Situated amidst three district of Madhya Pradesh,
Nauradehi is a lesser known destination that deserves more attention.
Nauradehi lies between Sagar, Damoh, Narsinghpur districts and is easily accessible from Jabalpur.
The wildlife sanctuary is unique in this region the floral elements differ much from Kanha and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves. The forests are Southern tropical dry deciduous mix type.
The forests are totally mixed and I have not seen any pure belts of teak, saaj or bamboo except those in plantation. The river systems are
Bamner and Vyarma besides a number of lakes and water bodies exists in the sanctuary.
The species of animals seen here are not easily seen in the tiger reserves. Otter, Indian Wolf, Blue Bull, Chinkara and Marsh crocodiles are seen often some with ease. The deer species are also represented by Sambar,
Spotted Deer, Four Horned Deer and Barking Deer.
The tiger once inhabited the forest in abundance but of late there is no evidence of tigers and leopards. Sporadic sighting are reported but no census records are available. The WLS promises to throw new discoveries
but extensive survey is required. The tourism zone is at
Cheola Lake. This place is excellent for wildlife watching and birding. Birding is exciting at
Nauradehi with both wetland birds as well forest birds inhabiting the same ecosystem. See my check list of
birds of Nauradehi for more information on birding.
Jabalpur is the best route to
Noradehi. It is about 80 km from WLS connected by well maintained road network. Jabalpur is a large town more popular as approach to Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench National Park in
Madhya Pradesh. In terms of accommodation in Jabalpur there are many
hotels in all price range. For transportation and wildlife safari a gypsy is ideal vehicle as the jungle tracts in Noradehi are rugged.
Best time to visit is winters as weather is cool and comfortable. There is no hotel accommodation nearby except rest house at
Mohali which has to be booked from Sagar DFO. The rest house at Cheola Lake is more of a day center as accommodation is not provided here for tourists.
For more details on wildlife of the preserve visits
wildlife resort blog on
Noradehi WLS.