- Location: Spread across the districts of Narmadapuram (formerly Hoshangabad), Betul, and Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh, India; situated in central India within a richly forested and hilly terrain of the Satpura mountain system.
- Naming: Named after the scenic hill station town of Pachmarhi, which serves as the administrative and tourism hub of the region and is often referred to as the “Queen of Satpura” due to its natural beauty and pleasant climate.
- Geographical Importance: Forms part of the larger Satpura–Maikal landscape and is frequently described as a “Genetic Express Highway” because it acts as an ecological corridor linking two major biodiversity regions — the Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats — thereby facilitating species movement and genetic exchange.
- Biosphere Reserve (India): Officially declared a Biosphere Reserve by the Government of India in 1999 with the objective of conserving its rich biodiversity while promoting sustainable development and environmental research.
- UNESCO Recognition: Included in UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme in 2009, recognizing its ecological diversity, conservation significance, and integration of human communities within protected landscapes.
- Area: Covers a total area of approximately 4,926 km²; it incorporates Bori Wildlife Sanctuary (518 km²), Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary (461.37 km²), and Satpura National Park (524.37 km²), forming a large and contiguous conservation unit.
- Tiger Reserve: Constitutes an important part of the Satpura Tiger Reserve, along with Bori and Pachmarhi Sanctuaries and Satpura National Park, strengthening protection for large carnivores and associated wildlife.
- Hills: Located within the Satpura Range, characterized by rugged hills, plateaus, and deep valleys; Dhoopgarh, at about 1,350 meters, is the highest peak in the reserve and one of the highest points in Madhya Pradesh.
- River: The Denwa River, a tributary of the Tawa River, flows through the reserve, creating scenic valleys and supporting riparian ecosystems essential for wildlife and vegetation.
- Tribe: Inhabited by indigenous Gond and Korku tribes who have long depended on forest resources for livelihood, practicing traditional agriculture, collection of minor forest produce, and cultural customs closely linked to nature.
- Rock Shelters: Contains numerous ancient sandstone rock shelters scattered across the Pachmarhi region, which were historically used by prehistoric human communities for habitation and shelter.
- Cave Paintings: Features prehistoric rock art, estimated to be up to 10,000 years old, depicting scenes of hunting, rituals, animals, and aspects of daily life, offering valuable insights into early human civilization in central India.
- Plants: Dominated by tropical moist deciduous forests comprising teak, sal, bamboo, tendu, mahua, and other associated tree species that create a diverse and productive forest ecosystem.
- Animals: Supports wildlife such as the Tiger, Indian Bison (Gaur), Sambar deer, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Monitor Lizard, leopard, sloth bear, and numerous bird and reptile species typical of central Indian forests.