Phen Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in Mandla District of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. It is situated in the southern region of Kanha Tiger Reserve close to Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh state borders. The sanctuary was established in 1983 by the Government of Madhya Pradesh. It is better known as satellite micro core of Kanha tiger reserve and has been managed by the Kanha tiger reserve management since 1990.

The Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary covers an area of about 111 square kilometres. It is situated adjacent to Kanha National Park in the north east direction and is considered as buffer zone of Kanha National Park. It is located near Mukki entrance gate of Kanha tiger reserve. It is connected to Kanha Tiger Reserve through Motinala buffer range. This forest is an important connective linkage for Kanha - Achanakmar wildlife corridor, through Mawai range in North as well in south and Rajanandgaon of Chattisgarh part.

This sanctuary is known for its varying landscapes and is surrounded by 18 villages within 5 km radius from the boundary. This sanctuary is home to 800 known species of flora. The trees found in the sanctuary are Sal, Teak, Saja, Aonla, Tendu, Jamun, Bel, Bamboo and Bargad. The animals found here are Tigers, Leopard, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Hyena, Fox, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Jungle Cat, Blue Bull, and Sambar.

Safari

The wildlife safari was started in 2017 after it was announced as buffer zone of Kanha Tiger Reserve. The Safari permits are issued by the management of Kanha National Park. This zone is open for jungle safari drives from 15th October to 30th June. During the monsoon period i.e. from July to September, it remains closed for tourists. During safari drives, guide service is compulsory on each safari vehicle. Tourists need to book hotels near Mukki entrance for their convenience.

Safari Timings:

·      From Oct – Feb: 06.30 AM – 11.00 AM & 02.00 PM - 05.30 PM

·      From Mar – June: 06.00 AM – 10.00 AM & 03.00 PM – 06.00 PM

·      Closed on every Wednesday evening, on Holi & Diwali

Fees:

·      Rs. 250 for Single Seat in Jeep

·      Rs. 1500 per Whole Jeep (max 6 Persons)

·      Jeep Hiring Cost: Rs. 2500 per Jeep

·      Guide Cost: Rs 480 per guide

Connectivity

The sanctuary is located at about 10 Kms from Motinala Bus Stop, 11 Kms from Motinala, 49 Kms from Mukki, 68 Kms from Kawardha, 79 Kms from Mandla, 158 Kms from Bilaspur, 175 Kms from Jabalpur Airport and 186 Kms from Raipur. The sanctuary is situated at about 10 Kms to the north east of Motinala Bus Stop on the Mandla to Kawardha route.

Location