Ratapani Tiger Reserve (Timings, Entry Fee, Safari Online Booking & How to Reach)
Situated in the Vindhyan Ranges through two districts of Madhya Pradesh state namely Raisen and Sehore, Ratapani Tiger Reserve presents one of the interesting holidaying spots for wildlife enthusiasts. The western boundary of the Ratapani is surrounded by River Kolar and the River Narmada runs parallel to it creating a beautiful natural setting as well which is worth capturing. In the year of 1976, it was declared as the Ratapani Wildlife sanctuary. In the year of 2008, it was given the status of Ratapani tiger reserve under the Project Tiger by Government of India.
Along with rich fauna and exotic flora, Ratapani also boasts of being a World Heritage Site. Bhimbetka, a group of rock shelters and rock paintings, has been internationally recognised by the UNESCO. Tourists have various sightseeing options as well along with exploring wildlife. Shiv temple Bhojpur and rock paintings especially attract hordes of tourists.
Flora @ Ratapani Tiger Reserve
The reserve has varied kinds of trees and plants such as Teak, Sheesham, Bija, Saja, Tendu, Khair, etc.
Fauna @ Ratapani Tiger Reserve
Along with tigers, the Ratapani Tiger Reserve presents tourists with animals like Panther, Hyena, Jackal, Indian Fox, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Blue Bull, Chinkara, Black Buck, Chausingha, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Porcupine, Rhesus Monkey, Hanuman Langur, Indian Hare, Common Mongoose, etc. Reptiles like Indian rock python and many others can also be seen here.
The reserve makes for an amazing bird watching place as well. It has rich avian flora as well. Some of these are Partridge, Blossom Headed Parakeet, Hoopoe, Small Green Bee Eater, Small Blue Kingfisher, White Breasted Kingfisher, Golden Backed Woodpecker, Gray Shrike, Black Drongo, Jungle Crow, House Crow, Red Vented Bulbul, Crested Bunting, White Wagtail, Magpie Robin, Spotted Dove, Ringed Dove, Little Brown Dove, White Spotted Fantailed Flycatcher, Paradise Flycatcher, Crimson Breasted Barbet, Yellow Breasted Pied Woodpecker, etc.
Best time to visit Ratapani Tiger Reserve
The ideal time to plan your trip to the reserve is during the months of October to April.
Reaching Ratapani Tiger Reserve
- By air: The nearest airport to the reserve is at Bhopal which is connected to various other places.
- By rail: The nearest railway station is at Bhopal which is well connected to various other parts of the country. One can travel via bus or taxi from here to the reserve.
- By road: There are many buses running from places like Bhopal, Mandideep and Obaidullaganj. Tourists can also hire taxi and travel at their own pace and more of comfort.
Accommodation @ Ratapani Tiger Reserve
For accommodation, there are many options available for tourists to choose from. Various kinds of rest houses present decent stay amidst best of natural settings.