Sanjay Dubri Trip

Introduction

“Wildlife Sightings are a matter of Chance. However, your chances of seeing something increase by 100% when in the wilderness, as opposed to when you’re not there”.

Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve – A Hidden Gem in Wild India

Nestled in the northeastern district of Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh, Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve is one of India’s best-kept wildlife secrets. Declared a National Park in 1975 and designated as a Tiger Reserve in 2006, this pristine wilderness spans 1,674 sq. km and forms a crucial part of the Bandhavgarh-Sanjay-Guru Ghasidas-Palamau Conservation Corridor, stretching across Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.

With vast Sal forests, interspersed with dry deciduous woodlands, and 11 perennial rivers—including the Banas, Umrari, Neud, and Mohan—the reserve is a thriving ecosystem that supports both wildlife and local communities year-round.

A Haven for Wildlife

The grassy meadows and seasonal nallahs create ideal grazing grounds for Spotted Deer, Grey Langurs, Wild Boar, and Barking Deer, while the drier open patches attract Nilgai and Chinkara.

Though much of the park is rugged and hilly, the Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary—the heart of the tourism zone—boasts an abundant prey base, making it a prime hunting ground for Tigers, Leopards, and Sloth Bears. The valley’s rich biodiversity offers some of the most rewarding wildlife experiences, with frequent sightings of predators in their natural habitat.

The Remarkable Tiger Rewilding Project

In the early 2000s, Sanjay Dubri faced a crisis—tiger numbers had plummeted due to habitat pressure, dwindling prey populations, and human encroachment. In response, the government initiated an ambitious conservation effort, relocating villages, restoring grasslands, and introducing over 1,500 Spotted Deer to replenish the prey base. A male and female tiger from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve were also reintroduced, marking a turning point for the park’s predator population.

Today, the main tourism zone in the valley alone is home to 5-7 adult tigers and with at least two or more tigresses having cubs in an area of just 200 sq. km. One of the most extraordinary moments in recent wildlife history was recorded here in 2022—a tigress, after losing her sister to a train accident, adopted her 3 orphaned 11 month old cubs, raising them alongside her 3 of her own 7 month old cubs. Our recce trip in June 2022 was met with an unforgettable sight of this family: Of seven tigers together in and around a small waterhole—a testament to the reserve’s thriving ecosystem.

Why Visit Sanjay Dubri?

Far from the crowds of more famous parks, Sanjay Dubri offers an intimate, immersive wildlife experience, where each safari holds the promise of a rare and breathtaking encounter. Whether you seek the thrill of tracking big cats, the beauty of diverse landscapes, or the serenity of untouched wilderness, this hidden gem is waiting to be explored.

Book your journey now and be part of the wild like never before!

What to wear & carry:

1. Dull coloured clothing for Wildlife excursions.
2. Shorts/trousers/leggings, sunscreen(SPF 50 or higher), sunglasses and hat are highly recommended for this journey. The conditions may be chilly early in the morning and later in the afternoon as the sun starts to go down. The middle of the day is usually warm with bright sunlight.
3. Regular trainers/sandals for safaris. Sandals and Flip Flops for when you’re in the lodge.
4. All guests are requested to carry a personal water bottle to avoid purchasing mineral water throughout the journey.
5. Camera and binoculars are recommended to enhance one’s personal wildlife viewing experience.
6. Personal medication is a must as these are remote areas and availability of specific medication may not be a possibility. For those with prior back and neck issues it is advisable to carry the necessary protective gear as the park roads can be bumpy.
7. A Pull Over/Sweater or a Wind Cheater for the Early part of the morning and late part of the afternoon and evening

Highlights

Wildlife Sightings

Sanjay Dubri is home to a diverse range of animals. Some of the species you may encounter include:

• Herbivores: Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Sambar
• Small & Elusive Predators: Jungle Cat, Indian Fox, Asiatic Jackal, Common Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Rusty Spotted Cat
• Rare & Nocturnal Species: Striped Hyena, Indian Wolf, Honey Badger, and, if extremely lucky, the Indian Pangolin
• Primates: Grey Langur and Rhesus Macaque

