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Indore is a bustling city located in central India, Madhya Pradesh. It offers proximity to several national parks that are home to a variety of wildlife species, from Bengal Tigers to rare bird species. Nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and adventure-seekers are very much attracted to the state. These national parks near Indore offer an extended escape amid nature. Opportunities like jungle safari, bird watching, sightseeing, and much more can be looked forward to when visiting. These national parks provide an unforgettable experience amidst lush forests and rugged terrain.
10 National Parks Near Indore
Here is a list of the top 10 best national parks near Indore that a nature lover like you could not afford to miss out on.
1. Satpura National Park
Photo: Davidvraju / Wikimedia Commons
Satpura National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, is a sprawling wildlife reserve. It is known for its rich biodiversity and rugged terrain. It covers an area of 524 square kilometres, and features dense forests, gorges, and sandstone peaks. Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and Indian giant squirrels. Satpura is a unique place that offers jungle safaris via jeep and walking. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the Denwa River as well. It is an ideal place for birdwatching and nature photography.
Distance From Indore: 280 km
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
Entry Fee: ₹500 for Indians, ₹1,500 for foreigners
Timings: 6 AM – 6:30 PM
2. Madhav National Park
Photo: Amit Sen / Wikimedia Commons
Madhav National Park, located in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, is a diverse wildlife sanctuary spread over 354 square kilometres. It is home to various species, like chital, nilgai, blackbuck, and leopards, with many migratory birds as well. The park’s landscape is a mix of dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and scenic water bodies like the Sakhya and Madhav lakes. It also features historical remnants, such as George Castle. Popular for both wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs, Madhav offers jeep safaris and birdwatching opportunities, blending nature and heritage beautifully.
Distance From Indore: 400 km
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 days
Entry Fee: ₹150 for Indians, ₹2,000 for foreigners
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
3. Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Jan Meeus / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh. Spread over 5 square kilometres, it offers visitors an opportunity to explore diverse flora and fauna, including blackbucks, sambars, and various bird species. It is popular for its trekking trails and panoramic views from the Ralamandal Hilltop; hence, it is a popular attraction for hikers. The sanctuary is also home to several medicinal plants. Camel rides and safari options enhance the experience.
Distance From Indore: 15 km
Ideal Duration: Half-day
Entry Fee: ₹60
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
4. Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: ALOK CHAUDHARY / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Situated near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its teak forests and varied wildlife. Spread across a protected area of 1,240 square kilometres, it was declared a tiger reserve in 2013. It houses Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of herbivores like spotted deer and sambars. The Denwa River flows through the sanctuary. It is an attraction for birdwatchers as it holds a wide range of migratory and resident bird species. Visitors can enjoy jeep safaris and explore ancient caves and rock paintings. Ratapani is a crucial part of India’s tiger conservation efforts.
Distance From Indore: 258 km
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Entry Fee: ₹200
Timings: 6 AM – 6:30 PM
5. Kuno National Park
Photo: Rohit Varma / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Kuno National Park is a 748 square kilometres area and a key site for wildlife conservation. Originally it was a part of the Palpur-Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary and is home to a rich variety of wildlife species, including leopards, wolves, hyenas, and several herbivores. The park offers a diverse terrain, with hills, grasslands, and the Kuno River. It is known for its conservation efforts and plays a crucial role in preserving India’s wildlife heritage. Visitors can also enjoy jungle safaris and spot the local wildlife.
Distance From Indore: 350 km
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 days
Entry Fee: ₹500 for Indians, ₹2,000 for foreigners
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
6. Bandhavgarh National Park
Photo: Archith / Wikimedia Commons
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, is one of India’s premier tiger reserves. It is known for having the country’s highest density of Bengal tigers. It spans over an area of 1,536 square kilometres and is also home to leopards, sloth bears, and around 250 bird species. The park’s landscape features dense sal forests and steep ridges, offering a diverse habitat for wildlife species. Bandhavgarh is famous for its ancient Bandhavgarh Fort and prehistoric caves with inscriptions and carvings. Jeep safaris are the best way to explore the park. It also provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography for nature enthusiasts.
Distance From Indore: 645 km
Ideal Duration: 3 days
Entry Fee: ₹500 for Indians, ₹2,500 for foreigners
Timings: 6 AM – 6:30 PM
7. Pench National Park
Photo: Dhruvin Pandya / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
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 Indore: 480 km
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Entry Fee: ₹1,500
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
8. Van Vihar National Park
Photo: Rahul Tiwari / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Van Vihar National Park is a serene urban sanctuary that covers an area of 4.45 square kilometres. Established in 1979, it offers a range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and deer, and is best known for its picturesque lakes and walking trails. The park serves as a crucial green space for local residents and provides opportunities for bird-watching and nature walks. The park’s proximity to Bhopal makes it a convenient retreat for nature enthusiasts.
Distance From Indore: 190 km
Ideal Duration: Half – day
Entry Fee: ₹20
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
9. Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Monique Laats / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh, spans approximately 450 square kilometres. Established in 1983, this sanctuary is a haven for diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and various species of deer. The sanctuary is famous for its rich flora and fauna and is home to picturesque landscapes, including dense forests and water bodies. Visitors can explore the sanctuary via designated trails, with entry typically requiring a nominal fee. It is open throughout the year, with the best time to visit being between October and March. Sailana offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Distance From Indore: 130 km
Ideal Duration: 1 day
Entry Fee: NA
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
10. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
Photo: Hans Veth / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is a stunning ecological haven spread over 492 square kilometres. Established in 1999, it is popular for its rich biodiversity. It features lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, and numerous bird species. The reserve is a part of the Satpura Range, offering breathtaking landscapes and serene nature trails. Visitors can explore the reserve via designated paths. The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for wildlife spotting and nature walks.
Distance From Indore: 300 km
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Entry Fee: ₹300
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
There are a number of national parks near Indore that offer visitors an enriching experience of wildlife and nature, making them ideal destinations for a weekend escape from Indore. Each park brings its own unique charm, combining conservation and tourism for an unforgettable adventure. They provide numerous thrilling opportunities to indulge in. So, plan a tour with TripXL to make your next vacation worth it.
Cover Photo: Lemuel Butler / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
