Planning a wildlife trip to Satpura National Park on a budget? If you're based in Indore and looking for a pocket-friendly way to reach the serene wilderness of Satpura National Park, traveling by train is a smart and scenic option. Known for its untouched beauty and peaceful atmosphere, Satpura offers a safari experience that feels far from the tourist crowds of other popular parks. But when it comes to How to reach Satpura from Indore by train, there are a couple of options to consider. For budget-conscious travellers, train journeys are a great way to save on transport costs while enjoying the changing landscapes of Madhya Pradesh. Indore, being a major railway hub, has direct connectivity to both Itarsi Junction and Pipariya Railway Station, the two nearest railheads to Satpura National Park.
The trains are regular, affordable, and relatively comfortable - even more so if you choose AC Chair Car or Sleeper Class, depending on your preference and budget. The added bonus? You don’t have to worry about road traffic, fuel, or long driving hours. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the best train routes, nearest railway stations, average travel times, and how to pick the right station depending on your safari entry gate.
Let’s break it down.
Best Train Route: Indore to Itarsi Junction
Out of the two stations, Itarsi Junction offers better and more frequent train connectivity from Indore. On average, it takes around 8 hours to reach Itarsi by train, depending on the service you choose. These trains typically depart early in the morning, afternoon and evening. Therefore, you can schedule your journey according to your convenience.
Popular Trains from Indore to Itarsi:
• Vandebharat
• Panchvalley Express
• Indore Bilaspur Express
• Indore Jabalpur Superfast Express
Once you reach Itarsi, Satpura National Park is approximately 15 km away, which takes about ½ an hour by road to the national park.
Alternative Route: Indore to Pipariya Station
If you’re planning to enter Satpura National Park via Madhai, Pachmarhi, or Panaarpani Gate, then Pipariya might be a better choice. This station is closer to Pachmarhi and offers easier access to that region of the park. The travel time from Indore to Pipariya by train is slightly longer, about 9 hours on average, and trains are less frequent than those to Itarsi.
Popular Trains from Indore to Pipariya:
• Indore Bilaspur Express
• Indore Jabalpur Superfast Express
From Pipariya, the park’s Pachmarhi region is roughly 57 km away, and it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by road, depending on weather and traffic.
If you're still unsure, check your Satpura National Park booking for the entry gate and plan your rail journey accordingly. That way, you’ll minimize road travel time and get to the safari quicker and cheaper.
To keep things budget-friendly, book your train tickets in advance through the government-authorized ticket booking platform or manually from the railway station ticket counters. Look out for Sleeper Class seats if you want to keep costs low, or AC 3-Tier if you want a balance of comfort and affordability. Also, remember to check for train schedules, availability, and delays before you travel.
From the Railway Station to Satpura National Park
Once you reach either Itarsi or Pipariya, you’ll need to arrange a cab or shared taxi to get to the national park. Here are your options:
• From Itarsi to Satpura: 15 km
• From Pipariya to Satpura: 57 km
