Madhya Pradesh is called the “Tiger State of India” because it has the highest number of tigers. The state has several tiger reserves that protect these big cats and other wildlife. These reserves also attract many tourists who want to see tigers in their natural home. With beautiful forests, rivers and rich biodiversity, Madhya Pradesh plays a big role in India’s tiger conservation efforts.
Madhya Pradesh, also known as the Tiger State of India, is home to nine tiger reserves. The state has the highest number of tigers in the country, with 785 tigers as per the Tiger Census 2022. The latest addition is the Madhav Tiger Reserve, making it a prime destination for wildlife lovers. These tiger reserves not only help in conservation but also offer thrilling jungle safaris.
Madhya Pradesh, known as India’s Tiger State, has nine tiger reserves. These reserves protect tigers and offer amazing safaris, beautiful forests and rich wildlife experiences.
Here is the list of tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh:
| S. No. | Tiger Reserve Name | Year of Notification | Location |
| 1. | Kanha Tiger Reserve | 2007 | Mandla & Balaghat |
| 2. | Pench Tiger Reserve | 2007 | Seoni |
| 3. | Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve | 2007 | Umaria |
| 4. | Satpura Tiger Reserve | 2007 | Narmadapuram |
| 5. | Panna Tiger Reserve | 2007 | Panna |
| 6. | Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve | 2011 | Sidhi |
| 7. | Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve | 2023 | Damoh & Sagar |
| 8. | Ratapani Tiger Reserve | 2024 | Raisen & Sehore |
| 9. | Madhav Tiger Reserve | 2025 | Shivpuri |
Kanha Tiger Reserve, located in the Mandla and Balaghat districts, covers an area of 940 square kilometers. It was declared a National Park in 1955 and became a Tiger Reserve in 1973. The reserve is home to around 80 tigers, along with leopards and the rare four-horned antelope. It os divided into the Hallon and Banjar Wildlife Sanctuaries. The main entry gates are Khatiya, Mukki, Sarhi and Ghurri. The nearest cities are Mandla (30 km away) and Balaghat (80 km away).
Pench Tiger Reserve, situated in Seoni, consists of a core area of 411.33 sq. km. and a buffer zone of 768.3 sq km. It was established as a tiger reserve in 1992 and is spread across the state of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The reserve is known for its population of Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopards and wild dogs. The nearest cities include Seoni, Chhindwada, Jabalpur and Nagpur.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, located in Umaria, spans an area of 448 sq. km. and established in 1968. It is famous for having the highest tiger density in India. The reserve includes well-known zones such as Tala, Magadhi and Khitauli. The nearest city is Jabalpur.
Satpura Tiger Reserve, situated in Narmadapuram, covers an area of 524 sq. km. and was established in 1981. It is named after the Satpura mountain range and is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears and blackbuck.
Panna Tiger Reserve, located in Panna, is known for its breathtaking waterfalls and plateaus. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, crocodiles and wild boars. One of the most famous tigers in the reserve is Tigress T-141.
Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve, spanning across Sidhi and Singrauli, includes a core area of 812 sq. km. and a buffer zone of 861 sq. km. It was established in 2008 and comprises Sanjay National Park and Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve is rich in biodiversity, with a significant population of Bengal tigers, leopards, hyenas and bears. The nearest cities are Sidhi (35 km away) and Singrauli (60 km away).
Veerangana Durgabati Tiger Reserve, covering parts of Damoh and Sagar, has a core area of 1,414 sq. km. and a buffer zone of 925 sq. km. It was established in 2023 and is named after Queen Durgavati. The reserve includes the Nauradehi and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuaries and is home to Bengal tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles.
Ratapani Tiger Reserve, located in Raisen and Sehore districts, spans 823 sq. km. and is awaiting final approval as a tiger reserve. It is situated in the Vindhyan hills and and is known for the famous Bhimbhetka rock shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reserve is home to tigers, leopards and sloth bears.
Madhav Tiger Reserve, situated in Shivpuri, covers an area of 354 sq. km. and was designated a tiger reserve in 2022. Formerly known as Madhav National Park, the reserve is home to tigers, deer and crocodiles. It also features the well-known Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Lakes.
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