Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, situated in central Madhya Pradesh, is India’s 57th Tiger Reserve. Notified in 2023, it has been developed around the extensive Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and forms an important component of the Central Indian tiger landscape. The reserve is expected to play a vital role in expanding tiger habitats, strengthening ecological connectivity and supporting future tiger reintroduction and population recovery programmes.

Quick Facts

Particular	Details
State	Madhya Pradesh
Districts	Sagar, Damoh, Narsinghpur and Raisen
Tiger Reserve Notification	2023
Total Area	2,309.52 sq km
Core Area	1,414.04 sq km
Buffer Area	895.48 sq km
Landscape	Central Indian Highlands
Forest Types	Tropical Dry and Moist Deciduous Forests
Major Rivers	Bamner, Bewas, Kopra and seasonal streams
Best Time to Visit	November to June

Location

The reserve extends across parts of Sagar, Damoh, Narsinghpur and Raisen districts in central Madhya Pradesh. It occupies a strategic position between several major protected areas, enhancing landscape connectivity for wide-ranging wildlife.

History

Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary was notified in 1975 and became well known for its vast dry deciduous forests and grasslands. In 2023, it was upgraded as India’s 57th Tiger Reserve, providing a significant boost to tiger conservation in central India.

Landscape, Geography & Habitat

Covering 2,309.52 sq km, including a core area of 1,414.04 sq km and a buffer area of 895.48 sq km, the reserve comprises rolling plateaus, low hills, open grasslands, scrub forests, seasonal wetlands and mixed deciduous forests that provide excellent habitat for large carnivores and herbivores.

Flora

The vegetation is dominated by teak, saja, bija, tendu, mahua, bamboo, arjun, khair, jamun and numerous grasses and medicinal plants adapted to central India’s dry deciduous landscape.

Fauna

The reserve supports Leopard, Sloth Bear, Dhole, Indian Wolf in adjoining landscapes, Striped Hyena, Gaur, Nilgai, Sambar, Chital, Chinkara, Blackbuck (in selected grassland habitats), Wild Boar and numerous smaller mammals. Tiger recovery is expected through future conservation initiatives. More than 250 bird species and a rich diversity of reptiles have also been recorded.

Rivers & Water Bodies

The Bamner, Bewas and Kopra rivers, together with numerous seasonal streams, ponds and wetlands, sustain wildlife throughout the year.

Other Attractions

Open grasslands, scenic plateaus, wildlife viewing, birdwatching and interpretation facilities make the reserve an emerging destination for eco-tourism.

Weather & Climate

Summers are hot and dry, the southwest monsoon brings moderate rainfall and winters are cool and pleasant, providing favourable conditions for wildlife tourism.

How to Reach

Nearest airports: Bhopal and Jabalpur. Nearest railway stations include Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur. The reserve is accessible by road from Bhopal, Sagar and Jabalpur.

Best Time to Visit

November to June is considered the best period for visiting the reserve.

Accommodation

Forest Department rest houses and Madhya Pradesh Tourism accommodation are available near designated tourism zones, subject to advance booking.

Conservation Highlights

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve significantly enlarges the protected tiger habitat network in central India and is expected to play a key role in future tiger dispersal, habitat restoration, scientific monitoring and long-term landscape conservation.

Visitor Tips

Wear neutral-coloured clothing, carry binoculars, avoid littering, respect wildlife and follow all Forest Department regulations.

Did You Know?

• Veerangana Durgavati became India’s 57th Tiger Reserve in 2023.
• It is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh.
• The reserve is expected to become an important source habitat for future tiger expansion in central India.

Last Updated

July 2026