India Satpura Tiger Safari

Satpura India Wildlife Photographic Tour

Satpura India Wildlife Photographic Tour

Satpura Tiger Reserve is a vast tranquil protected area within the Satpura Mountain range of Central India This pristine Jungle has still retained nature’s magical charm and wilderness areas like this are hard to find these days. Centuries of weathering has shaped this elevated highland into a rugged landscape adorned with sandstone peaks with stunning views, gorges and ravines, rivulets; waterfalls and streams that have nurtured these dense jungles.

Satpura Tiger Reserve is a prime example of the central Indian highlands eco-system and with an area of 2133.307 square km, it is one of the major geographical plateaus in India and part of the Deccan bio-geographic zone of India. The reserve lies in the Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh. It’s a unique area of high natural and diverse land resource values and is gifted with rich bio-diversity , having many rare and endemic plants and animals. Another unique combination which can be seen only here in Satpura is that on Pachmarhi plateau – part Sal forests exist on Gondwana sandstone whereas on lower plain areas of the reserve teak forests grow on basaltic traps. It is also interesting to note that some species, which are not common elsewhere in Madhya Pradesh are found in this area.

Satpura, is considered as the inspiration of the magical forest of the Jungle Book. The word Satpura is derived from Sanskrit which basically means “Seven Folds” or “Seven hills”, it forms a watershed between the Narmada and Tapti Rivers from Central India which is triangular in shape. Comprising of Bori Sanctuary, Satpura is one of the oldest forest reserves with a well-established tradition of scientific management of forests.

In addition to Biological, Satpura also has a huge Archaeological significance considering more than 50 rock shelters with painting that are 1500 to 10,000 years old are found within its boundaries. Satpura Tiger Reserve stands out by its magnificent natural beauty and the famous Pachmari town, the only designated hill station of Madhya Pradesh which is famous for its picturesque locations, also falls within the reserve. Its unique geographical formations, dense forests, waterfalls, distinguished flora and fauna, rock shelters depicting ancient cultural heritage, pilgrim sites, colonial buildings and tribal culture make it one of the most unique wildlife destinations in India.

There are 52 species of mammals, 300 species of birds and 31 species of reptiles all found in the reserve.

The mammal highlights include Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking deer, Chausingha, Chinkara, Nilgai, Wild boar, Sloth bear, and Wild Dog (Dhole). The small carnivores include Jungle cat, Palm civet and small Indian civet. There are two important arboreal mammals: the Indian Giant squirrel and the large brown flying squirrel.

Satpura’s landscape is as diverse as its wildlife. Rolling hills give way to vast grasslands, which transition into dense evergreen and dry deciduous forests. Serene streams turn into mighty rivers that have shaped undulating sandstone formations, cliffs and gorges over millennia.

What sets Satpura Tiger Reserve apart from other reserves in India is the immersive experiences it offers amidst untouched wilderness. Here, visitors don’t just observe nature; they become a part of it. Unlike reserves that rely heavily on jeep safaris, Satpura encourages non-motorized activities like walking safaris, mobile camping, boat safaris and canoeing.

These eco-friendly activities allow people to experience the forest up close, fostering a deeper connection with the land and its inhabitants. The park’s holistic approach has managed to strike a balance between conservation and eco-tourism. This ensures that wildlife thrives undisturbed and visitors leave with an experience that feels authentic, raw and transformative.

Satpura Tiger Reserve is not just a sanctuary for tigers; it is a haven for countless species that coexist in its diverse habitats. The reserve’s success story is a testament to the power of collaboration between government bodies including the forest department, conservationists, the private sector and local communities.

Will you see a tiger here? It is very likely. But unlike some parks where sightings are almost guaranteed, Satpura is vast, and tigers hold large territories. You’re just as likely to come across a sloth bear, leopard, or even the elusive dhole (Indian wild dog). Satpura is about the all-round nature experience, not chasing a single species. And that’s exactly why it’s so special.

If you do see tigers here you are most likely to be the only vehicle or with a very low number of vehicles, in a lot of the more well known Indian Tiger Reserves it is not uncommon to have 20-30 vehicles around a tiger and it can be chaos. In Satpura there are a maximum of 12 vehicles allowed in to the core zone, and therefore the experience is much nicer and worthwhile.

The focus on this trip is very much about the experience and coming home with a full portfolio of images that showcase the environment and the wildlife that lives there. During the tour I will help you capture great behaviour shots, environmental portraits showing the best of the landscape, new species and I will help you learn new techniques including High Kwy, Loq Kwy, ICM, Panning, Zoom Bursts and so much more.

This is an Indian Tiger Safari like no other packed full of great photographic opportunities and one that you won’t want to miss.