PENCH NATIONAL PARK – A TRAVELLER’S GUIDE 2024
The woods depicted in Rudyard Kipling’s renowned “The Jungle Book,” commonly recognized as Mowgli’s territory, can be found in the vicinity of the Pench Tiger Reserve. Named after the Pench River, emerging from the Mahadeo hills and traversing the National Park from north to south for a span of 24 km, the Pench National Park stands as a testament to the captivating allure of the jungle portrayed in Kipling’s literary masterpiece.
Types of safari at Pench National Park
Night Safari
The booking of a Night tiger safari is done on the same day as the Date of the Safari from the Forest department counter. Its starts after the sunset and last about 3 hours depending summer or winter months. One can enjoy a night tiger safari in Khawasa and Rukhad zone if staying closer to Touria gate.
Jeep Safari
The Jeep tiger safaris are conducted in Pench National Park in two shifts morning and afternoon depending upon Sunrise and sunset time respectively, The booking opens up 120 days for zones in Madhya Pradesh part. In Maharashtra, part tiger safari bookings open up almost 60 days before the date of tiger safari.
Full-Day Jeep Safari
Preferred by photographers, this park is a haven for those focusing on specific subjects or documentary filmmakers capturing wildlife. Before Safari vehicles disperse throughout the park, a brief 15 to 20-minute prayer in a designated area is customary. During this time, guests can enjoy lunch amidst the wilderness. Full-day permits offer flexibility, allowing vehicles to exit 15 minutes after the last jeep departs post the evening Safari. No restrictions apply to Tiger Safaris in particular zones. With full-day permits, guests can explore various zones except for the Maharashtra part of Pench, enhancing the overall wildlife experience.
Half-Day Jeep Safari
Discover the thrill of wildlife with a dual Safari experience—morning and evening. The Morning Safari commences around 0600 hrs, spanning approximately 4.5 to 5 hours, aligning with the sunrise. Following the adventure, guests return to the lodge for a swift lunch, gearing up for the Evening Safari. This second expedition, lasting 3 to 3.5 hours, synchronizes with the mesmerizing sunset. Immerse yourself in the heart of the jungle, encountering diverse flora and fauna during these captivating Safaris at Bandhavgarh National Park.
History of Pench National Park
- 1977: Announced as the Pench Sanctuary with an area of 449. 39 sq. km.
- 1983: Declared as Pench National Park with an area of 292. 8 sq. km.
- 1992: It became 19th Tiger reserve under Project Tiger ny National Tiger Conservation Authorithy.
- 2007: Area of National Park became a part of core areas of Pench Tiger Reserve.
- 2002: National Park was renamed as “Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park” and Sanctuary was named as “Pench Mowgli Sanctuary”.
Flora and Fauna of Pench National Park
Pench Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)
Situated in the southern regions of Seoni and Chhindwara districts, the Madhya Pradesh section of the Pench Tiger Reserve spans 1179.632 square kilometers. This area includes the Pench Priyadarshini National Park, covering 292.86 square kilometers, and the Pench Mowgli Wildlife Sanctuary, extending across 118.47 square kilometers, serving as the core zone. Additionally, an expansive buffer zone, encompassing 768.302 square kilometers, complements these vital habitats. The rich biodiversity and conservation efforts make this segment a key contributor to the larger Pench Tiger Reserve, offering an extensive area for wildlife preservation and ensuring a harmonious balance between the core and buffer zones.
Flora
Within Madhya Pradesh lies the Pench Tiger Reserve, characterized by primary forest categories including southern Indian tropical moist deciduous, southern tropical dry deciduous, and southern dry mixed deciduous forests. This reserve serves as a prime illustration of a forest primarily governed by teak (Tectona grandis), interwoven with bamboo and diverse species. It features extensive shrubbery and open grassy clearings, showcasing a harmonious blend of vegetation. The dominance of teak trees in the ecosystem, along with the presence of bamboo and various other plant species, contributes to the unique biodiversity of the Pench Tiger Reserve.
Fauna
The Pench Tiger Reserve boasts a varied habitat that sustains a rich assortment of wildlife, including gaur (Bos gaurus), sambar (Rusa unicolor), chital (Axis axis), wild boar (Sus scrofa), barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis), four-horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis), chinkara (Gazella bennettii), tiger (Panthera tigris), leopard (Panthera pardus), sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), dhole (Cuon alpinus), grey wolf (Canis lupus), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), and golden jackal (Canis aureus). The diverse landscape of the Pench Tiger Reserve provides a conducive environment for these species to thrive, creating a harmonious ecosystem within the reserve.
Pench Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra)
The Maharashtra state part of Pench Tiger Reserve is located in the Satpura Maikal hills of Nagpur district. This tiger reserve includes Pench National Park (257 sq. km ) and Mansingh Deo Wildlife Sanctuary (195 sq. km )
Flora
The Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra features the classification of southern tropical dry deciduous forests. Prevalent trees in the reserve include teak (Tectona grandis) and its companions, such as Terminalia bellirica, Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca longifolia, Aegle marmelos, Terminalia arjuna, Cassia fistula, along with various bamboo species. These prominent trees contribute to the diverse vegetation in the reserve.
