The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is known for its rich biodiversity and unique plant life forms. Known as the “Genetic Express Highway”, it connects the country’s important biodiversity hot spots, the Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats. It is also a confluence of northern and southern types of vegetation.
In the area, there are more than 50 species of mammals, 254 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, 56 species of butterflies, and many other types of animals.
Since these dense forests are home to numerous species, this makes Pachmarhi an ideal destination for a wild escape. If you plan to visit the Reserve soon, here’s a quick guide to the two sanctuaries and a reserve you should visit to kick off your jungle retreat.
Pachmarhi Sanctuary and Panarpani Trail
Pachmarhi Sanctuary, not to be confused with Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, is another key sanctuary in the Reserve. While Pachmarhi Sanctuary is more towards the north of the reserve, the Panarpani gate is often opted for by tourists to enter the Satpura National Park. Apart from being a rustic jungle trail, the Panarpani route is also home to a butterfly park. The Forest Department runs the Panarpani Nursery and Butterfly Garden, home to various medicinal plants indigenous to the Pachmarhi region. Neat rows of wild tulsi, red chandan, wild tobacco, and other ferns and plants offer natural remedies for various ailments, including stomachaches, cuts and wounds, and throat problems. The garden is also a haven for colourful butterfly species, such as the painted lady, common Nawab, and blue tiger that can be observed hovering over a small pond.
Satpura National Park
Unlike other National Parks, Satpura is relatively free from crowds. Here, you can bask in the jungle silence with the occasional sounds of cicadas and your vehicle’s engine. You can spot tigers, leopards, and striped hyenas in this uninterrupted wilderness. The most commonly sighted animals include the Indian bison, cheetal, small Indian civet and golden jackals. Birders can spot the crested serpent eagle, honey buzzard, black eagle, Malabar pied hornbill, ruddy shelduck, heron and the rare Asian paradise flycatcher. Since Satpura is one of the most-visited places in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, it is best to book your wildlife safaris in advance. You can visit the government website that lists updated safari time slots for more information. MPT Satpura Retreat and Goldmark Resorts Churna are some of the popular accommodation options around.
Bori Sanctuary
Popularly known as the oldest forest reserve in the country, Bori Sanctuary (established in 1859) is located near the foothills of the Satpura range in Madhya Pradesh. Like Satpura National Park, Bori is also home to leopards and striped hyenas. As you travel to Bori from the Madai side of Satpura Tiger Reserve, you will notice a habitat transition. The rocky, hilly terrain gives way to the plains of Churna and eventually leads to a mixed bamboo and teak forest in Bori. This area is full of meadows and hidden waterfalls, making it highly likely to spot wildlife like tigers. In this area, Bori Safari Lodge and Goldmark Resort Churna are among the popular lodging choices that you can consider.