For most people, a safari in Central India tends to conjure up visions of spotting the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger amongst other iconic big cats. It was, in fact, the wild landscape of central region of Madhya Pradesh that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s work, The Jungle Book.

While spotting a tiger in the wild is incredibly beautiful, part of the magic of the Central India safari is simply immersing your senses in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Beyond the sightings of the conspicuously visible species, a safari in Central India has so much more to offer. Teeming with rich biodiversity and balanced ecosystems, the jungles of Central India are some of the most game-rich parts of the world.

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Beyond Conventional Jeep Safaris

While jeep safaris are the most common and popular way to safari, national parks in Central India offer several more creative options too. At Sublime Wilderness Odyssey, we help create not only everlasting memories, but before everything else, we aim for redefining your holiday through unique experiences while staying committed to sustainable travel and conservation. When you choose to book an adventure with us, we ensure you get to safari beyond the traditional means. Take a look at how you can about the different ways of safari in Central India.

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Safari on Horseback

In Satpura, the forest is as unique as it can get. With mixed deciduous forest of sal and teak, the region’s habitats comprise mountains, open grasslands and a river ecosystem. Exploring the forest on horseback is a slow way to savour each moment the forest has to offer. Here you’ll be accompanied by the experienced team at Reni Pani Jungle Lodge.

The first trail runs through the forest around Reni Pani where you can immerse in Satpura's flourishing flora as well as sightings of birds and some herbivores like Nilgai, wild boar, spotted deer, Indian Gazelle and if lucky the sloth bear too. The other trail passes along the area's local villages and is a remarkable way to catch the rural sights up close. Even more exciting is that you can also see Bengal tigers in their natural state in this 30-acre patch.

Cycling Exploration

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of nature at Pench is through cycling. About 75 km from Nagpur lies the Kolitmara Gate, an entry point to the Pench Tiger Reserve, and the starting point for the recently introduced cycling safari. Situated in Khursapar Village, the cycling safari offers one a chance to explore the forest sustainably. The route starts at the Kolitmara gate, and follows a scenic 48 km scenic route through Narhar, Banera, Sila Devi, Chargaon and Kuwara Bhimsen, before ending back at the Kolitmara gate.

Along this journey, avid birdwatchers will have the opportunity to see various species of birds such as the Indian Bushlark and Coppersmith Barbet. It also comes with the possibility of sighting the regal tiger, leopards, sloth bears, Indian gaurs, Sambar and more.

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Boat Safari

Boat safaris in Satpura National Park follow the arc of the Denwa and Tawa rivers. Cruising into the core of the forest offers a chance to sight the normally reclusive animals drinking at riverbanks and waterbirds. Also, you need to keep an eye out for crocodiles in the water and on riverbanks. You can also spot birds like egrets, woolly-necked storks, and lapwings, as well as raptors like ospreys and fish eagles.

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Walking Safari

Fun Fact - The Satpura National Park is the only national park in India where one can experience a walking safari! A walk into Satpura National Park’s core zone means walking through dense sal and teak forest, meadows and the backwaters of Denwa river, accompanied by an experienced naturalist. Home to a total of 52 species of mammals, more than 300 species of birds, and 31 species of reptiles and amphibians, a walking safari in Satpura will allow you to interact with the forest in the most immersive way possible.

The first trail runs through the forest around Reni Pani where you can immerse in Satpura's flourishing flora as well as sightings of birds and some herbivores like Nilgai, wild boar, spotted deer, Indian Gazelle and if lucky the sloth bear too. The other trail passes along the area's local villages and is a remarkable way to catch the rural sights up close. Even more exciting is that you can also see Bengal tigers in their natural state in this 30-acre patch.