Fauna
The top predator species found here are the tiger (Panthera tigris), leopard (Panthera pardus), and wild dog (Cuon alpinus). Sambhar (Rusa unicolor), chital (Axis axis), barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), gaur (Bos gaurus), and mouse deer (Moschiola indica) were among the ungulats .
Zones and types of safari Pench National Park
The tiger safari permits booking at Pench National Park is under the administration of two states: Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. In both states, there are different gates to enter certain zones in Pench National Park.
Tiger Safari Zones of Pench (Madhya Pradesh)
The Madhya Pardesh part of Pench can be divided into 7 gates and has a total carrying capacity of 159 jeeps and some allowed to be booked from the gate.
Safari Gates : Core zone in Pench (Madhya Pradesh)
There are three gates to enter the core zone in Pench (Madhya Pradesh). All three gates are closed every Wednesday afternoon shift tiger safari.
1. Touria Gate
- Touria gate is the oldest and the most popular safari zone of Madhya Pradesh Pench National Park.
- Lies almost on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. One can also visit Pench Wildlife Museum situated at the gate.
- Zone Forest has Mixed vegetation, scrublands, and small streams dominated by Acacia Catechu
- Main spots in Touria zone: Baginnalla waterhole, JodaMunara, Junewani waterhole, Pyorthadi, Alikatta, Kala Pahad (highest point of Pench)
- Due to its proximity to NH- 7 this gate is very busy and has maximum jeeps allowed to enter the Park. A total of 74 jeeps are allowed which includes 37 jeeps in both morning and afternoon tiger safari shifts.
- Closed on Wednesdays for the afternoon tiger safari.
2. Karmajhiri Gate
- Less Busy with limited accommodation options
- Option of staying at the forest rest house
- Zone Forest is dominated by Teak and Bamboo plantations in some areas
- Main spots in Karmajhiri zone: Bodhanalla, Sitaghat, Alikatta
- A total of 16 jeeps are allowed which includes 8 jeeps in both morning and afternoon safari shifts.
- The zone is good for finding a pack of wild dogs
- Closed on Wednesday for Morning and Afternoon safari.
3. Jamtara Gate
- The third gate of the park offers a limited area to explore
- Banyan Trees, Shindoori, and Camel foot climbers are some trees found in this zone
- Main spots in Karmajhiri zone: Chendia ghat, Tikari, Alikatta
- A total of 9 jeeps are allowed which includes 5 jeeps in both mornings and 4 jeeps in the afternoon safari shift.
- The zone is good for sloth bear sighting
- Closed on Wednesday for Morning and Afternoon safari.
Safari Gates : Buffer zone in Pench (Madhya Pradesh)
There are 4 gates to enter the buffer zone in Pench (Madhya Pradesh) are:
1. Rukhad:
- As this area is in the hilly region the vegetation here is moist deciduous
- Lots of Bamboo, Jamun, Arjun Trees, flowing streams, and lots of butterflies.
- Rukhad is also crucial for the Tiger corridor of Pench and Kanha.
- A total of 36 jeeps are allowed which includes 18 jeeps in both morning and afternoon tiger safari shifts.
- Kuraigad is a fort that has view point where tourists can deboard
- Breakfast point at Dhamandda
- Night tiger safari can be done in the Rukhad zone. A total of 5 jeeps are allowed for night tiger safari.
2. Teliya
- Breakfast point at Interpretaion center
- Easily accessible from Touria gate which is 4 Km away
- Teliya buffer zone is known for its wolf sightings, and Black Panther or Melanistic leopard sightings in the recent past
- A total of 37 jeeps are allowed which includes 19 jeeps in both mornings and 18 jeeps in the afternoon tiger safari shift.
3. Khawasa
- Breakfast point at Interpretation center
- Easily accessible if staying nearby Touria gate
- A total of 36 jeeps are allowed which includes 18 jeeps in both morning and afternoon tiger safari shifts.
- 15 jeeps are allowed to do night tiger safari from Khawasa gate
- Preferred zones by wolves, foxes, porcupines, and Owls due to their open vegetation.
4. Khumbhpani
A new buffer zone with a total of 10 jeeps is allowed which includes 5 jeeps in both morning and afternoon safari shifts.
Tiger Safari Zones of Pench (Maharashtra)
Safari gates : Core zone in Pench (Maharashtra)
There are three gates to enter the core zone in Pench (Maharashtra).
1. Sillari Gate
- This is the well-known and main gate to Pench Maharashtra. Sillari is about 40 kilometres from the Turia gate.
- Closed every Wednesday for a tiger safari during the morning and afternoon shift
- The forest with dense bamboo and teak, as well as numerous water bodies and waterfalls.
- Some important areas are Swarg and Bamboo Ban
- The Totlah Doh Dam, which is being built on the Pench River, can also be seen.
