Jabalpur, located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, is not just a historical and cultural hub - it’s also a perfect launch pad for anyone eager to explore some of India’s most famous wildlife destinations. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, this city is well-connected to several national parks that offer an incredible chance to experience the wild up close. Madhya Pradesh is often called the ‘Tiger State of India’, and for good reason. It has the highest number of tigers in the country, and many of them live in protected reserves that are just a few hours away from Jabalpur. For every nature lover, this place offers the chance to spot a Bengal tiger, listen to the call of a hornbill, or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the jungle.
In this blog, you will get a closer look at the three best wildlife destinations to explore from Jabalpur: Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, and Satpura National Park. Each one has its own charm and unique experiences, and all are just a road trip away.
Bandhavgarh National Park
• Distance from Jabalpur: Approx. 205 km
If you’re looking to increase your chances of spotting a tiger in the wild, Bandhavgarh National Park should be at the top of your list. This national park is known to have one of the highest tiger densities in India. That means you’re more likely to see these magnificent cats here than almost anywhere else in the country. But Bandhavgarh isn’t just about tigers. The park is also home to leopards, barking deer, sambar, langurs, and a wide variety of birds. What makes Bandhavgarh even more fascinating is its connection to Indian mythology. The ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, located within the park, is believed to have been gifted by Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana, making it a place rich in history as well as wildlife.
Bandhavgarh is divided into several safari zones, with Tala being the most popular and scenic. Other zones like Magadhi and Khitauli also offer great wildlife sightings, depending on the season and time of visit.
Kanha National Park
• Distance from Jabalpur: Approx. 125 km
Next on the list is Kanha National Park, just about 125 km from Jabalpur. This park has a special place in both wildlife conservation and literature. It’s not only famous for its successful efforts to save the Barasingha, or hard-ground swamp deer, but it also served as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’. The forest here is lush and green, dominated by sal trees and wide open meadows where you can often spot herds of deer grazing under the sun. Apart from tigers and the rare Barasingha, Kanha is also home to leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, jackals, and multiple species of birds.
Kanha is divided into several zones for safari: Kisli, Kanha, Mukki, and Sarhi. Each zone has its own landscape and wildlife, making every safari ride a unique experience. The national park is especially ideal for first-time visitors who want to see a wide range of animals in one place without traveling too far from Jabalpur.
Satpura National Park
• Distance from Jabalpur: Approx. 174 km
If you're someone who prefers a quieter, more offbeat wildlife experience, Satpura National Park is perfect for you. This park is not as crowded as some of the others, but it offers a truly raw and immersive jungle adventure. One of the standout features of Satpura is the variety of safari experiences it offers. Unlike most other parks in India, here you can not only go on a jeep safari, but also try boat safaris on the Denwa River or take a guided walking safari, which is a rare opportunity in India.
Satpura is a biodiversity hotspot. While tigers are present, the park is better known for sightings of leopards, sloth bears, Indian giant squirrels, and wild dogs (dholes). It also has rich birdlife, making it a favorite among birdwatchers. The main entry point is through the Madhai Gate, which offers access to most safari zones in the park.
