Verified Madhya Pradesh Tiger Reserve

Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve

Untamed Sal Wilderness & Ancient Elephant Corridor

Spanning Sidhi and Singrauli districts in north-eastern Madhya Pradesh, Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve encompasses Sanjay National Park and Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary. Sharing an unbroken boundary with Chhattisgarh's Guru Ghasidas National Park, this serene, uncrowded sanctuary preserves ancient Sal forests, perennial rivers, wild elephant migratory corridors, and an expanding tiger population.

DistrictSidhi, Singrauli
Core Area812 sq km
Buffer Area862 sq km
Nearest AirportIXD / VNS / JLR (220 km)
Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve
Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve
Safari Expedition Desk

Customized itineraries, 4x4 open Gypsys & verified jungle lodge bookings.

Government Booking Procedures

Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve Safari Ticket Booking & Permits Guide

Safaris in Sanjay-Dubri are booked via MPOnline (forest.mponline.gov.in) or obtained as current permits at the Dubri entrance gate. Due to lower commercial tourist density, safari permits are generally readily available compared to Bandhavgarh or Kanha.

Safari Timings & Shifts

Morning Shift

Morning game drive through misty Sal forests.

06:15 AM to 10:30 AM (Winter) / 05:45 AM to 09:30 AM (Summer)
Evening Shift

Afternoon drive along perennial Banas river channels.

02:30 PM to 05:30 PM (Winter) / 03:30 PM to 06:30 PM (Summer)
Custom Tour Expeditions

Personalized Safari & Jungle Lodge Itineraries

Every wildlife tour in Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve is customized based on your preferred travel dates, core gates, resort tier, and group size.

4x4 Maruti GypsysPrivate open safari vehicles with certified drivers
Certified NaturalistsLocal eco-guides skilled in tiger tracking and birding
Jungle ResortsHandpicked eco-lodges & treehouse stays near gates
Direct Coordination Desk: +91 62671 44122
Request Custom Itinerary
Geography & Entry Points

Verified Safari Zones & Gates in Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve

Dubri Core Zone

Core Zone

The primary tourism zone featuring dense Sal tree stands, Banas riverbanks, and predator tracks.

Gates: Dubri GateLimit: 10 Gypsys

Badkadha Core Zone

Core Zone

Rugged hilly terrain with pristine streams, favored by sloth bears and leopards.

Gates: Badkadha GateLimit: 8 Gypsys

Bastua Core Zone

Core Zone

Quiet northern sector known for spotted deer, nilgai, and bird diversity.

Gates: Bastua GateLimit: 8 Gypsys

Koilari Buffer Zone

Buffer Zone

Buffer forest with gentle terrain and nature trails.

Gates: Koilari GateLimit: 8 Gypsys

Best Time to Visit & Seasonality

Open October 1 to June 30. Core closed during monsoon. Buffer open all year.

Monsoon Closure Notice: July 1 - September 30 (Core closed).
November - FebruaryGood, peaceful wildlife observation without vehicle crowds

Cool pleasant winters (8°C - 24°C)

March - MayHigher tiger and leopard activity near Banas river water pools

Dry warm weather (26°C - 40°C)

Travel Routes & Logistics

How to Reach Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve

By Air

Varanasi Airport (245 km), Prayagraj Airport (220 km), or Jabalpur Airport (260 km).

By Railway

Beohari Railway Station (42 km) on the Katni-Singrauli line, or Rewa / Satna junction.

By Road

Connected by state highways from Rewa (140 km), Varanasi (245 km), and Jabalpur (260 km).

Flora, Fauna & Wildlife Photography Tips

Vegetation: Dense Sal, bamboo, and mixed deciduous riverine forest

Key Apex Predators & Mammals

  • Royal Bengal Tiger
  • Indian Leopard
  • Sloth Bear
  • Striped Hyena
  • Asian Wild Elephant (Migrant herds)
  • Spotted Deer
  • Sambar
  • Nilgai
  • Barking Deer
  • Chinkara

Notable Birds (220+ Species)

  • Rufous Treepie
  • Racket-tailed Drongo
  • Indian Peafowl
  • Lesser Adjutant Stork

Field Photography Recommendations

  • Capture unhindered wildlife behavior free from tourist vehicle congestion.
  • Scenic Sal tree tunnels offer dramatic symmetrical landscape portraits.
On-Ground Field Gallery

Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve Photographic Showcase

Authentic visual impressions of terrain, safari vehicles, core landscapes, and wildlife.

Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve safari photo 1
Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve safari photo 2
Field-Tested Tour Itinerary

Suggested Safari Itinerary for Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve

D1

Arrive at Sanjay-Dubri & Settle In

  • Drive from Varanasi or Prayagraj, check-in at lodge, orientation walk.
D2

Dubri & Badkadha Safaris

  • Morning game drive in Dubri core, afternoon exploration in Badkadha zone.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve

Why visit Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve?

Sanjay-Dubri offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-track jungle safari with dense Sal canopies, zero commercial crowds, and elephant migratory trails.

How do I reach Sanjay-Dubri from Varanasi?

Drive approx. 245 km (5.5 hrs) via Mirzapur and Hanumana to reach Dubri gate.

Information verified from National Tiger Conservation Authority & MP Forest Department.
Last Verified: October 2026