Madhya Pradesh has earned the title as the central or heart of India as it lies in the middle of our country and the tag known as the Tiger state with many UNESCO world heritage sites found here. The Satpura National Park is also a home here in this state which is located in the Hoshangabad district and has many animals like tigers, leopards, bears, and a wide variety of birds. So if you have Satpura in your mind, then the Seven Safar team is there to help you curate the experience and get the most memorable experience of your life. Surely the first thing comes to mind is how to reach here and we will cover the easiest and most convenient ways for you to reach the national park.
The park is situated in the Satpura Range of hills in Madhya Pradesh and the main gate for entering the park is called the Madhai. The forest is known for its rocky landscapes with deep valleys and peaks which is well connected to the city of lakes called Bhopal. It is said to be the main hub to reach the park with convenience.
If you are travelling by plane then it is very easy to reach here reducing the travel time when you are coming from a long distance.
Nearest Airport:
The closest airport is Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal which is named after the king and is located at a distance of 115 km away from the park. It normally takes 3 to 4 hours to reach by road from the airport. Time may vary according to which resort and where the accommodation location is based on.
Flight Connectivity:
Bhopal Airport is a busy domestic airport with good connections. You can find regular flights from big Indian cities like:
From the Airport to Satpura:
Once you land in Bhopal then you can find several easy options to reach your resort or the park gate:
Alternative Airports:
While Bhopal is the most convenient but another airport closest is the Jabalpur airport which is also an option. But the distance is around 210 km from the park which will take around 4 to 5 hours drive and might be hectic, so Bhopal is highly recommended for a more comfortable journey.
Travelling by train in India is said to be the classic and budget friendly way for all the middle class and other travelers as well. It is more economical than flying and it allows you to see the beautiful countryside of the state on the way while you pass the city, field, forest.
Nearest Railway Station:
The most convenient and nearest railway station is Pipariya Railway Station which is only about 47 kilometers from the Madhai gate of Satpura National Park. The drive from the station to the park takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Train Connectivity:
Pipariya Junction is well-connected to many major cities. Some popular trains that come here are:
From the Station to Satpura:
When you get off at Pipariya station, you can easily find:
Alternative Railway Station:
Bhopal Junction is a major railway hub with even better connectivity from all over India and it is about 140-160 km from Satpura. If you find a more suitable train to Bhopal then you can take it and then hire a taxi for the 3 to 4 hour drive to the park.
Important Tip: Trains to Pipariya especially during holiday seasons can get full very quickly. It is always a good idea to book your train tickets several weeks or even months in advance.
If you love driving by road and long trips then you can explore it by traveling here by road with your own freedom. The roads are generally in good condition and you get to see the beautiful scenery of rural India as you pass the villages along with their local food and cultural heritage.
Driving from Major Cities:
Here is a quick look at the distance and travel time from some key cities:
| City of Departure | Approximate Distance to Satpura | Approximate Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bhopal | 140 - 160 km | 3 - 4 hours |
| Pipariya | 47 km | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Jabalpur | 210 km | 4 - 5 hours |
| Indore | 350 km | 6 - 7 hours |
| Nagpur | 380 km | 7 - 8 hours |
| Delhi | 800 km | 14 - 16 hours |
| Mumbai | 850 km | 15 - 17 hours |