National park · India
Satpura National Park
Visit Satpura National Park for a winter safari (Oct–Feb) when wildlife is active and the weather is cool; spring (Mar–Apr) offers fewer crowds but rising heat; the park is closed July–September for monsoon. A guide is required for all safaris and treks.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
524 km² (202 sq mi)202 sq mi (524 km²)
approximate
Established
1979
Best months
Apr, Oct–Dec
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
At a glance
- Country
- India
- Area
- 524 km² (202 sq mi)202 sq mi (524 km²)
- Area figures vary by source; the park covers roughly 524 km² of forested hills and riverine habitat (check).
- Established
- 1979
- Best months
- Apr, Oct–Dec
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Bhopal
Satpura National Park in Madhya Pradesh protects a mix of dry deciduous forest, river valleys and the Satpura Range, offering winter safaris with tigers and leopards and spring treks to the remote Patalkot valley; the monsoon season (July‑September) sees the park closed to visitors.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1979.
Size and age
524 km² (202 sq mi)202 sq mi (524 km²) · national park since 1979
Area figures vary by source; the park covers roughly 524 km² of forested hills and riverine habitat (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Bhopal.
Why go
- Winter wildlife safaris with active animals and clear visibility.
- Spring trekking with blooming flora and fewer crowds.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepAvoid
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanCool, good wildlife sightings
- FebCool, peak safari season
- MarWarming, still good for wildlife
- AprWarm, lush landscape, fewer tourists
- MayHeat rises, water scarce
- JunHot, early summer
- JulMonsoon, park closed
- AugMonsoon, park closed
- SepMonsoon, park closed
- OctStart of winter, pleasant
- NovCool, ideal for safaris
- DecCool, good wildlife activity
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger, leopard, sloth bearOct–Apr · Higher activity in cooler months. | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Deer, wild boar, langurOct–May · Visible on safari routes. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Migratory birdsOct–Feb | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Bhopal
Train or bus to Narmadapuram, then road to Suhagpur (about 17 km (11 mi)); road condition is poor (check).Train or bus to Narmadapuram, then road to Suhagpur (about 11 mi (17 km)); road condition is poor (check).
4–5 h (check)
Open the page →
From Jabalpur
Bus to Narmadapuram, then road to Suhagpur (about 17 km (11 mi)); road condition is poor (check).Bus to Narmadapuram, then road to Suhagpur (about 11 mi (17 km)); road condition is poor (check).
3–4 h (check)
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Satpura entry gate | Visitor centre, ticket office, basic amenities. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Satpura Safari Zone | Designated safari routes, wildlife viewing points. | Guided only. |
| Satpura Trekking Zone | Backcountry trails, hilltops, river valleys. | Guided or self‑guided with permit. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate centre of the park; for navigation use official park maps.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (per adult) | INR 200–300 (≈ US$3–4) | person | 2026 estimate; may not include safari vehicle or guide charges (check) |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Guides
- Required for all safaris and backcountry treks (check).
- Camping
- Only allowed in designated campgrounds; otherwise stay at Satpura Resort (check).
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use provided stoves only (check).
- Litter
- Carry out all waste.
- Pets
- Not allowed inside the park (check).
Where to stay
Near the park
Satpura Resort
Basic rooms and meals; closest lodging to the park gate.
Near the park
Dubey's Resort
Family‑run guesthouse with simple amenities.
Safety
Heat in summer medium
Road conditions low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Entry gate area reachable by car; short walks to visitor centre.
- Safari routes are vehicle‑based, suitable for limited mobility; trekking routes are steep and not wheelchair‑friendly.
Visiting lightly
- Use park‑approved guides; avoid unofficial wildlife tours.
- Carry reusable water bottles; do not litter.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Satpura National Park?
Entry tickets are about 200–300 INR per adult (2026 estimate); this may not include safari vehicle or guide charges. Check the latest rates on the MP Forest booking website.
What are the best hikes in Satpura National Park?
The winter wildlife safari routes are the main attraction; backcountry treks are possible with a guide but details are limited (check).
When is the best time to visit Satpura National Park?
Winter (Oct‑Feb) offers cool weather and good wildlife sightings; early spring (Mar‑Apr) adds blooming scenery with fewer crowds. The park is closed July–September.
Can I camp inside Satpura National Park?
Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds (check); otherwise stay at Satpura Resort or Dubey's Resort.
Is the park open during the monsoon?
No. The park closes from July to September due to heavy rain and unsafe trails.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Satpura National Park
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