When in the jungle, walking on foot is the most preferred activity. Doing a jeep safari is one thing but until and unless you walk and experience nature, the charm of a jungle is incomplete. We bring to you some of the best walking trails from 5 National Parks of Madhya Pradesh.
. You can look at the Runi Jhuni Trail and Turia Trail in Pench National Park, Khatia Trail and Sunset Point in Kanha National Park. Satpura National Park has Forsyth Trail, a walking trail to Bandhavgarh Fort in Bandhavgarh National Park are some of the famous treks of the state. Also, a hidden gem is a walking trail to Hathi Dhol Jharna and Vulture Point in Panna National Park. Read below to know more.
BEST WALKING TRAILS FROM 5 NATIONAL PARKS OF MADHYA PRADESH
1. PENCH NATIONAL PARK
Runi Jhuni Walking Trail
Experiencing nature on foot is an extraordinary encounter altogether. Runi Jhuni Walking Trail inside the Pench National Park, from Karmajhiri gate, is a 3-4 km nature trail that gives the guests a perfect opportunity to experience nature and wildlife from close quarters. Accompanied by experienced naturalists, this walking trail ensures an intimate understanding of nature and the various flora and fauna.
Alarm calls, and fresh animal tracks, including tiger pug marks, and scats (droppings) can be spotted in this serene jungle walk. Langurs, Deer, Wild Boars, Jungle Fowls, a variety of birds, and flora are the attractions of this nature trail.
Runi Jhuni walking trail costs about INR 3000/- per person for a group of two people including all taxes, transportation, and guide charges for guests staying with Pench Tree Lodge. Staying at this resort in Pench ensures that you have direct access to the park’s top attractions and walking trails, making it an ideal choice for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Turia Trail
Turia Trail allows tourists to explore the jungle on foot in two areas of the buffer zone. The trail starts from Turia Gate and takes you through the wilderness of the jungle. This trek is conducted by the Forest Department. The distance of the trail is 3-5 km and it usually takes over 2 hours to complete the entire trek. This trek will take you through the Bhaginnala waterhole.
You can also witness Pench River backwaters, formed by the Totladoh Dam, which serves as the demarcation line between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
2. KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Khatia Trail
Khatia Trail is a well-marked 7 to 8 km trail that starts from Khatia gate in the buffer zone. The nature trail is a great way to see the forest from a micro perspective with your naked eyes.
While you are walking on nature trails you might get some good opportunities for taking pictures and watching birds through your binoculars. This trail is under the forest department of Kanha National Park.
Hilltop Sunset Point
The trail starts from Kanha Earth Lodge and takes you on a walking spree to the hilltop sunset point. The distance to the point is around 3.2 km and is loaded with scenic beauty at every step. Upon reaching the point, one can experience the sun setting with the sky covered in hues of red and orange, giving a picture-perfect end to the entire trail.
For guests staying at resorts in Kanha, such as Kanha Earth Lodge, the Khatia walking trail is a curated experience priced at INR 1,000/- per person for a group of two, inclusive of all taxes, transportation, and guide charges.
3. SATPURA NATIONAL PARK
Forsyth Trail
This trail was first explored by Captain James Forsyth over 150 years ago, while he was chasing a freedom fighter. Hence, the trail has been named after him. It starts from Dehliya village and takes you on a journey through the famous Pachmarhi hills and the forests of Satpura.
You can spot a variety of bird species during the trek. A special camping facility is offered by Pugdundee Safaris, which provides an immersive wilderness experience. Guests staying at luxury resorts in Satpura National Park can enhance their adventure with the Mobile and Walking Safari, conducted from November to March. These tailor-made walking trails include exclusive overnight camping, blending comfort with deep forest exploration.
This enchanting trek, customized especially for its guests, unfolds a whole new forest adventure. A team of experienced naturalists and a trained camp core team will accompany you for all the walking and mobile safaris. The camp offers walk-in tents with regular camp cots, dry toilets, and shower tents with hot shower bags.
These camping adventures can be customized to one, two, or three nights; depending on the requirements of our guests.
4. BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
Bandhavgarh Fort Trail
This trek takes you to the revered Bandhavgarh fort in the National Park. But the trek opens twice a year; one in August during Janmashtami and one in December for Kabir Panth ka Mela. The hilltop has a temple dedicated to the revered Bhakti movement-era poet Kabir.
The historical monument stands magnificently on a hillock inside the reserve and is part of the Vindhya ranges in the Umaria region. The Fort is a mute witness from the era of “Treta Yug” and is a doorway to explore manmade caves with inscriptions and rock paintings of that period. Places of interest around the fort include Seth Dhani ka Temple, the Bandhavdheesh Temple (temple dedicated to Rama), Varah or the statue of wild boar is believed to be one of the ten reincarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Guests staying at premium resorts in Bandhavgarh often plan their visits during these special access days to combine wildlife exploration with cultural heritage.
Sheshshaiya is Lord Vishnu’s reclining posture. The statue is overheaded by a canopy of a faced serpent called Sheshnag. Sheshshaiya is open for guests during Tala zone safari.
5. PANNA NATIONAL PARK
Hathi Dhol Jharna Trail
Located on the periphery of Panna National Park, Hathi Dhol Jharna (Waterfall) is one of the most mesmerizing waterfalls of the region. The waterfall is blanketed by lush green landscape and a highly diverse ecology. Chinkaras, Deer, Leopards, Tigers and Elephants can be seen roaming near the waterfall. It is also a picturesque spot for birdwatching.
Vulture Point
The tiger reserve has a giant gorge known as Vulture Point where the big birds can be seen in their habitat. Experience this 14.8-km out-and-back trail near Panna, Madhya Pradesh. Generally considered an easy route. This trail is great for birding, off-road driving, and scenic driving, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring.
However, it is to be kept in mind that both these trails are accessible only if you are on a safari. Since both these trails are inside the core zone, they require the assistance of an experienced naturalist.
WALKING TRAIL ESSENTIALS
Here’s a list of items one would need when on a walking trail. National Parks in Madhya Pradesh enjoy a varying weather type which remains moderately warm in Summers & gets extremely cold in Winters. These are a few essentials that can make the overall experience remarkable.
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- Sun Screen
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- Sunglasses
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- Insect Repellent
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- Neutral (Khaki, Green, Brown) coloured clothing
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- Preferably very light cotton in summer
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- For winter, windbreaker, warm jacket, sweater, fleece, gloves, warm cap
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- Safari hat or cap
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- Stole, buff or scarf for protection from heat and dust
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- Boots or closed shoes
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- Binoculars and water bottle
At Pugdundee Safaris we have a dedicated team of naturalists to make your safari experience memorable. To book an experience with us contact us at
