Satpura Tiger Reserve itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Satpura

1. 01

   Day 1: One safari and the river

   Reach Madhai by early morning and cross the Denwa by boat for a morning jeep round in the core zone. Return to your lodge for breakfast and a long rest through the heat. In the late afternoon, take a boat ride on the backwaters for crocodiles and birds. A single day is rushed, so try to stay at least one night.

Plan 02

2 days in Satpura

1. 01

   Day 1: Core zone and the backwaters

   Arrive by the previous evening if possible. Take the morning jeep safari at Madhai, rest through midday and end the day with a boat ride on the Denwa backwaters.

2. 02

   Day 2: Canoe and a walk

   Start with a canoe trip at first light, then a guided walk in a buffer zone such as Jamani Dev, or a second jeep round in Parsapani. Check out after a late breakfast.

Plan 03

3 days in Satpura

1. 01

   Day 1: Arrive and cross the river

   Reach Madhai by afternoon, settle in and take an evening boat ride on the Denwa to see the light on the water and get a feel for the place.

2. 02

   Day 2: Core zone, Chutkidev and a rest

   Do a morning jeep round in the Madhai core zone, with a stop at viewpoints such as Chutkidev if your route allows. Rest in the afternoon, then take a canoe or an afternoon round.

3. 03

   Day 3: Churna or a walking safari

   For a long day, ask your lodge to book a full-day safari to Churna, using the morning and evening permits and lunch at the forest rest house. For a gentler day, choose a guided walk in Jamani Dev and a village visit.

Pacing

Pacing a Satpura Tiger Reserve trip for parents and children

• Choose a lodge with ground-level rooms and a short path to dining; many are spread over large grounds.
• Ask for the front or side seat in the jeep and carry a cushion; tracks are rough and bumpy.
• Winter mornings on the open jeep and the river crossing are cold, so wear layers and a scarf.
• The boat crossing has a step and a moving deck; ask staff for an arm and hold a rail.
• Prefer a motor-boat ride to a canoe if balance is a concern.
• Carry regular medicines and a basic first-aid kit; the nearest larger towns are Narmadapuram and Itarsi.

Satpura Tiger Reserve with elderly parents: the full guide →