Satpura, on Foot and by Water
A quieter kind of safari: on foot, by canoe and by jeep, from a small lodge on the edge of the Denwa backwaters.
- Two jeep safaris in the core zone
- A guided walking safari with a naturalist
- Canoeing on the Denwa backwaters
- Birdlife, crocodile and deer along the riverbanks
- Evenings by the fire at a small lodge
- A visit to a nearby village
Overview
Most of India's tiger reserves are seen from a jeep in a line of other jeeps. Satpura is different. Alongside jeep safaris, it allows guided walks and canoeing in designated areas — so you hear the forest, read its tracks and see its smaller life up close.
The reserve is known for leopard, sloth bear, gaur and the Indian giant squirrel as well as tiger, and for a wild, hilly landscape that stays uncrowded. Days follow the rhythm of the forest: out early, rest through the warm middle of the day, back out in the golden hours.
Day by day
- Day 1
Bhopal to the Denwa
Met at Bhopal airport or railway station for a drive of around four hours to Madhai, on the edge of Satpura Tiger Reserve. Settle into the lodge, then sunset on the Denwa backwaters. Dinner under the stars.
Overnight · Jungle lodge, Madhai - Day 2
The first safari
An early jeep safari in the core zone with an experienced naturalist. Brunch and rest at the lodge. In the afternoon, a canoe on the Denwa, looking for kingfishers, crocodile and deer along the banks.
Overnight · Jungle lodge, Madhai - Day 3
The forest on foot
A guided walking safari — tracks, trees, birds and the smaller life of the forest that a jeep drives past. The afternoon is free; an evening boat ride as the light fades.
Overnight · Jungle lodge, Madhai - Day 4
Your choice of pace
A second jeep safari, or a slow morning at the lodge. In the afternoon, a visit to a nearby village, followed by a farewell dinner by the fire.
Overnight · Jungle lodge, Madhai - Day 5
Return
An optional early canoe, breakfast, and the drive back to Bhopal for onward travel.
A sample itinerary. The order of days may change with local calendars, weather and opening times; the final itinerary is confirmed before you travel.
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