- Wild Dogs and Sloth Bears can be seen in this area of the forest.
- A total of almost 100 jeeps are allowed in a single day from Sillari gate. 45 in the morning tiger safari shift and 55 in the evening tiger safari shift.
2. Khursapar Gate
- This gate is 12 kilometres from Turia Gate. It has grown in popularity in recent years as a result of good tiger sightings.
- The terrain is undulating, and you can see Chowsingha, Chinkara, and Gaurs.
- Bakhari Lake is one of the few natural water bodies in this area.
- Some other important spots are Bandra Talab, Chitgohta.
- Closed for tiger safari every Tuesday for both morning and afternoon tigersafari.
- A total of almost 60 jeeps are allowed in a single day from Sillari gate. 30 in the morning tiger safari shift and 30 in the evening tiger safari shift.
3. Chorbahuli Gate
- Closed for safari every Monday for morning and afternoon tiger safari.
- Chorbahuli was opened for tourists on January 1, 2013
- When travelling from Nagpur to Jabalpur, this is the first gate you will encounter. Chorbahuli, located on the Maharashtra side of Pench National Park, is a lesser-known tiger safari zone.
- The forest patch is dense here to Pench Tiger Reserve.
- A total of 28 jeeps are allowed with 14 in each shift of Morning and afternoon safari.
Safari Gates: Buffer zone in Pench (Maharashtra)
There are 4 gates to enter the buffer zone in Pench (Maharashtra) are:
1. Kolitmara
- Kolitmara gate is one of the entrances to the Pench Tiger Reserve on the Maharashtra side. Nagpur is about 80 kilometers away.
- You can also go on a jungle safari in your own vehicle.
- Enjoy river rides by boat, and the main attraction is the original dense jungle.
- The number of vehicles allowed into the Kolitmara Zone is 7 in the morning and 13 in the evening.
2. Surewani (Nagalwadi)
- Total 14 jeeps are allowed with 7 in each shift of Morning and afternoon tiger safari.
3. Khubada (Saleghat)
- Total of 24 jeeps are allowed with 12 in each shift of Morning and afternoon tiger safari.
4. Paoni (Buffer)
The buffer area of Pench Tiger Reserve is part of Umred Paoni Karhandala Sanctuary
Queen of Pench: Collarwali - The Tigress
On 15th Januray 2022 Pench lost one of his most famous tigress collarwali. She died at the age of 16 years 4 months due to multiple organ failure because of old age. Born in October 2005 she was one of the most famous tigress globally.
How Collarwali got it’s name?
The actual name of Collarwali is T-15. In March 2008, the group of researchers from Wildlife Institue of India, Dehradun attached a radio collar to the tigress. In 2016 the radio collar was lost in the Jungle of Pench National Park and it had not been replaced since then till her death.
Why’s Collarwali Famous ?
Collarwali achieved a remarkable feat during her lifetime, setting a Guinness World Record by birthing 29 cubs—the highest number by any tigress in India. She played a crucial role in bolstering the Tiger population in Pench National Park, contributing significantly to this conservation success. Tiger experts find it extraordinary for a tigress to give birth to 8 litters within a 16-year lifespan. Collarwali gained early fame in the BBC documentary “Spy in the Jungle,” showcasing her siblings’ growth and journey to establish their territories.
Even in death, Collarwali continues to be revered by wildlife enthusiasts globally. A visit to Pench National Park unveils the enduring legacy of Collarwali: The matriarch of Pench.
Reaching Pench National Park
Air
- Jabalpur airport: 240 Km (4.5 Hr)
- Nagpur Airport: 120 Km (2.5 Hr)
Train
- Nagpur Railway station: 80 Km (2 Hr)
- Jabalpur Railway station: 220 Km, (4 Hr)
- Chhindwara Railway station: 85 Km (2.5 Hr)
Road
From Nagpur: 100 Km which is a 2-hour drive
Trip To Corbett National Park : FAQS
Corbett National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is one of the oldest national parks in India. Established in 1936, it is particularly famous for its population of Bengal tigers. The park’s diverse ecosystem, which includes dense forests, grasslands, and a variety of wildlife, attracts nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.
Visitors can experience a tiger safari in Corbett National Park by booking a safari through the official channels managed by the park authorities. There are various zones within the park, each offering a unique wildlife experience. It’s essential for visitors to follow safety guidelines, stay inside designated safari vehicles, and maintain silence to maximize the chances of spotting tigers and other wildlife. Respecting the park’s rules ensures a safe and enjoyable safari experience.
The best time to visit Corbett National Park for a tiger safari is during the winter months, from November to February. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the chances of spotting wildlife, including tigers, are higher. Additionally, the park remains open during this time, providing visitors with a comfortable and enjoyable safari experience.
Corbett National Park offers a range of activities and attractions besides tiger safaris. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, nature walks, and elephant safaris to explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna. The park also has several watchtowers and viewpoints that provide stunning views of the landscape. Dhikala, a popular tourist complex within the park, offers a unique stay amidst nature, enhancing the overall experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
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