Field atlas · MP Forest Department data
Where Ratapani is, how its 1,271.5 km² divide into core and buffer, where the three safari gates sit, and how far everything is from Bhopal.
A 763.8 km² core for wildlife, ringed by a 507.7 km² buffer where villages and livelihoods continue.
The UNESCO rock shelters sit within Ratapani, about 45 km south-east of Bhopal on NH-46.
Ratapani Dam and Barna Reservoir are the major waterbodies; Kolar Dam lies to the west.
Each safari permit is valid for one gate and route; zones are not interchangeable.
Switch layers on and off and tap any zone, gate, reservoir or landmark for details.
Schematic map · not to scale
A 1,271.5 km² tiger reserve in Raisen and Sehore districts on the southern edge of the Vindhya range, notified on 2 December 2024. Tap any feature on the map for details.
Tap zones, gates, reservoirs or landmarks on the map. Tap empty space to reset.
Tourism takes place through three gates, each leading into its own part of the forest.
Gate 01 · RaisenThe closest safari zone to Bhopal, entered near Obaidullaganj off NH-46. Its forest track opened to tourists in December 2022 and runs through teak and bamboo country.
Gate 02 · SehoreThe western zone of teak valleys and sandstone ridges, with fewer vehicles. Ginnorgarh Fort and old temple remains lie in this part of the reserve.
Gate 03 · RaisenNext to the UNESCO rock shelters on NH-46. Booked only at the gate, and the only zone where visitors may use private vehicles.
Official distances published by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department.
| From | Jhiri gate | Bhimbetka gate | Delawadi gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhopal railway station | 34 | 44 | 52 |
| Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal | 41 | 55 | 64 |
| Narmadapuram railway station | 75 | 33 | 53 |
| Indore airport | 211 | 243 | 253 |
| Jabalpur airport | 330 | 298 | 310 |
Source: MP Forest Department e-brochure. Road distances in km.
For routes, trains and flights, see how to reach Ratapani.
Safari fees, quotas and timings are set by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and can change. Always confirm on the official booking portal before you travel.
Choose your gate, then your season. Both decide what you will see.
