and prehistoric caves with inscriptions and carvings.
Distance From Jabalpur: 190 km
Ideal Duration: 3 days
Entry Fee: ₹500 Indian nationals, ₹2,500 Foreign nationals
Timings: 6 AM – 6:30 PM
3. Pench National Park
Photo: Fitindia / Wikimedia Commons
Pench National Park, straddling the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is famous for inspiring Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Covering 758 square kilometres, the park is known for its thriving population of Bengal tigers, leopards, and over 300 species of birds. Its mixed terrain of deciduous forests and grasslands makes it ideal for safaris and birdwatching. The Pench River, which flows through the park, sustains a rich ecosystem, supporting herbivores like deer and gaur. Visitors can explore the park through jeep and elephant safaris, with the best wildlife sightings typically occurring early in the morning and late afternoon.
Distance From Jabalpur: 230 km
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Entry Fee: ₹1,500
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
4. Satpura National Park
Photo: BSSKrishnaS / Wikimedia Commons
Satpura National Park is one of the most stunning and lesser-known wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh. It is located in the Satpura Range and offers a combination of rugged terrains, deep gorges, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. The park is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse landscapes, which provide an immersive experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to Bengal tigers, leopards, Indian bison, sloth bears, Indian giant squirrels, wild dogs (dholes), barasingha (swamp deer), and crocodiles. Jeep Safaris take visitors through dense forests, open grasslands, and rivers, offering opportunities to see a wide range of wildlife.
Distance From Jabalpur: 220 km
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Entry Fee: ₹300
Timings: 6 AM – 10:30 AM, 2 PM – 6 PM
5. Madhav National Park
Photo: Chitra2016 / Wikimedia Commons
Set in the backdrop of lakes and forests with historical significance, Madhav National Park is a beautiful national park in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its scenic beauty, rich historical significance, and diverse wildlife. The park offers an excellent mix of forests, lakes, and grasslands, making it a great destination for wildlife lovers and history enthusiasts. It was once the hunting grounds for the Maharaja of Gwalior. It still retains historical remnants like the George Castle, built by the Scindia dynasty in honour of King George V’s visit.
Distance From Jabalpur: 330 km
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
Entry Fee: ₹500 Indian nationals, ₹2,000 Foreign nationals
Timings: 5 AM – 5 PM
6. Panna National Park
Photo: Minakksi/ Wikimedia Commons
Panna National Park is in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, around 57 km from Khajuraho. The region, famous for its diamond industry, is also home to some of the best wildlife species in India and is one of the most famous Tiger Reserves in the country. The park is known worldwide for its wild cats, including tigers, deer, and antelope. Due to its closeness to one of the best-known Indian tourist attractions in India, Khajuraho, the park is recognised as an exciting stop-over destination.
Distance From Jabalpur: 450 km
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
Entry Fee: ₹350
Timings: 6 AM – 6:30 PM
7. Sanjay National Park
Photo: MANISH DHAPWAL / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sanjay National Park in Dubri is a hidden gem, offering a blend of wildlife exploration and historical sightseeing, making it a unique destination for nature and history lovers alike. The park features deep gorges, waterfalls, and plateaus along the Ken River. The dramatic Raneh Falls and Pandav Falls add to the park’s natural beauty. The jeep and boat safaris are the most popular activities for exploring the park and spotting wildlife, especially tigers and other animals.
Distance From Jabalpur: 480 km
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Entry Fee: ₹700
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
8. Van Vihar National Park
Photo: Sutharashok1993 / Wikimedia Commons
Van Vihar National Park is located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It is a serene urban sanctuary that covers an area of 4.45 square kilometres. It was established in 1979 and offers a range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and deer, and is best known for its picturesque lakes and walking trails. The park is a crucial green space for residents, providing bird-watching and nature walk opportunities. Its location close to the airport makes it a convenient tourist destination.
Distance From Jabalpur: 240 km
Ideal Duration: Half-day
Entry Fee: ₹200
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
9. Rani Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Arindam Aditya / Wikimedia Commons
In the Damoh and Jabalpur Districts of Madhya Pradesh is the small but beautiful national park near Jabalpur – Rani Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is named after Rani Durgavati, a queen and warrior of the Gond dynasty. The sanctuary is covered by dense forests, including teak, sal, and bamboo, which shelter various animals. It houses tigers, leopards, wild boars, and several species of deer. Along with tigers and leopards, the sanctuary is home to animals like langurs, sambar deer, and numerous bird species, making it an excellent destination for birdwatchers.
Distance From Jabalpur: 120 km
Ideal Duration: 4-5 hours
Entry Fee: ₹20
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
10. Fossil National Park
Photo: FabSubeject / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A one-of-a-kind destination, the park is a paleontological site that preserves fossils of plants and trees from the Cretaceous period, dating back around 65 million years. It’s one of India’s few fossil parks. The park has fossils on display for educational purposes. This makes it a fascinating spot for geology enthusiasts and students. The fossils belong to various plants, including palm trees, ferns, and conifers. Some of these fossils are believed to be among the oldest in the world. The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant.
Distance From Jabalpur: 75 km
Ideal Duration: 1 day
Entry Fee: ₹1200
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
These national parks around Jabalpur offer incredible wildlife experiences and showcase Madhya Pradesh’s status as a tiger state and a biodiversity hotspot. Jabalpur’s historical significance, cultural richness, and abundant natural beauty make it a remarkable place for those interested in flora, fauna, and wildlife experiences. The safaris and guided tours make the experience even more immersive. Plan a trip with TripXL to make your next vacation hassle-free.
Cover Photo: Davidvraju / Wikimedia Commons
