List of Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, historic forts, delectable cuisine, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national parks, and tiger reserves. Recently, Madhav National Park has been declared the 58th Tiger Reserve of India and the 9th Tiger Reserve for Madhya Pradesh. With Madhav National Park becoming the Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh has a total of nine tiger reserves, and the state holds a prestigious position as a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Madhya Pradesh, located in the heart of India, truly embodies the essence of "Incredible India." According to the Tiger Census 2022, the state retained its title as the Tiger State of India, boasting a population of 785 tigers, surpassing Karnataka’s count of 563 tigers.

List of Tiger Reserves in Madhya Pradesh

1. Kanha Tiger Reserve

Location: Mandla & Balaghat region
Total Area: 940 Sq. km.
Established: Declared as a National Park in 1955 and as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973

Key Highlights:

• Divided into Hallon Wildlife Sanctuary (250 Sq. Km.) and Banjar Wildlife Sanctuary (300 Sq. km.).
• Home to approximately 80 tigers, Indian leopards, and the four-horned antelope.
• Features tropical moist deciduous forests with over 1,000 species of flowering plants.
• Main entry gates: Khatiya, Mukki, Sarhi, and Ghurri Barrier.
• Closest access points: Mandla (30 km) and Balaghat (80 km).

2. Pench Tiger Reserve

Location: Seoni region (spread across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra) Total Area: Core: 411.33 Sq. km. | Buffer: 768.3 Sq. km. 

Established: Tiger Reserve in 1992, incorporating Pench Sanctuary (1977) and Pench National Park (1983)

Key Highlights:

• Features tropical moist and dry deciduous forests.
• Inhabited by Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian leopards, striped hyenas, wild dogs (Dholes), and various bird species.
• Primary entry gates: Turia and Karmajhiri.
• Nearest cities: Seoni, Chhindwara, Jabalpur, and Nagpur.

3. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Location: Umaria district
Total Area: 448 Sq. Km.
Established: Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1968

Key Highlights:

• India has the highest concentration of Royal Bengal Tigers.
• Apart from tigers, it is home to mammals, reptiles, and diverse bird species.
• The three zones are Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli.
• Main access point: Jabalpur.

4. Satpura Tiger Reserve

Location: Narmadapuram district
Total Area: 524 Sq. km.
Established: 1981

Key Highlights:

• Named after the Satpura mountain range.
• Hosts a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, dholes, and deer species (spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, blackbuck).

5. Panna Tiger Reserve

Location: Panna district

Key Highlights:

• Picturesque landscapes with forests and plateaus.
• Inhabited by tigers, leopards, crocodiles, wild boars, and numerous bird species.
• Famous for its stunning waterfalls.
• Notable tiger: Tigress T-141.

6. Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve

Location: Sidhi and Singrauli districts, Madhya Pradesh
Total Area: Core: 812 Sq. Km. | Buffer: 861 Sq. km.
Established: Declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2008

Key Highlights:

• Sanjay National Park and Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary make up the park.
• Hosts a growing population of Bengal tigers, along with leopards, striped hyenas, sloth bears, and Indian wolves.
• Features mixed deciduous forests dominated by sal, bamboo, and teak.
• Rich avifauna, including the Malabar pied hornbill, crested serpent eagle, and paradise flycatcher.
• Main entry points: Dubri and Bastua Gates.
• Nearest towns: Sidhi (35 km) and Singrauli (60 km).

7. Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

Location: Damoh and Sagar districts, Madhya Pradesh
Total Area: Core: 1,414 Sq. Km. | Buffer: 925 Sq. Km.
Established: Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2023

Key Highlights:

• Named after Queen Durgavati, a valiant Gond warrior.
• Spread across Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Diverse fauna includes Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, Asian wild dogs, chinkaras, and marsh crocodiles.
• Features a mix of dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests with patches of grasslands.
• Important rivers: Gaur, Bamner, and Sonar.
• Closest access points: Damoh (50 km) and Sagar (60 km).

8. Ratapani Tiger Reserve

Location: Raisen and Sehore districts, Madhya Pradesh
Total Area: 823 Sq. km.
Established: Awaiting final approval for Tiger Reserve status; presently a Wildlife Sanctuary (since 1976).

Key Highlights:

• Part of the Vindhyan hill range, offering rugged terrain with deep valleys and plateaus.
• Rich biodiversity includes Bengal tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, sloth bears, and various deer species.
• Home to the prehistoric Bhimbetka rock shelters (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
• Key water bodies: Kolar Dam and Barna Reservoir.
• Primary entry points: Kolar Dam and Bhimbetka.
• Nearest city: Bhopal (55 km).

9. Madhav Tiger Reserve

Location: Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh
Total Area: 354 Sq. km.
Established: Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2022

Key Highlights:

• Formerly known as Madhav National Park, part of the erstwhile hunting grounds of the Scindia royal family.
• Landscape consists of dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and lakes, supporting Bengal tigers, Indian gazelles (chinkaras), sambar deer, and crocodiles.
• Features scenic Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Lakes, attracting migratory birds.
• Historic sites include the George Castle and Chhatris (cenotaphs) of the Scindia dynasty.
• Closest town: Shivpuri (10 km).

Conclusion

Madhya Pradesh, with its extensive forest cover and dedicated conservation efforts, has emerged as the leading tiger habitat in India. The state's tiger reserves not only play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity but also provide incredible opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers. Whether you seek an adventurous tiger safari or wish to explore India’s rich flora and fauna, Madhya Pradesh's tiger reserves are a must-visit destination.