- Best Time to Visit Satpura National Park
During Winters (November to February)- If you want to see the wildlife, it is the best time to visit Satpura National Park as the weather is cool and dry and the animals are also more active as the vegetation is less dense. And, in addition to this, it is also the best time to spot migratory birds.
Satpura National Park: A Paradise for Birders in the Embrace of the Satpuras
Satpura National Park, nestled amidst the rugged terrains of the Satpura mountain range in Madhya Pradesh, India, is a treasure trove not just for tiger enthusiasts but also for birdwatchers. This park, with its diverse landscapes encompassing verdant forests, meandering rivers, and rocky outcrops, boasts over 300 resident and migratory bird species. From the vibrant and common to the rare and elusive, Satpura’s skies are a symphony of colors and calls, making it a premier birding destination in Central India.
A Tapestry of Habitats for Avian Diversity
The varied habitats within Satpura National Park cater to a wide variety of birds. Dense forests, dominated by Sal trees, provide a sanctuary for elusive and colorful residents like the White-rumped Shama, its melodious song echoing through the trees. The shy Asian Paradise Flycatcher, the state bird of Madhya Pradesh, might flit amongst the branches with its stunning blue plumage. For the patient birder, the park offers sightings of birds like the Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher and the Black-capped Kingfisher, adding a touch of brilliance to the verdant scenery.
Open grasslands become a stage for a vibrant cast of ground birds. Watch as the stately Grey Francolin, with its reddish-brown plumage, blends seamlessly into the tall grasses. Don’t miss the flamboyant display of the Indian Peafowl, its tail feathers a dazzling array of iridescent colors. The shy Junglefowl, the wild ancestor of our domesticated chicken, might be spotted scurrying for food amongst the undergrowth.
A Haven for Soaring Raptors and Wetland Wonders
Soaring high above the landscape are a variety of raptors, adding an element of majesty to the birding experience. Look out for the powerful Black-shouldered Kite circling effortlessly on thermals, or the majestic Long-billed Vulture, a critically endangered species, with its impressive wingspan. The park is a vital haven for these magnificent scavengers.
Dotted throughout the park are lakes, ponds, and marshes, teeming with resident and migratory waterfowl. The brightly colored Indian Pitta might be spotted flitting amongst the reeds, while the elusive Brown Fish Owl emerges at dusk to hunt for prey. Patience might reward you with a glimpse of the shy Adjutant Stork wading through the shallows, or the unmistakable cackle of the Lesser Adjutant Stork.
Satpura National Park is also a famous park for tiger safari in India. The place was first explored by Captain James Forsyth. He served as captain in Bengal Lancer during British Raj, and penned down details about the park at great length. The expanse of Satpura was the primary reason behind it being named as the first reserve forest of India, in the year 1862. It was later declared a National Park and Sanctuary by the State Government, to further the cause of conservation of flora and fauna. Finally, the Indian Government named Satpura a Tiger Reserve.
Located in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, the park lies in the Satpura Ranges, which start from Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh in east, passing through the borders of Maharashtra and going up to Gujrat. Named after Satpura ranges, the name itself has deep roots. It is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Sapta’ – seven and ‘Pura’ – mountain; collectively meaning seven mountains. The varied terrain of Satpura, homes 300 species of birds. Even wetland species thrive in this diverse ecosystem. With its proximity to the Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats, it serves as a passage for summer migratory birds like Indian pittas and winter migratory birds such as bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks and great cormorants.
Highlight Species in Satpura National Park
- White-throated Woodpecker
- Black-shoulder kite
- Bhraminy Starling
- Tickels Blue Flycatcher
- Black-capped Kingfisher
- Knob-billed Duck
- Northern-Pintail
- Mottled Wood Owl
- River Tern
- Emrald Dove
- Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark
- Yellow-crowned Woodpecker
- Spangaled Drongo
- Common Iora
- Golden-fronted Leafbird
- Tawny-bellied Babbler
- Indian Paradise Flycatcher
- Scarlet Minivet
- Malabar Pied Hornbill
- Shikra
- Painted Francolin
- Peregrine Falcon
- Common Iora
- Golden-fronted Leafbird
- Common Sandpiper
- Common -hawk Cuckoo
- Indian Cuckoo
- Eurasian Coot
- Black-winged Stilt
- Oriental Darter
Types of Safaris in Satpura National Park
Jeep Safaris, Walking Safaris and Boat Safaris : Best experienced through jeep, walking and boat safari, it has a lot to cater to a nature lover. Bird watching is best experienced by boat safari which takes place on Denwa river. Many Birding enthusiasts made this a birding hotspot in recent times. You can easily hire experience bird naturalists from lodges. Local guides too are highly experienced and help you identify tons of bird species.
How to reach Satpura National Park
By Air : Bhopal Airport is the closest to the national park at a distance of 180 Km which takes around 3 Hr 30 Minutes away. The airport is well connected with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata.
By Train : Itarsi Railway Junction is a major train station where most trains from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Jabalpur and Bangalore comply. It is about 70 Km which is 1 Hour 30 Minutes away from the National Park.
