Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve is a prominent wildlife sanctuary located in the Sidhi and Singrauli districts of Madhya Pradesh, India. Established in 1975 and later declared a Tiger Reserve in 2008 under the Project Tiger initiative, the reserve covers an expansive area of 1674.511 square kilometers. It plays a crucial role in the conservation of the Bengal tiger and other wildlife species, reflecting India's commitment to preserving its natural heritage.

The reserve is characterized by a diverse array of ecosystems, including mixed deciduous forests, grasslands, and riparian habitats, which create a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. Among the vegetation, sal, teak, and bamboo are predominant, providing a dense canopy and crucial cover for the wildlife. The presence of the Son and Banas rivers further enhances the ecological diversity, supporting a variety of aquatic and terrestrial life forms.

Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve is home to an impressive array of wildlife. The Bengal tiger, the apex predator, is the star attraction, but the reserve also shelters leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, Indian foxes, and a variety of deer species such as sambar, chital, and barking deer. Additionally, it is a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous bird species, including both resident and migratory birds, making it their home.

The reserve’s picturesque landscapes, dotted with rivers, hills, and lush greenery, offer a serene retreat for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Eco-tourism is promoted within the reserve, with guided tours and safaris providing visitors an opportunity to experience the wilderness up close while ensuring minimal disturbance to the habitat.

Conservation efforts in Sanjay Dubri are multifaceted, focusing on habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and community engagement to promote sustainable practices. The reserve is a testament to successful conservation strategies and serves as an essential sanctuary for India's wildlife, contributing significantly to biodiversity preservation and environmental education.

Flora

The forest vegetation comprises of North Indian moist deciduous peninsular sal (3C/C2e) and North Indian dry deciduous peninsular sal (5B/C1c). The forests in the Dubri sanctuary range from dense to open sal forests with remains of degraded bamboo stumps. The national park area has dense to very dense forests with a closed canopy at many places, with thick bamboo clumps providing shelter to wild elephants.

Fauna

Tiger and elephant are the major species found in the reserve. Sloth bear and panther are other major attractions. Spotted deer, blue-bull, chinkara, barking deer and wild pig are the major prey species.

By Air:
Nearest Airport: The closest airport is Jabalpur Airport, approximately 250 kilometers away.
Other Options: You can also consider Khajuraho Airport, around 260 kilometers from the reserve.
From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other available road transport services to reach the reserve.

By Train:
Nearest Railway Station: The closest major railway station is Rewa Railway Station, about 130 kilometers from the reserve.
Alternative Stations: You can also use Satna Railway Station, which is around 150 kilometers away.
After reaching the railway station, taxis and buses are available to take you to the reserve.

By Road:
From Jabalpur: The reserve is about 250 kilometers from Jabalpur. You can drive or hire a taxi. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours.
From Rewa: The reserve is about 130 kilometers from Rewa. The road journey takes around 3-4 hours.
From Khajuraho: The reserve is about 260 kilometers from Khajuraho. The drive takes about 6-7 hours.
From Satna: The reserve is about 150 kilometers from Satna. It takes roughly 4-5 hours by road