How to Reach Satpura National Park

A thoughtful journey into Madhya Pradesh’s most immersive and untamed forest reserve in Satpura National Park.

There are national parks that make the headlines — and then there are parks like Satpura, which stay quietly in the background, waiting for the kind of traveller who looks a little deeper.

Spread across the rugged hills and dense teak forests of central Madhya Pradesh, Satpura National Park offers a very different wildlife experience — one that’s more about slow observation than instant spectacle. Here, jeep safaris share the stage with walking trails, canoe rides, and dense riverbank forests where sloth bears, leopards, and gaur roam in solitude.

But the journey here is as important as the destination. While Satpura isn’t as instantly accessible as parks like Bandhavgarh or Pench National Park, reaching it is part of the charm — especially if you’re the kind of traveller who prefers fewer vehicles and more birdsong.

This guide will help you understand how to reach Satpura National Park, with detailed information on nearby airports, railway stations, road routes, and practical travel tips — all designed to help you plan a seamless journey into one of India’s most soulful forest escapes.

Where Is Satpura National Park?

Satpura National Park lies in the Hoshangabad (Narmadapuram) district of Madhya Pradesh, in the central part of India. It’s part of the larger Satpura Tiger Reserve, which includes Bori Wildlife Sanctuary and Pachmarhi Sanctuary, covering a combined area of over 1,400 square kilometres.

The main access point is the quiet forest village of Madhai, which serves as the primary safari entry gate into the park.

Nearest town: Pipariya (50 km)
Nearest hill station: Pachmarhi (40 km)
Nearest big city: Bhopal (140 km)

Best Ways to Reach Satpura National Park

Satpura doesn’t sit on a major highway or near a large airport, but that’s exactly what keeps it pristine. Travelling here requires a bit of planning — usually a combination of train, road, and (optionally) air travel, depending on your starting point. Read also: Best Ways to Reach Kanha National Park

By Air: Nearest Airports to Satpura

1. Bhopal – Raja Bhoj International Airport (BHO)

Distance to Madhai Gate: ~140 km
Travel time by road: 3.5 to 4 hours
Best for: Travellers flying in from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or other Indian metros

This is the most convenient airport if you’re combining Satpura with a larger Madhya Pradesh itinerary. Regular taxis are available from Bhopal to Satpura, or you can book a private transfer through your lodge.

2. Jabalpur Airport (JLR)

Distance to Madhai: ~260 km
Travel time: 6–7 hours by road
Useful if: You’re pairing Satpura with Kanha National park or Bandhavgarh, which lie east of the park

3. Nagpur Airport (NAG)

Distance: ~300 km
Ideal if Satpura is part of a longer central India circuit

By Train: Nearest Railway Stations to Satpura

Train travel is one of the most efficient and scenic ways to reach the Satpura region — especially for travellers coming from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or Bhopal.

Pipariya Railway Station (Station Code: PPI)

Distance to Madhai Gate: 50 km
Travel time: About 1.5 hours by road
Why it’s ideal: Well-connected and closest to the park

Regular trains run to Pipariya from major cities including:

Delhi (approx. 10–12 hours)
Mumbai (approx. 12–14 hours)
Bhopal (approx. 2.5–3 hours)

Pipariya is a small but reliable station, and most safari lodges offer pick-up services from here.

Itarsi Junction (ET)

Distance to Madhai: ~100 km
Well-connected hub with trains from across India
More frequent trains than Pipariya, but a longer drive to the park

By Road: Driving to Satpura National Park

Driving to Satpura — whether in a private vehicle or with a hired car and driver — is a rewarding experience. The approach through villages, forests, and riverside landscapes makes for a scenic transition into wilderness.

Travel From Bhopal

Route: Bhopal – Hoshangabad – Sohagpur – Madhai
Distance: ~140 km
Travel Time: ~4 hours

From Jabalpur

Route: Jabalpur – Narsinghpur – Pipariya – Madhai
Distance: ~260 km
Travel Time: 6–7 hours

Travel From Pachmarhi (Hill Station)

Route: Pachmarhi – Matkuli – Madhai
Distance: ~40 km
Travel Time: ~1.5 hours

From Delhi

Total Distance: ~900 km
Recommended: Train or flight + road combo, unless you are self-driving as part of a long road trip

Main Entry Gates to Satpura National Park

1. Madhai Gate (Primary Entry)

Best suited for most safari experiences
Closest to Pipariya and Bhopal
Offers jeep safaris, boat safaris, walking safaris, and canoe rides

This is where the core tourism zone begins. Most of Satpura’s accommodation — ranging from luxury jungle lodges to mid-range resorts — is clustered near Madhai.

2. Pachmarhi Gate

Mostly for visitors staying in the hill station of Pachmarhi
Offers access to Pachmarhi Sanctuary, waterfalls, and scenic walks
Jeep safaris here are limited to buffer zones

Getting Around the Park Region

Most visitors stay near Madhai and explore the park via guided safaris, which are booked in advance through the MP Forest Department or through your lodge.

You’ll typically need:

A private vehicle (Gypsy)
A trained naturalist (provided by your lodge or forest department)
An entry permit and forest guide (mandatory)

Safari experiences in Satpura are more immersive and diverse than many Indian parks — offering walking safaris, river safaris, and even cycling trails in certain buffer zones.

Suggested Travel Itineraries to Reach Satpura

1 Option: From Delhi

Take an overnight train to Pipariya (e.g., Sampark Kranti, Mahakoshal Express)
Arrive in the morning and drive to Madhai (1.5 hrs)
Alternatively, fly to Bhopal, then transfer by road (4 hrs)

2 Option: From Mumbai

Take a direct train to Pipariya (e.g., Lokmanya Tilak–Gorakhpur Express)
Or fly to Jabalpur and drive to Madhai (6–7 hrs)

3 Option: From Bangalore or South India

Fly to Bhopal via Delhi or Mumbai
Private transfer to Satpura via Hoshangabad and Sohagpur

Best Time to Travel to Satpura National Park

Open Season: October 1 to June 30 (closed during monsoon)
Peak Wildlife Viewing: March to May (dry season, best animal sightings)
Best Weather: October to February (cool, green, excellent birdwatching)

Plan at least 3–4 days to explore the park properly, with time for morning and evening safaris, nature walks, and maybe a visit to Pachmarhi if time allows.

Final Thoughts: Reaching Satpura Is Part of the Adventure

Unlike more commercial parks where highways lead straight to the safari gate, Satpura takes a little effort to reach — and that’s precisely what makes it so rewarding. The slower approach, the rural detours, and the increasing quiet as you head deeper into forest country are all part of what makes Satpura feel like a true wilderness experience.

So don’t rush it. Let the journey unfold at its own pace. Because by the time you cross the Denwa River into Satpura’s core zone and hear the forest begin to speak, you’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere truly special — a place not just to visit, but to feel.

Continue Your Journey Here:

How to Reach Satpura National Park: A Complete Guide

Where Is Satpura National Park?

Best Ways to Reach Satpura National Park

By Air: Nearest Airports to Satpura