Unique Experiences in Satpura National Park
Satpura National Park
offers an array of activities, that are diametrically different from other parks in Central India, thus making it an exceptional and hands-on choice for the discerning traveller. The park management has developed a unique tourism model that enhances the wilderness experience further.
Our guests can experience the joy of walking safaris, boat safaris, kayaking, bird watching, hikes, and the traditional jeep safaris inside the tiger reserve.
At Pugdundee Safaris we encourage our guests to undertake a medley of various activities so that they can return home armed with a memorable and multi-faceted wildlife experience.
Jeep Safari
Satpura National Park is divided into core and buffer zones like all national parks. Madhai is the primary entrance to the abundant wilderness of Satpura forests. The Denwa, Sonbhadra, and Nagdwari rivers barricade the core of Madhai which naturally opens out to three different zones – Lagadha, Jhinjhini Mehel, and Chutkidev. The jeep safaris can be booked based on the route one would choose to take.
The sprawling, mixed deciduous forests of Satpura National park with its charming, undulating landscape offer a rich tapestry of attractions, in the form of abundant flora and fauna.
At Pugdundee we offer our guests a morning, afternoon, and night safari. An experienced, English-speaking naturalist accompanies our guests, to give them a low down on the unique forest cover and its multiple inhabitants.
We promise to take our guests on an adventure-seeking experience into the depths of the forests. A lavish spread of breakfast and evening tea and snacks is served and laid out in true safari style. We ensure the meals are served sustainably and are single-use-plastic-free. Our scratch kitchen prepares all the meals in-house including the lemonade or freshly brewed iced tea and the freshly baked muffins, the ragi wraps, and sandwiches; all served in steel containers.
We suggest you book our jeep safaris, well in advance (preferably 120 days ahead) to ensure the safaris are available for you.
Adventures on a Nature Walk
Some of the best wilderness experiences are experienced on foot. Our naturalists are happy to take you on a walking tour around our forested estate, or its periphery so you can explore and soak in the rich bio-diversity of the serene Satpura. Watch and learn about the rich flora and fauna that unfolds before your eyes. A nature walk can be like a pandora's box of surprises where you will experience the wilderness in the most intimate form.
Get wooed by the mellifluous bird sounds, or get ready to be besotted by the agile Malabar Flying Squirrel (only found in Satpura in M.P), or a chance encounter with an elusive monitor lizard, or the stunning Indian Chameleon that you would rarely see, otherwise.
Adventures on a Canoe Ride
A canoe ride on the Denwa river is a truly therapeutic experience. Become one with the serenity of the river and the stunning landscape that watches over it. The canoe ride is offered at the footsteps of our lodge, Denwa Backwater Escape. Special encounters with the varied water birds and somersaulting fish are ensured. A trained guide from the forest reserve accompanies our guests and they are provided with life jackets.
Can be arranged on a one-pax or two-pax basis.
Adventures on a Night Patrol
A night patrol or night safari in the buffer forests of Sehra and Parsapani, promises to be an adrenaline-thumping experience. These two forests have been restored and re-wilded through the concerted efforts of the forest department.
Witness the sheer magnificence of the forests on a night patrol also known as Night safari that starts as the blue-hour locks in with the twilight. This two-and-a-half hour adventure from 5:30 P.M. to 8 P.M., takes you into the depths of the fascinating, untamed terrains of the buffer forests. The safari begins at an ideal time when most wildlife starts returning to their roost or resting site.
The odds of spotting a predator or two on the prowl - a leopard, a sloth bear piggybacking its cubs, or even a tiger if you get lucky; tend to be significantly higher at night. Don’t be surprised if you find a shining pair of eyes staring back at you in stealth mode, from beyond the thickets; only to lurk away in a jiffy.
Tune in to the mysterious sounds of the forests, hear the chirping crickets, or the far-away calls of night jars and owls; or catch a glimpse of a scurrying hare or, better still - the world’s smallest wild cat, the Rusty Spotted cat. Keep your eyes open for the silhouettes of the night - an owl or night jar silently perched on a tree.
Gaze into the star-spangled sky and the twinkling universe above that cradles the not-so-sleepy forest, and shares its placid calm with you, like no other.
Float away into the depths of Denwa River with our Boat Safari
Our personal boat, Sterna aurantia can take you for over an hour long, exclusive boat safari, into the backwaters of the Denwa river. This luxuriant, eight-seater boat has been specially crafted for our valuable guests at Denwa Backwater Escape.
Named after the wader species of bird, River Tern, seen on the banks of our lodge and on Denwa river; Sterna aurantia has been designed and crafted with unique teak-wood. This exclusive boat has plush, comfortable seats with a central table. You can carry a picnic basket and enjoy a meal or two, while the placid river carries you into an alluring world of its own.
Leave your worries behind as Sterna aurantia floats away into the horizon. Delve deep into the lives of the various residents of Denwa river; be it the marsh crocodiles, soft-shelled turtles, or bank residents like the endangered Dholes (Asiatic Wild Dogs) and several migratory birds; some of which include - Ruddy shelled duck, Bar-Headed Geese, River Terns, Indian Skimmers, Herons, Ibises etc.
We suggest you pre-book your boat safari with us to ensure easy availability.
Cycling Explorations
We offer our guests cycles and you can use them as a perfect opportunity to explore the landscape while catching up on your exercise routine.
Discover the serene countryside on a cycling jaunt. Our expert naturalists are more than happy to accompany you and take you around on a leisurely ride. Explore the pristine jungles and the surrounding villages around Denwa Backwater Escape, while pedaling through the glorious countryside.
