Nestled in the southern reaches of Madhya Pradesh, Pench National Park stands as a testament to India's rich biodiversity and natural beauty. Spanning over 750 square kilometers, this sanctuary is a living canvas of dense forests, meandering rivers, and an astonishing variety of wildlife.
Pench holds historical significance as the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling's iconic work, "The Jungle Book." The lush landscape and vibrant wildlife of this park served as the backdrop for Mowgli's adventures, making it a place of immense cultural and ecological importance.
Pench is celebrated for its diverse wildlife. The park is home to a thriving population of Bengal tigers, making it one of the premier tiger reserves in India. Leopards, wild dogs, Indian bison, spotted deer, and sambar deer also call this sanctuary home. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted to know that over 200 bird species, including Malabar pied hornbills and Indian pittas, have been recorded here.
Pench National Park encompasses seven zones: Turia, Karmajhiri, Jamtara, Rukhad, Wolf Sanctuary, Sillari, and Khursapar. Among them, Turia stands out as the most prominent zone for tiger sightings, thanks to its numerous water bodies that increase the likelihood of spotting wildlife along the streams compared to other zones. On the other hand, if you are inclined towards a night safari to explore Pench National Park, the Wolf Sanctuary is the ideal zone, as the government has approved night safaris in this specific division.
Pench National Park adjusts its safari timings based on the seasons. Notably, the park is closed during the monsoon season due to the breeding period of wild animals. As a tourist attraction, the park is open from October 16 to the end of June. In the winter season (November to February), morning jeep safari timings are from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM, and the evening safari is from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. During the summer months (March to June), safari timings shift to 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM for the morning batch and 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM for the evening batch. You can find more information here: https://www.penchnationalpark.com/
Madhya Pradesh
These resorts and hotels provide the perfect setting to relax after a long period, allowing guests to make the most of their time with a wealth of excellent facilities and amenities. Additionally, jungle camps are also available in the vicinity.
Pench National Park, being a protected natural area, does not have restaurants or eateries within the park itself. However, there are options for food nearby. The towns surrounding Pench National Park, such as Seoni and Pench, have local restaurants and eateries where you can find a variety of Indian cuisine. These may range from small roadside stalls to more established restaurants.
Hindi is widely spoken here but tourists can use English to communicate with the locals.
The best time to visit Pench National Park is during the winter months, from October to February, when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife sightings are more frequent. However, the park is open year-round, each season offering a unique experience.
