Safari Zones in Satpura
The Satpura National Park is home to more than 52 Tigers which are the major attraction of the region. The Park has a massive 2133 sq. km. area, which is divided into the core zone (1339.27 sq. km) and the buffer zone (793.73 sq. km.). These zones serve as home to around 50 species of mammals, 30 species of reptiles, 254 species of birds, and more than 50 species of colourful butterflies. No wonder that the park is a nature lover and wildlife photographer’s delight. And, apart from Tigers, one may also spot Leopards, Indian Bison, Wild Dogs, Black Buck, Indian Giant Squirrel, Sloth Bears, etc. during the Jeep Safari.
The Safari Zones, both core and buffer zones are bisected into different routes. Generally, the tourists undertaking the safari are allotted two routes, one for entering the forest and the other for exiting it. This corroborates that tourists can see the natural beauty of the region. To intensify your chances of spotting wildlife in the natural surroundings, one should be well-versed with the safari zones of Satpura National Park.
Core Zones
The Core Zone of the Satpura National Park is the central part of the forest where no human encroachment is permitted. The Part of the forest area is permitted with limited tourism activity and a ban exists on extracting any forest produce. The Major aim of the restrictions is to prevent poaching and deforestation to allow animals as natural habitats as possible. The Core Zone shares its boundaries with the buffer zone and is divided into three zones, namely:
1. Madhai Zone- The Most Popular of all the entry gates is the Madhai Gate of Satpura National Park comprising of varied topography like plains, valleys, meadows, water bodies, some hilly terrains, and more. The Density of the Tiger population is the highest in this zone as it is the center for wildlife tourism in Satpura National Park. Only 30 vehicles are permitted to enter this core zone per day, including the morning and afternoon safaris.
2. Churna Zone- The Churna Gate also known as Bheemkund Safari Gate is snuggled in the core zone of the Satpura National Park and is sprawled over the Western part of the reserve which can be easily accessed through the Madhai Entry gate and Bheemkund Entry gate, just check the safari conditions and take your decision accordingly. The Tiger Sighting here is comparatively high as it is a part of the critical tiger habitat. And, this reason makes the reserve popular among wildlife photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
3. Pachmarhi Zone- This zone is the new core zone in the Satpura National Park and is also known as the ‘Panaarpani Zone’ located in close proximity to the Pachmarhi Hill Station where tourists in large numbers visit to enjoy the eco-tourism and if they want to undertake the jungle safari then, they have to travel approximately 18 km. As per the rule, here 7 vehicles will enter in the morning round and 7 vehicles will enter in the evening round and will remain closed for safaris every Wednesday in the evening round only.
Buffer Zones
The Buffer zone adjoins or surrounds the core zone of the Satpura National Park. It serves as the barrier between with its wildlife and the human inhabitants of the neighbouring villages. This part of the forest is open to regulated activities including, but not restricted to, human habitation. Though the density of wildlife is less in the buffer zone compared to the core zone, the advantage of it being open for tourists throughout the year has its advantages. The zone has abundant fauna including chinkara, nilgai, wolf, and four-horned antelope. It is divided into four zones, namely:
1. Parsapani Zone- The Zone can be visited through safaris via private vehicles 14 vehicles in the morning and 14 in the afternoon are permittedto enter this zone and is full of unique terrain as it holds rich vegetation in an undulating habitat and is filled with several streams, ponds, grasslands, riverbanks, forests, etc.
2. Jamani Devi Zone- This Zone comprises of picturesque landscape consisting of ponds, streams, forests, riverbanks, etc. where you can go camping and undertake various activities like trekking, bird watching, jeep safari, village tour, cultural programs, etc. to make the journey of the visitors more exciting, and can be visited through safaris via private vehicles 14 vehicles in the morning and 14 in the afternoon are permitted to enter this zone.
3. Sehra Zone- The Ravishing buffer zone is closer to Denwa and comprises lush green meadows where the possibility of spotting Leopards, Indian Gaur, Mouse Deer, Indian Crested Porcupine, Rusty Spotted Cats, etc. are high.
4. Pathai Zone- The Pathai Buffer Zonemeets the Denwa backwaters at several points and is situated between Shohagpur and Madhai (20 km.) on one side and Madhai and Pathai Gates (14 km.) on another side.
