Lush forest, hissing of the snake, birds chirping, and tigers prowling – watch the wild come alive amid their natural habitat at the national parks in Central India. Boasting innumerable species of flora and fauna, the national parks are truly a traveler’s delight. Listed here are the top 7 Best National Parks in Central India
1. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, is undoubtedly one of the most popular national parks in Central India. Stretched along 940 square km, the national park is the best place to spot tigers and barasingha in their natural habitat. It is famous for leopards, tigers, wild dogs, ground barasingha, black buck, four-horned deer, swamp deer, sloth bear, fly catchers, pintails, drongos, kingfishers, cobras, vipers, and pythons.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is November to June.
How to Reach:
The nearest airport is in Nagpur; located at a distance of 266 km. Jabalpur Railway Station is the closest rail head, at a distance of 169 km. The national park is also well-connected via bus from Jabalpur, Raipur, and Mukki.
2. Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh
For nature lovers and adventure seekers, Panna National Park is the ultimate destination to discover a wide range of animal species like sloth bear, chinkara, chital, tiger and sambhar. There are about 200 unique species of birds in Panna National Park, with innumerable migratory birds from different countries.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is February to March, which is the peak time for Eco-tourism.
How to Reach:
The nearest airport is in Khajuraho, 25 km from the national park. Nearest rail stations are in Satna (70 km), Jhansi (190 km), and Katni (130 km). Private cars can also be hired from Panna or Khajuraho.
3. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the best places to spot a tiger in its natural habitat. Spread across 105 square km, the national park is also the home to leopards and different species of deer. Diverse topography and mixed vegetation makes it the abode of umpteen rarely-found animals such as sloth beer. Whole day elephant safari is one of the most popular attractions here.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is February to June.
How to Reach:
The nearest airport is in Jabalpur, 164 km away from the national park. One can rent a taxi from the airport to the park. Nearest rail stations are in Jabalpur (164 km), Katni (102 km), and Umaria (35 km). Regular private and state buses ply from Katni, Umaria, Satna, and Rewa to Bandhavgarh. Cabs are also available from Khajuraho, Bilaspur and Jabalpur.
4. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
The Pench National Park is spread over 293 square km, renowned for its leopards, deer, jungle cat, porcupine, sloth bear, and striped hyena. Besides, there is around 300 species of birds, including crested serpent eagle, hornbills, parakeets, crested hawk eagle, minivets, and white-eyed buzzard. The park is also rich in flora.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is November to June.
How to Reach:
Sonegaon Airport, which is well-connected to major cities of the country, is the nearest airport. It is situated at 132 km from the national park, from where tourists can take taxis. Seoni is the nearest rail station, located 30 km away. Buses and taxis are available to reach the park from station. Regular buses also ply, connecting the towns in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
5. Kanger Ghati National Park, Chattisgarh
The 200 square km national park is famous for its wildlife attractions such as tigers, mouse deer, leopards, sloth bear, rhesus macaque, jackals, chital, wild cat, and sambhar. It also exhibits rich avian life.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is November to June.
How to Reach:
Raipur (330 km) is the nearest airport from the park, and Jagdalpur (27 km) is the closest rail station and bus stand.
6. Indravati National Park, Chattisgarh
The national park boasts rich wildlife population, ranging from exotic mammals to beautiful avian life. The greatest attractions of this 2799.08 square km national park are tigers, wild Asian buffalo, leopards, nilgai, sloth bear, black buck, and chausingha.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is December to June.
How to Reach:
Raipur (486 km) is the nearest airport, whereas Jagdalpur (168 km) is the nearest railway station from the national park.
7. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
The Satpura National Park, sprawling over 524 square km, is renowned for crocodiles, black buck, Malabar giant squirrel, wild dog, Indian bison, and leopards. The national park provides full jungle safari, from 06:30 to 17:00 hrs.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is from 16th October to 30th June.
How to Reach:
Nearest airports are Jabalpur Airport (260 km) and Bhopal Airport (220 km), connecting the park to major cities. Railway stations at proximity are Hoshangabad (45 km), Sohagpur (18 km), Pipariya (40 km), and Itarsi (65 km). It can also be reached via roadways from Bhopal (170 km) and Jabalpur (250 km).