Forget jeep safaris and hit these walking trails in Madhya Pradesh’s national parks

Five trekking routes in Madhya Pradesh’s national parks. Credit: Pugdundee Safaris

Exploring the jungle on foot offers an unparalleled connection with nature that jeep safaris cannot replicate. Walking through the wilderness allows for up-close observation of flora, fauna and landscape, giving travelers an immersive experience.

We spoke to Manav Khanduja, director of Pugdundee Safaris, one of India’s leading responsible safari companies, about the best walking trails from five national parks in Madhya Pradeshperfect for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Pench National Park:Runi Jhuni Walking Trail

The Runi Jhuni walking trail, which can be accessed from the Karmajhiri Gate, is a 3-4 km trek through the Pench Desert. Accompanied by experienced naturalists, visitors can get a close-up look at the park’s diverse wildlife, including tiger tracks, recent animal footprints, langurs, deer, wild boars, and several bird species. According to Khanduja, walking on this trail offers a heightened awareness of the jungle ecosystem, allowing participants to hear alarm calls and see animal droppings, adding to the thrill of wildlife viewing. The trail is perfect for those who want an intimate and educational encounter with nature.

Kanha National Park: Khatia Trail and Hilltop Sunset Point

Khatia Trail: This 7-8 km trail begins at Khatia Gate in the buffer zone of Kanha National Park and allows you to explore the forest up close, with wildlife such as birds and unique plant species framing your experience. It is an excellent trail for nature photography and bird watching as with binoculars you can see the vibrant bird life up close. Plus, the trail is managed by the forest department, ensuring safety and a guided experience through the dense forest.

Sunset point on the hilltop: This 3.2km trail, which starts at Kanha Earth Lodge, managed by Pugdundee Safaris, takes you to the top of a hill with panoramic views of the landscape. The trail is known for its scenic beauty, and every step offers glimpses of Kanha’s natural charm. Once you reach the top, the stunning sunset casts red and orange hues across the sky, making it the perfect time to end the trek.

Satpura National Park: Forsyth Trail

Named after Captain James Forsyth who explored it over 150 years ago, the historic Forsyth Trail offers a unique wilderness adventure. Starting from the village of Dehliya, the trail takes you through the forest to the famous Pachmarhi Hills, allowing trekkers to witness the biodiversity of the Satpura National Park. The trail is especially known for bird watching as a variety of bird species can be seen throughout the trek. According to Khanduja, Pugdundee Safaris organises a special mobile and walking safari, available from November to March. These customised safaris include overnight camping with tents, regular camping cots, dry toilets and shower bags with hot water.

Bandhavgarh National Park: Bandhavgarh Fort Trek

The Bandhavgarh Fort Trail is a historical trek that takes you to the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, located on a hilltop within the park. The fort, believed to date back to the Treta era, is steeped in history and mythology. The trek is open to visitors twice a year – once during Janmashtami and once in December during the Kabir Panth ka Mela.

The fort is surrounded by man-made caves with inscriptions and rock paintings that offer insight into the cultural history of the area. Notable sites surrounding the fort include the Seth Dhani ka temple, the Bandhavdheesh temple dedicated to Lord Rama and the statue of Varah, which depicts the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu in a boar. Another key attraction is Sheshshaiya, where a statue of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture is sheltered under a canopy formed by Sheshnag. This area is open to visitors during the Tala area safari, giving a glimpse of the spiritual and historical significance of the park.

Panna National Park: Hathi Dhol Jharna Trail and Vulture Point Trail

Hathi Dhol Jharna Route: Located on the fringes of Panna National Park, this trail leads to one of the most impressive waterfalls in the region – Hathi Dhol Jharna. Surrounded by lush greenery and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, the waterfall is a tranquil spot where visitors often spot chinkaras, deer, leopards, tigers and elephants roaming around. The area is also ideal for birdwatching as several species frequent the area around the waterfall.

According to the expert, travelers with a little more experience can also venture into the Vulture Point TrailThis 14.8km trail, which leads to a gorge known as Vulture Point, offers a great opportunity to spot birds, particularly vultures in their natural habitat. The trail is generally easy to walk and offers scenic views along the way, making it perfect for both casual explorers and dedicated birdwatchers.