Located in the heart of India, Pench National Park is one of the most captivating wildlife destinations in the country. Straddling the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, this park is famed not only for its lush forests and diverse wildlife but also for inspiring Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. A safari in Pench offers a rare opportunity to experience the magic of India’s jungles while spotting some of the country’s most iconic animals, including the elusive Bengal tiger.
In this complete guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about visiting Pench National Park, from the best time to go on safari to the wildlife you can expect to see.
Why Pench National Park?
Pench may not be as well-known as some of India’s other national parks, but it offers an intimate and unique jungle and safari experience. The park is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, and its scenic beauty is enhanced by the Pench River that winds its way through the forest. Whether you're a wildlife photographer, nature lover, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat into the wilderness, Pench offers a memorable safari experience.
Wildlife in Pench
The pench wilderness habitat is spread across a combined area of approx 2000 sq kms across both states. Pench is famous for its tiger population, but the park is also home to a wide variety of other wildlife. A typical India safari in Pench might include sightings of:
Bengal Tigers: The park’s dense forests provide an ideal habitat for these majestic creatures. Although spotting a tiger requires patience and luck, Pench’s tiger population has been steadily increasing in recent years.
Leopards: Slightly more elusive than tigers, leopards are known to roam the park’s forested areas.
Indian Wild Dogs (Dholes): Pench is one of the few parks where you have a good chance of seeing these highly social and agile predators in action.
Indian grey wolf: A night drive in and around the buffer forests can be very rewarding with sightings of wolves and many other nocturnal species.
Indian Gaur: The Indian bison, or gaur, is the largest bovine species in the world and a common sight in Pench.
Spotted Deer (Chital) and Sambar Deer: You’ll often see herds of these graceful creatures grazing in the park’s meadows.
Birdlife: Pench is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 250 species of resident and migratory birds, including peafowl, hornbills, kingfishers, and eagles.
Best Time to Visit Pench
The best time for a safari in Pench is from October to June, when the park is open to visitors. The months of March to June offer the best chances of spotting tigers, as the animals tend to come out in search of water due to the dry conditions. However, if you prefer lush greenery and cooler temperatures, October to February is ideal, as the park is incredibly scenic right after the monsoons.
Safari Options in Pench
Pench National Park offers several safari options, each providing a unique way to explore the jungle:
Jeep Safari: The most popular way to explore the park, a jeep safari allows visitors to cover large areas of the jungle in a short time. These safaris are available twice a day—one in the early morning and one in the afternoon. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Elephant Safari: Elephant safaris will soon resume in the Turia zone of the park.
Walking Safari: Pench is one of the few national parks in India that offers guided walking safaris, giving visitors a chance to explore the forest on foot. These walks provide an intimate experience of the park's smaller wildlife, plants, and bird species.
The Runi-Jhuni trail at the Karmajhiri gate can be a very rewarding experience.
Night Safari: Although rare, certain zones of Pench offer night safaris, where you can witness the park’s nocturnal wildlife in action. This experience is especially thrilling as many animals, including leopards and hyenas, are more active after dark.
Safari Zones in Pench
The park is managed separately in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
The park is divided into different zones, each offering its unique landscapes and wildlife sightings. The core zones of Pench MP are:
1. Turia Zone
2. Karmajhiri Zone
3. Jhamtara Zone
The buffer zones of Pench, Madhya Pradesh are:
1. Khawasa
2. Teliya
3. Rukhad
4. Masurnala
5. Khumbhpani
The zones of Maharashtra are:
1. Sillari
2. Khursapar
3. Chorbahuli
4. Kolitmara
5. Khubala
6. Paoni
7. Surewani
8. Banera
Where to Stay
Pench offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury jungle lodges. Fill up this form to know more.
Tips for a Successful Pench Safari.
Book in Advance: Safari permits for Pench are limited and the good zones from tiger sighting point of view can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. It’s best to book your safari and accommodation well in advance.
Dress Appropriately: Wear neutral-colored clothing that blends in with the environment, as bright colors can scare away wildlife. Also, remember to carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Follow Park Guidelines: Always follow the rules set by the park authorities to ensure both your safety and the preservation of the wildlife and environment.
Be Patient: Wildlife sightings can be unpredictable. Patience and silence are key to enjoying the best of Pench’s wildlife.
Carry Binoculars: Pench’s landscape offers wide, open views of the jungle. A good pair of binoculars will help you spot birds and animals from a distance.
How to Reach Pench
Pench National Park is easily accessible by both road and rail. The nearest airport is in Nagpur, around 90 km from the park’s Turia Gate. Nagpur also serves as a major railway station, with regular trains from Mumbai, Delhi, and other major cities. At The Jungle Story, we arrange for your pick-up and drop from Nagpur airport/railway station.
Final Thoughts
A safari in Pench National Park is the perfect way to explore India’s jungles and witness its magnificent wildlife. Whether you're chasing the thrill of spotting a tiger or enjoying the serene beauty of the forest, Pench promises an unforgettable adventure. From its stunning landscapes to its rich biodiversity, this park is a must-visit for every wildlife enthusiast looking to embark on an India safari.
Plan Your Safari with The Jungle Story
At The Jungle Story, we curate personalized safari experiences that allow you to explore Pench and other iconic national parks in India. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, we ensure a seamless and thrilling adventure into the wild.
Visit us at www.thejunglestory.com or follow us on Instagram at @the.junglestory to start planning your tiger safari adventure today!
#PenchNationalPark #IndiaSafari #JungleAndSafari #TheJungleStory #WildlifePhotography #TigerSafari #ExploreTheWild #IncredibleIndia #SustainableTravel #Pench
Σχόλια