By JAGAT- 03/July/2025 :- Sanjay-Dubri National Park is a hidden gem in Madhya Pradesh. Not as popular as the other renowned wildlife destinations of the state, like Bandhavgarh, Pench, Kanha, Satpura, and so on, it is a best-kept secret for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Spread across 1674.511 sq. km, one can easily explore the forest in a single day. If you're someone who enjoys the rhythm of the wild and the quiet excitement of spotting animals in their natural surroundings, a day trip to Sanjay Dubri National Park should be on your bucket list. Located in the Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh, this lesser-known wildlife haven offers a peaceful break from the crowds often seen in more commercialized reserves. Let’s take a laid-back stroll through what a day at Sanjay Dubri can feel like, from the first drive into the park’s peaceful roads to the golden light of dusk filtering through the trees during your jeep safari.
While planning for the day tour to Sanjay Dubri, make sure you do not spend much time on travelling. It is better to reach the nearby cities like Rewa, Satna, Sidhi, or others on the previous day, so that you can begin the journey early. After a drive of about 2-3 hours, you will reach Sanjay Dubri National Park. The forest area of Sanjay Dubri opens up a world that seems untouched by time. Unlike the high-traffic zones in some other parks, this place feels serene and raw.
Since Sanjay Dubri National Park booking is limited and controlled, there’s no sense of crowding. Fewer jeeps mean a more personal connection with the forest, where the silence is only interrupted by the rustle of leaves or the distant call of an animal.
As the clock ticks towards safari hour, excitement naturally begins to build. Jeep safaris are the only way to enter the park, and that’s what keeps the experience so immersive and respectful toward the environment. The safari vehicles are well-maintained, and the guides accompanying them are often locals with deep knowledge of the terrain and its stories. Depending on where you are coming from, you will be allotted the safari entry gate in the permit - Badkol Gate, Karwahi Gate, Koilari Gate, Kholipahri Gate and Kushmi Gate.
Evening safaris begin around 2:30 or 3:00 pm, depending on the season. As you enter the forest gates in your open jeep, the temperature begins to dip slightly, and the forest comes alive in subtle ways. There’s something deeply therapeutic about riding through the forest like this. It’s not always about seeing something big; it’s about being present in the moment. Every corner turned feels like it might lead to a surprise. Sometimes it's the glint of eyes in the bushes. Sometimes it's the sudden hush of birds that alerts you to a predator’s presence. And sometimes, it’s just the beauty of the forest under the setting sun that takes your breath away.
A single day in Sanjay Dubri can feel fuller than an entire weekend elsewhere. As the sun sinks and the safari comes to a close, there’s a feeling of quiet satisfaction. The return ride through the forest is usually silent. The experience is elevated when you’ve sorted your safari booking in advance. Since entries are limited, pre-booking is not just convenient, it ensures that your trip goes smoothly and without last-minute hassles.