The short answer
Pal and the Satpuda Jungle Safari: what visitors should know first
Go for a day or an overnight stay in the cooler months. Pal has a dam, forest paths, a museum and a safari, but few facilities. Book the safari and any rest house in advance, and bring food, water and medicines.
History and context
The story behind Pal and the Satpuda Jungle Safari
Pal lies in the Satpura range in Raver tehsil. Wikipedia records that it was abandoned in the early 18th century and was found desolate and infested with wild animals by the British in 1817, then resettled in 1869-70. Historical records mention a fort, a mosque and an elephant stable, or Hathi Wada.
Maharashtra Tourism gives a slightly different resettlement date, so the exact chronology varies by source. The Satpuda Jungle Safari opened here on 2 August 2025 as North Maharashtra's first such safari.
Useful facts
Pal and the Satpuda Jungle Safari facts at a glance
- Location
- Pal, Raver tehsil, Satpura range, Jalgaon district
- Experience type
- Hill village, dam, fort ruins and jungle safari
- Known for
- Cool climate, forest and the Garbardi dam
- Elevation
- About 397 m (Wikipedia)
- Safari
- About 27 km route, 2.5 to 3 hours; fees not published
Why it matters
Why Pal and the Satpuda Jungle Safari is worth your time
Pal is the one place in the Yawal sanctuary where ordinary visitors can stay and eat. It was abandoned in the early 18th century, found overgrown by the British in 1817 and resettled later, and the ruins of its fort, mosque and elephant stables remain.
It also gives the area a purpose. Without Pal, Yawal would be a transit town; with it, a day or two in the hills becomes realistic.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The Satpuda Jungle Safari
A route of about 27 km runs through the forest with viewpoints and stops, and a chance of leopard, nilgai or sloth bear.
- 02
Garbardi dam
The dam on the Suki river is a calm picnic and birdwatching spot with views over the hills.
- 03
Fort ruins and Hathi Wada
Remains of the old fort and the elephant stable are reminders of the village's past before it was abandoned.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Reach Pal by road from Raver, about 25 km away, or from Yawal; the route climbs into the Satpura hills and is described by Maharashtra Tourism as well maintained. Allow time for the drive and for breaks.
The village sits at about 397 m on the Suki river, noticeably cooler than the plains. Visit the Garbardi dam, a pleasant spot for picnics and birds, and the ruins of the old fort, where a bastion survives beside the forest rest house. The forest department also runs a garden and a small museum of regional forest produce.
The Satpuda Jungle Safari, which began in August 2025, follows a route of about 27 km through some 3,339 hectares and takes about two and a half to three hours, with stops at viewpoints, waterfalls in the rains and a tiger and leopard habitat called Wagh Doh. Slots fill on weekends and holidays, so go on a weekday and book early.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Book the safari and any rest house through the forest department
- Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds
- Carry food, water and medicines from Raver or Yawal
- Wear closed shoes with grip for forest paths
- Leave in time to drive down before dark
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Pal, Raver tehsil, about 25 km from Raver and the forest above Yawal
- Time needed
- Half to full day; overnight if you book a rest house
- Best time
- November to February; monsoon for greenery, with slippery trails
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The approach road is paved and the village is small, but forest paths and the old fort are uneven. Seating, toilets and food are limited, and medical help is far.
- Tickets and access
- Safari and rest-house bookings are made through the forest department. Fees, timings and booking methods are not published, so confirm with the Jalgaon forest office.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Pal and the Satpuda Jungle Safari
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The approach road is paved and the village is small, but forest paths and the old fort are uneven. Seating, toilets and food are limited, and medical help is far.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Pal in Yawal?
The village is listed under Raver tehsil, but the forest around it is part of the Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary, and it is reached through the Yawal area.
Can I stay overnight?
A forest department rest house offers lodging and meals but must be booked in advance. Otherwise stay in Raver, Yawal, Bhusawal or Jalgaon.
How long is the safari?
About 2.5 to 3 hours on a 27 km route, according to a report on the first year of operations. Fees and booking details are not published there.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.