Birdwatching – Over 300 Species Recorded

For birdwatchers, the park has a recorded checklist of 308 species, including:

• Raptors: Crested Serpent Eagle, Crested Hawk Eagle
• Waterbirds: Lesser Whistling Duck, Comb Duck
• Gamebirds: Painted Spurfowl, Red Spurfowl, Barred Buttonquail, Jungle Bush Quail
• Other Birds: White-bellied Drongo, Baya Weaver, Scarlet Minivet, Purple Sunbird, Crested Treeswift

During our June 2022 visit, we recorded 110 species in two days.

Reptiles

Reptiles are often hidden from view, but with luck, you may spot:

• Larger Reptiles: Indian Monitor Lizard sunning itself on a rock, or a Marsh Crocodile in one of the rivers
• Lizards: Garden Lizard, Indian Chameleon, Fan-Throated Lizard
• Snakes: Spectacled Cobra, Common Krait, Banded Krait, Checkered Keelback, Common Rat Snake, Russell’s Viper, Common Bronzeback, Indian Rock Python

Activities

• Open Jeep Safari – The best way to explore the reserve, covering different habitats and increasing the chances of wildlife sightings.
• Walking Safari in the Buffer Zone – A slower, more detailed look at the forest, focusing on tracking animal signs, learning about trees, and birdwatching.
• Night Safari in the Buffer – Conducted with a spotlight, this offers a chance to see nocturnal species like leopards, striped hyenas, civets, and nightjars.

Accommodation

Located 10 km from the park gate, Sanjay Resort (Baghela Heritage) provides a comfortable stay with:

• Well-furnished rooms with modern amenities
• A dining area serving a variety of cuisines
• Outdoor seating areas and a waterhole that attracts wildlife

Sanjay Dubri offers a quieter, less crowded alternative to other parks, making it ideal for those looking for a deeper wildlife experience.

Book your trip now and explore the wild up close.

*Please Note- Accomodation could be changed keeping in mind the same level of standards and depending upon availability.

Itinerary

45,250/- per person on Twin Sharing basis 

*Single Supplement Please Contact me personally.

Payment Terms:

• Booking Confirmation on 20% advance
• Full Payment must be made 30 days prior to the start of the trip

Cancellation policy:

• 70% of Trip Fee upto 50 Days before start of the trip
• 50% of Trip Fee between 30-50 days before start of the trip
• 25% of Trip Fee between 15-30 days before start of the trip
• No Refunds less than 15 days before start of the trip

TIPPING GUIDELINES

Tipping is at your own discretion. We are providing you with the standard tipping rates.

Gypsy Drivers –INR 500 per drive (By the group, and not per guest)

Park Guide- INR 500 per drive (By the Group and not per Guest)

Lodge staff – INR 500 per guest to go into a common tip box at the end of the stay

Inclusions

Tour cost includes:

1. Accommodation and Meals on mentioned Dates.
2. All Overland Transfers between Rewa to Sanjay Dubri,
3. Sanjay Dubri-Rewa.
4. All Wildlife Activities Mentioned in the Itinerary
5. All Permits, Guide Fees, Forest Entry Fees.
6. My Guiding Fee, Accommodation, Food, and Train Tickets

Tour cost excludes:

1. Train/Air Tickets between your home city and Rewa/Allahabad
2. Laundry
3. Alcohol and additional Snacks/beverages
4. Items of Personal Nature like Phone Calls, Shopping, and all additional charges not covered in the package
5. Any additional chargeable activity opted for. Eg. Night Safari in Buffer
6. Travel and Medical Insurance
7. Any expenses arising due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control

GUEST OBLIGATIONS

Since these are small group trips, it is important for guests to

• Be accommodative and friendly to ensure everyone has a good time.
• Be on time and inform of any changes well in advance. Please do not keep the group waiting.

• Please discuss all grievances with the tour leader in private to get a quick and effective solution.

• Please respect local traditions and be courteous to all.

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