Kheoni: The Uncharted Wild Heart of Madhya Pradesh

When you think of wildlife in Madhya Pradesh, names like Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna often steal the spotlight. But nestled quietly between the vibrant hubs of Indore and Bhopal lies a hidden paradise: Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary. Kheoni is characterised by its lush dry deciduous canopy. The forest is a vibrant tapestry of Teak, Tendu, and Bamboo, providing a perfect camouflage for its wild inhabitants within. 

Spanning over 132 square kilometres across the Dewas and Sehore districts, Kheoni is more than just a forest; it is a thriving, untamed landscape where the Vindhya Hills meet the life-giving Jamner River. This sanctuary is Madhya Pradesh's best-kept secret, waiting for travellers to explore its rugged charm. If you are a traveller who seeks the rustle of teak leaves over the hum of city traffic, Kheoni is your next destination.

A Global Tiger Source: The Breeding Hub

Kheoni has been recognised by the Global Tiger Forum as a critical Tiger Source. This means Kheoni isn't just a place where tigers pass through; it is a high-quality habitat where they are breeding and growing. 

Currently, the sanctuary is home to 10+ adult tigers and 4 playful cubs, acting as a vital corridor connecting the Ratapani and Omkareshwar ranges. This makes it one of the most important conservation success stories in Western Madhya Pradesh. This hidden gem is connected to Ratapani Tiger Reserve through natural corridors, creating a vital lifeline for wildlife movement in Central India.

A Symphony of Flight and Fur

For nature enthusiasts, Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Beyond its famed tigers, the forest is home to elusive predators such as leopards, wild dogs (dholes), sloth bears, and hyenas.

Bird lovers will find themselves in an avian paradise, with over 170 species recorded here. Among the thickets, you can spot majestic peacocks displaying their vibrant feathers, while the skies are dominated by sharp-eyed Hawks and other impressive raptors like Crested Serpent Eagles and Egyptian Vultures. The sanctuary is also home to the graceful Indian Paradise Flycatcher, the state bird of Madhya Pradesh, and the colourful Indian Pitta.

As night falls, Kheoni reveals another of its specialities: a remarkable variety of owls, including Mottled Owls, Brown Fish Owls, Jungle Owlets, Spotted Owls, and Eurasian Owls, making it a premier destination for nocturnal wildlife sightings.

Beyond Safari: Sacred Waters and Panoramic Views

The magic of Kheoni isn't limited to its fauna. The sanctuary offers a soul-stirring blend of spirituality and adventure:

• Bal Ganga Temple: Located at the heart of the sanctuary, Bal Ganga is considered the origin of the Jamner River. The highlight here is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can witness a perennial natural spring emerging from the rocks, constantly bathing the Shiva Lingam in fresh water.
• Kalamatalai Sunset Point: For the best view of the Vindhyas, head to the Kalamatalai Sunset Point. Climb the historic 50-year-old iron watchtower to witness a panoramic view of the forest from 1,500 feet. At sunset, the light turns the entire forest into a sea of gold, a dream for any photographer.
• Eco View Point: The Eco View Point offers a unique interaction with the landscape, where natural rock formations create a powerful acoustic mirror, reflecting sounds back with remarkable clarity. Aside from the fun echo, it provides a breathtaking look into the deep valleys where leopards and sloth bears frequently roam.
• Daulatpur: Although the safari is closed during the monsoon period, visitors can enjoy nature walks in Daulatpur and guided hiking trails through the forest. During this time, the Shankar Kho and Bhadbhada waterfalls flow in full glory, making the season especially scenic and refreshing for visitors.

How to reach Kheoni

• By Road: Kheoni is well connected by road, with an approximate driving distance of 90-130 km from Indore and around 150 km from Bhopal, making it easily accessible by car or taxi from both cities.
• By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Harda railway station (60 km away) and Indore Junction (around 80-120 km away).
• By Air:
• Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore is the closest major airport, located approximately 80-100 kilometres from the sanctuary.

Alternative: Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal is another accessible option, situated about 130 kilometres away.

Accommodations

For a truly immersive experience, stay at the Forest Rest House (FRH) Kheoni https://mpforest.gov.in/ecotourism/ecobooking/destination.aspx. Imagine waking up to the calls of the wild right outside your door!

For those looking for more modern amenities, private options like the Treepie Safari Lodge https://treepielodge.com/  near Khategaon offer a comfortable retreat.

The tourism season in Kheoni begins in October, with safari operations opening at the same time. Visitors can book the Kheoni Safari by calling 9691624146 | 9691624146

Traveller's Tip: Kheoni is a "low-network" zone. Embrace the digital detox and let nature be your only connection.