List of National Parks in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, known as the heart of India, boasts an extraordinary wealth of biodiversity, with its dense forests, meandering rivers, and diverse ecosystems. The state is renowned for its extensive network of protected areas, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves. Among these, the national parks of Madhya Pradesh stand out as prime destinations for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of these natural treasures.

What is a National Park?

A national park is a protected area designated by a government to preserve and showcase outstanding natural landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage. These parks are managed to conserve biodiversity and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and scientific research. National parks often feature diverse ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, mountains, and water bodies, offering visitors immersive experiences in nature.

How many National Parks are there in Madhya Pradesh?

Madhya Pradesh, often referred to as the “Heart of India,” is home to a remarkable abundance of natural wonders. The state boasts a total of 11 National Parks, each offering unique landscapes and biodiversity. These parks, including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench, attract wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers from around the world, making Madhya Pradesh a premier destination for wildlife tourism.

Largest National Park in Madhya Pradesh

Kanha Tiger Reserve, also known as Kanha National Park, stands as the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh, located in the heart of India. It is one of India’s prominent tiger reserves, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. The reserve comprises two sanctuaries, Hallon and Banjar, spanning approximately 250 and 300 square kilometers, respectively, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Smallest National Park in Madhya Pradesh

The Fossil National Park, established in 1983, holds the distinction of being the smallest national park in Madhya Pradesh, covering an area of just 0.27 square kilometers. Located in Mandla district, it showcases plant fossils dating back 40 to 150 million years. Fossils collected from nearby villages like Chanti-hills and Ghughua provide a fascinating glimpse into ancient vegetation.

List of National Parks in Madhya Pradesh

In Madhya Pradesh, there are 11 national parks in total which are as follows along with their establishment, area and districts:

National Parks in Madhya Pradesh
S. No.	National Park	Area (in sq. km)	Establishment	District
1.	Kanha National Park	940	1955	Mandla, Balaghat
2.	Bandhavgarh National Park	437	1968	Umariya
3.	Madhav National Park	337	1958	Shivpuri
4.	Pench National Park	293	1975	Seoni, Chhindwada
5.	Satpura National Park	525	1981	Hoshangabad
6.	Panna National Park	543	1981	Panna, Chhatarpur
7.	Sanjay Gandhi Dhubri National Park	467	1981	Sidhi, Singrauli
8.	Van Vihar National Park	4.45	1979	Bhopal
9.	Fossil National Park	0.27	1983	Dindori
10.	Dinosaur Fossil National Park	108	2010	Dhar
11.	Palpur-Kuno National Park	748	2018	Sheopur, Morena

Interesting Facts of National Parks in Madhya Pradesh

Here are some interesting facts related to national parks of Madhya Pradesh:

• Kanha National Park served as the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh
• Bandhavgarh National Park boasts the highest density of tigers in India, offering unparalleled opportunities for tiger sightings.
• Madhav National Park was once a favored hunting ground of Mughal emperors and the Maharaja of Gwalior, steeped in history and royal heritage.
• Pench National Park, famously known as Mowgli Land, served as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book,” featuring a landscape teeming with wildlife.
• Satpura National Park is adorned with the highest peak in Madhya Pradesh, Dhupgarh, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
• Panna National Park is renowned for its vulture protection center and reptile park, contributing to the conservation of endangered species.
• Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting a diverse array of flora and fauna, including the majestic Bengal tiger.
• Van Vihar National Park uniquely combines the elements of a national park, zoo, rescue center, and conservation breeding center, making it a comprehensive conservation facility.
• Fossil National Park houses ancient botanical fossils dating back to the Deccan trap era, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric vegetation.
• Dinosaur Fossil National Park features a rich collection of dinosaur fossils and eggs, providing valuable insights into the prehistoric world.
• Palpur-Kuno National Park is in the spotlight for its ambitious reintroduction program, aiming to reintroduce African cheetahs and Asian Gir lions to their natural habitat.