Churna Safari

Introduction

Churna forest lies in core zone of Satpura tiger reserve. It is spread over western part of this tiger reserve and can be accessed through Madhai entry gate and Bheemkund entry gate. As it is part of critical tiger habitat thus here tiger sighting probability is comparatively high. Due to this fact, it is very popular among wildlife photographers, tiger photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. It lies in western part of Satpura tiger reserve where as Madhai gate lies in northern part of tiger reserve. Forest of Churna can be accessed from both the entry gate i.e. through Madhai gate and Bheemkund gate but before deciding any entry gate, just check the safari conditions and accordingly take decision.

How to reach Churna Forest ?

Churna forest is spread over western part of Satpura national park. Thus if you are staying at Pachmarhi hotels, then this forest will not be accessible from that area, you need to change your location to resort in Madhai gate or Bheemkund gate.

Churna Safari through Madhai Gate

Travel distance from Madhai gate is long thus if you want to visit Churna forest, while staying or entering at Madhai gate then you need to book full-day safari. In this safari, you will enter into the forest at entry time of morning safari and exit the part at exit timing of afternoon safari. It is a full day event thus carry your pack lunch & water bottles with you to have at Churna rest house. As it involves two safaris thus its cost is double.

Churna Safari through Bheemkund Gate

Bheemkund gate is the best for Churna forest safari. Basically this entry gate is dedicated for Churna forest safari which allows closest possible access to this forest. Bheemkund gate allows us to complete Churna safari in single safari round thus it is economical & time saver in compare to safari through Madhai gate. Here you can enter into the forest, 30 minutes prior to actual safari time. It is one more bonus feature which allows you to spend more time in forest. It is the special provision at this gate only. We operate independent safaris for Churna.

How to do Churna jungle safari

As mentioned above, if you would like to explore Churna forest of Satpura tiger reserve then you must book your accommodation either at Madhai gate side or Bheemkund gate side. If you will book your hotel at Pachmarhi side then you will not be able to do Churna forest safari.

What to see in Churna Forest

Churna safari through Bheemkund gate will be an amazing experience. After entering from main Bheemkund gate, we will first reach Podar gate. Till reaching Podar gate, we would have already covered 12 kms safari drive through buffer forest. In this phase, you will have chance for birding. Animal sighting will be negligible in summers but good chances in post monsoon or winter period. Once you will reach core zone forest, you will enjoy the forest most with many landmark areas like Dodalpani, Gutti Baba temple, Churna rest house etc. This forest is prime habitat for tigers thus we could expect sighting of famous tigers like Machali tigress, Laila tigress, R1 male, R2 male, Sudiya tigress etc. In addition to this, sighting of spotted deer, sambar, crocodile will be good.