Nestled in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, the Pench National Park is a perfect destination to plan a wildlife tour in India. The park is a must-visit destination to experience what the enthralling trails have to offer. Here are various species of animals like wild guars, tigers, four-horned antelope, leopard, sloth bear, monkeys, palm civet, and deer, etc.
The park is very close to Pauni on National Highway 7 that connects the park to both Maharashtra & Nagpur. The tourists can enter the part through two famous gates namely Turiya and Karmajhiri.
According to a report published on Nov 26, 2016, by the State Forest Research Institute, Pench tiger reserve has 53 tigers. The 758 sq. km park is a combination of different zones like Pench Tiger Reserve, Pench National Park, and Mowgli Pench Wildlife Sanctuary.
Safari Timing in Pench National Park
Pench safari timings during the winter are 7:30 am to 10:30 am and 15:00 pm to 17:30 pm and during summer 6:30 am to 9:30 am and 16:00 pm to 18:00 pm. You can enjoy Jeep Safari & Jungle Safari, Elephant Ride, and Bird watching in the Pench national park.
Types of Safari in Pench National Park
Jeep Safari:- For Pench safari booking, you can contact the local tour operators who provide jeep & local driver cum guide to spot the wildlife animals and birds in their natural habitat.
Elephant Ride:- Feel the excitement of being like Mowgli while interacting with animals from the elephant’s back. The adventurous can go for Night Safari, Jungle walk, and trekking in the park.
Bird Watching:- Pench National Park is a paradise for bird watching and photography. There are 210 species of birds including magpie robin, crow pheasant, northern pintail, and various migratory species.
Book 3-day Pench tour pacakge.
Safari Information of Pench National Park
Wildlife Safari in the Pench National Park is one of the best things to do that promises to leave you spellbound. The Safari timings vary in winter and summer. Hence, it is always good to check the timings before planning a tour to Pench. The entry and exit timings are during both the seasons are as follows:
Summer Safari Timings |
Winter Safari Timings |
Morning (Entry: 06:30 to 09:30 hrs.) |
Morning (Entry: 07:30 to 10:30 hrs.) |
Evening ( 16:00 hrs To 18:30 hrs.) |
Evening ( 15:00 hrs To 17:30 hrs.) |
Nearby attraction to the Pench National Park
- Baghin Nala – This area lies within the park and is known for tiger spotting.
- Sitaghat/Raiyakassa – Marvel at the scenic views of the Pench Rivera along with sighting exotic birds.
- Piyorthadi – Head to this area for a rendezvous with tigers.
- Kanha National Park (186.6 km) – Preserving the Royal Bengal Tiger, barasingha, leopards, sloth bear etc., the Kanha National Park is a haven for animal lovers.
Best time to visit of Pench National Park
The best time to visit Pench national park is from February to April. The park remains open from 16th October to the end of June and closed during the monsoon from July to early October every year. During the rainy season, Pench jungle Safari is not allowed like in other national parks in Madhya Pradesh. But you can go for a safari in the buffer zone in the park. The park also remains closed during the festivals of Holi and Diwali.
History of Pench national park
Pench National Park was established in 1977 and was recognized as a Tiger Reserve in 1992. The park has 758 sq. km of land covering 292.85 sq. km of National Park and 118.30 sq. km of Mowgli Pench Wildlife Sanctuary. There is a Buffer Zone of 346.73 sq. km.that is formed by Reserve Forests, Revenue land, and Protected Forests occupies The park has a significant past. This is the place that inspired Rudyard Kipling to write the popular novel ‘The Jungle Book’. This park is also mentioned in the Ain-i-Akbari a 16th-century document written by Abu'l-Fazl.
How to Reach Pench National Park
Pench National Park is easily accessible from different airports, railway and bus stations in Madhya Pradesh.
- By Air
The nearest airport Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport at Nagpur is 88 km away from Pench National park
- By Road
The park is located 12 Km away from Khawasa and is connected via National Highway 7. Khawasa is a village in the Jabalpur division in Madhya Pradesh near the Turia gate of the park.
- By Train
The nearest railway station Nagpur is 92 km away from Khawasa. Pench National Park is covered by luxury train Deccan Odyssey that can make your journey wonderful. for more detaills on how to reach pench visit here.
Stay at Pench National Park
Exciting accommodation options are available in Pench National Park. One of the options is Pench tree lodge the best way to experience and explore the wildlife from a closer distance. If you want a blend of luxury and adventure opt for Pench jungle camp.
Tourist Places near Pench National Park
The nearby attraction of the Pench Tiger reserve includes Sitaghat a breezy and rocky way that reaches the bank of river Pench through charming groves, Alikattaa fascinating grassland, and Bodhanala Range a stunning sightseeing spot for visitors.
Tips for visitors to Pench National Park
- The park remains closed during monsoon and festivals like Holi and Diwali
- Nagpur is the nearest city to the park
- For better chances of spotting the animals go for a morning safari
- Most of the resorts organize Jeep safari and elephant ride in the park
- You may face network issue in the Forest area