Forest Department Madhya Pradesh officially recognized as the “Tiger State of India” is home of the world’s most renowned national parrks, including Knha,Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna, Satpura, and Sanjay Dubri. Every year, thousands of wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and families visit these sanctuaries to spot majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards sloth bears, and diverse flora. To manage tourist rush and protect forest ecosystems, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department mandates an online permit system for all jungle safaris. Booking tickets correctly and well in advance is essential for a hassle-free trip.This comprehensive quide covers everthing you need to know about MP Forest Safari Online Booking step-by-step procedures, pricing breakdown, core vs. buffer zones, and insider travel tips to make your jungle experience seamless.
Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura, Panna & Sanjay-Dubri
ID Proof
Required as per booking / entry rules
Customer Support
0755-6720266 / forest@mponline.gov.in
Official Website
forest.mponline.gov.in
Types Of Safari Permits Available
1. Full Vehicle Permit (Fill Safari)
Reserves an entire 4×4 Maruti Gypsy (up to 6 adult passengers, 1 driver, and 1 mandatory forest quide).
Best for families, photography groups, or travelers seeking privacy.
2. Single Seat Permit (Shared Safari)
Allows individual travelers or couples to book per seat in a shared Gypsy.
Reduces travel costs significantly for solo adventurers.
3. Canter Safari (Open Bus)
Offered in major parks like kanha and Bandhavgarh.
Accommodates 12 to 20 tourists per vehicle, serving as a budget-friendly alternative to Gypsies.
4. Tatkal / Premium Quota Booking
If advance tickets are sold out, a limited quota of Tatkal permits opens 7 days prior to the safari date at 11:00 AM IST on the portal.
Core Zone vs. Buffer Zone Which Should You Choose
Understanding the struture of MP National Parks helps in selecting the right zone for maximum wildlife sightings:
Core Zone: The protected inner sanctuary of the forest with strict conservation protocols. Core zones offer scenic terrain and the highest statistical probability of tiger sightings.
Buffer Zone: The outer forest area surrounding the core zone. Buffer zones act as a transition area, offer flexible timings, remain open year – round (even during monsoons), and frequently feature night safaris.
Visit the portal go to forest.mponline.gov.in and select wild life tourism.
Select park & zone choose your target national park (e.g. kanha, Banghavgarh, or pench) and pick you preferred safari zone core or buffer.
Select date & shift choose your preferred travel date and select either the morning shift or evening shift.
Enter passenger details carefully enter the full name, age, gender, and government photo ID number (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving Licence) for every traveler.
Complete Online Payment pay the official entry permit registration fee using UPI, Net Banking, or Credit/Debit Card.
Download E-Permit save and print the generated e-permit PDF. you must present this printed ticket at the forest entry gate.
Safari Cost Breakdown & Pricing Structure
Expense Component
Payable At / To
Estimated Cost (INR)
Online Permit fee
MP Online Portal (During Booking)
₹1,000 – ₹2,500 per permit
Gypsy Vehicle Hire
Registered Vehicle Operator at Gate
₹3,000 – ₹4,500 par drive
Forest Guide Fee
Mandatory at Entrance Gate
₹600 – ₹1,000 per drive
Total Estimated Cost: A full private 6-person Gypsy safari typically costs between Rs.5,000 and Rs. 8,500 per drive, which can be divided among all passengers in the vehicle.
Safari Timings & Weekly Holidays
Morning Shift : Starts around sunrise (Approx. 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM).
Evening Shift : Starts in the afternoon and ends at sunset (Approx. 3:00 to 6:00).
Wednesday Closure : All National parks in madhya pradesh remain closed for afternoon/evening safaris every Wednesday.
Monsoon Closure : Core safari zones are closed every year from July 1st to September 30th due to heavy rainfall and animal breeding season.
In the event that a registered vehicle is unavailable at madhav tiger reserve for safari, the park management may permit the use of a private vehicle at standard buffer rates.
visitors are required to hire a guide from tiger reserve during visit additional charges for the guide and park vehicles must be paid separately at the gate.
Dear customer to get permission of single day photography shoot please contact to field director of concern park for for more details click here.
for permit booking cancellation and add on relates query please contact at MPOnline Customer care 0755-6720266 Email id forest@mponline.gov.in
Safari Booking : Important Questions
Q1 : What is the Official website for MP forest safari booking?
Answer : The official government portal to book jungle safari permits online is official webste.
Q2 : How far in advance can l book an MP safari ticket?
Answer : Online safari tickets open 120 day (4 months) in advance booking early is highly recommended for popular care zones like zone (Mukki/khatia) and Bandhavgarh (Tala/Magdhi)
Q3 : Can l transfer my safari ticket to another person?
Answer : No. safari permits are strictly non-transferable the names and ID details printes on the permit must match the travelers at the entry gate.
Q4 : Are MP National Parks open during the monsoon season?
Answer : Core forest zones remain closed from July 1 to September 30 However, selected Buffer Zones stay open throughout the year, including the monsoon months.
Q5 : Are evening safari available on wednesdays in mp?
Answer : No. all national parks and tiger reserves across Madhya Pradesh are closed for afternoon/evening safaris on wednesdays. morning safaris run as scheduled.
