Safari in Central Indian Highlands
Journey through the heart of India, a land of dense forests and rolling hills, renowned for its thriving tiger populations and diverse wildlife.
Central Indian Highlands Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Central Indian Highlands
Central Indian Highlands Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Central Indian Highlands
Bandhavgarh National Park
Known for having one of the highest tiger densities in India, Bandhavgarh is a compact park offering excellent tiger sighting opportunities. Its diverse terrain includes rocky hills, grasslands, and sal forests, also supporting leopards, sloth bears, and various deer species.
Dinosaur National Park
Dinosaur National Park is a protected area in India.
Ghughua Fossil National Park
Ghughua Fossil National Park is a protected area in India.
Gugamal National Park
Gugamal National Park is a protected area in India.
Guru Ghasidas National Park
Guru Ghasidas National Park is a protected area in India.
Indravati National Park/Tiger Reserve
Indravati National Park/Tiger Reserve is a protected area in India.
Kanger Ghati National Park
Kanger Ghati National Park is a protected area in India.
Kanha Nationalpark
A sprawling park of vast grasslands and sal forests, Kanha is celebrated for its significant tiger population and its successful conservation of the hardground barasingha (swamp deer). It's a classic safari destination, offering immersive wildlife experiences and stunning landscapes that inspired Rudyard Kipling's 'The Jungle Book'.
Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park
Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park is a protected area in India.
Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park
Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is a protected area in India.
Mrugavani National Park
Mrugavani National Park is a protected area in India.
Nawegaon National Park
Nawegaon National Park is a protected area in India.
Panna National Park
A success story in tiger conservation, Panna National Park has bounced back from near extinction of its tiger population. The park's dry deciduous forests, deep gorges, and the Ken River are also home to leopards, chinkara, sambar, and a variety of raptors.
Papikonda National Park
Papikonda National Park is a protected area in India.
Pench (Indira Priyadarsini) National Park/Tiger Reserve
Straddling Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Pench is another park believed to have inspired 'The Jungle Book' and is known for its significant tiger population. Its mixed deciduous forests and the Pench River provide habitat for leopards, sloth bears, gaur, and a variety of bird species.
Sanjay National Park/Tiger Reserve
Sanjay National Park/Tiger Reserve is a protected area in India.
Satpura National Park
Offering a unique walking safari experience, Satpura is known for its rugged terrain, deep gorges, and dense forests, providing a habitat for leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison (gaur), and a rich avian diversity. It's a less crowded alternative for a more immersive wilderness experience.
Van Vihar National Park
Van Vihar National Park is a protected area in India.
Compare Parks in Central Indian Highlands
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Central Indian Highlands
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bandhavgarh National Park | - | 309 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | IN-0064 (22km) |
| Kanha Nationalpark | - | 331 | - | Quiet | Moderate | IN-0068 (24km) |
| Pench (Indira Priyadarsini) National Park/Tiger Reserve | - | 283 | - | Moderate | Moderate | IN-0086 (46km) |
| Panna National Park | - | 274 | - | Quiet | Moderate | HJR (23km) |
| Satpura National Park | - | 283 | - | Quiet | Moderate | VA1L (63km) |
| Dinosaur National Park | - | 35 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | IN-0367 (81km) |
| Ghughua Fossil National Park | - | 183 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | IN-0064 (51km) |
| Gugamal National Park | - | 288 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | AKD (76km) |
| Guru Ghasidas National Park | - | 131 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | VA1O (87km) |
| Indravati National Park/Tiger Reserve | - | 31 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | RMD (126km) |
| Kanger Ghati National Park | - | 236 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | JGB (27km) |
| Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park | - | 292 | - | Quiet | Moderate | BPM (6km) |
143 species recorded in Central Indian Highlands16 threatened
We find the Central Indian Highlands to be a truly immersive experience, a world away from the open plains of Africa. The air here carries the scent of damp earth and sal leaves, especially after the monsoon, and the dappled light filtering through the dense canopy creates an almost mystical atmosphere. We particularly love the feeling of tracking a tiger through these ancient forests, a challenge that feels deeply rewarding, and the sunsets over the rolling hills are simply sensational. This is a landscape that demands patience and offers profound rewards, a true testament to India's wild heart.
Terrain & Altitude
Rolling hills covered in dense, deciduous forests, punctuated by rocky outcrops and open meadows.
300-900m above sea level
Vegetation
Dominantly tropical dry deciduous forests, with teak and sal trees forming a dense canopy, interspersed with bamboo thickets and grasslands.
Water Sources
A network of perennial rivers like the Ken and Tawa, along with numerous seasonal streams and man-made reservoirs, provides vital water sources.
Unique Features
The dramatic ravines and ancient rock formations, carved by millennia of erosion, create unique micro-habitats and stunning vistas.
We always advise flying into the airport closest to your first park to minimize travel time and maximize safari enjoyment. While road journeys offer glimpses of rural India, the distances between parks can be significant, so consider domestic flights for inter-park transfers if time is a constraint. We find that pre-arranged transfers with your lodge or a reputable local operator ensure a seamless and comfortable journey.
Nearest Airports
Jabalpur Airport (JLR)
To Kanha National Park (Mukki Gate) approx. 170km / 3.5-4hr drive; To Bandhavgarh National Park approx. 190km / 4-4.5hr drive
Daily connections from Delhi and Mumbai on IndiGo and Alliance Air. We find this airport ideal for accessing the northern parks.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (NAG)
To Pench National Park (Turia Gate) approx. 100km / 2-2.5hr drive; To Kanha National Park (Khatia Gate) approx. 260km / 5-6hr drive
Frequent daily connections from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru on major domestic carriers. This is our preferred gateway for Pench and southern Kanha.
Driving Routes
From Jabalpur
To Kanha National Park. The route is generally well-maintained tarmac, though the final stretch into the park can be winding. We recommend a comfortable SUV for the journey.
From Nagpur
To Pench National Park. This is a straightforward drive on good roads, making it one of the most accessible parks in the region.
Temperature
18.4°C
65°F
Rainfall
18.2 mm
Dry season
Humidity
66.7%
Sunshine
9.7 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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