Panna National Park – A Comprehensive Guide
About - Panna National Park
Located in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh, Panna National Park is a renowned tiger reserve and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Spanning over 542 sq. km, the park is known for its revival of the Royal Bengal Tiger population, as well as its picturesque landscapes of gorges, waterfalls, and forests.
Established in 1981, Panna is home to a diverse range of wildlife and is bordered by the Ken River, which adds to its scenic beauty. The park also holds cultural significance, with nearby attractions like Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples.
Geographical Details
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Altitude: 200m to 500m above sea level
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Coordinates: 24°27’ N to 24°59’ N
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Rainfall: 1,100 mm annually
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Temperature:
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Winter: 5°C (Min)
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Summer: 45°C (Max)
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How to Reach Panna National Park
By Flight
The nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport (25 km). Other nearby airports include:
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Jabalpur Airport (285 km).
By Train
The nearest railway stations are:
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Khajuraho Railway Station (25 km): Closest and most convenient.
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Satna Railway Station (75 km): A major railhead connected to major cities.
By Road
Panna is accessible via road:
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Khajuraho: 25 km (30-minute drive)
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Satna: 75 km (2-hour drive)
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Jabalpur: 285 km (5-hour drive)
Best Time to Visit Panna National Park
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Winter (October – February): Ideal for safaris, with cool weather and lush greenery.
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Summer (March – June): Best time for tiger sightings near water sources.
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Monsoon (July – September): The park remains closed during this time.
Wildlife at Panna National Park
Panna is home to a variety of wildlife species, including:
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Royal Bengal Tiger: A success story of tiger conservation.
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Indian Leopard: Frequently sighted in rocky terrains.
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Sloth Bear: Often seen foraging in the forests.
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Indian Wolf: Occasionally spotted in the grasslands.
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Chinkara (Indian Gazelle): Found grazing in open meadows.
Bird species include:
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Indian Vulture
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Crested Serpent Eagle
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Bar-headed Goose
Reptiles include crocodiles, pythons, and king cobras.
Best Places to Visit Inside and Near Panna National Park
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Ken River
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A lifeline of the park, known for its crocodile and bird sightings.
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Pandav Falls
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A serene waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
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Ken Gharial Sanctuary
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A nearby sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of gharials.
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Raneh Falls (20 km)
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A stunning canyon formed by volcanic rocks.
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Khajuraho Temples (25 km)
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate sculptures and architecture.
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Ajaygarh Fort (35 km)
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A historic fort offering panoramic views of the region.
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Satna Town (75 km)
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A nearby town with markets and cultural sites.
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Types of Safaris in Panna National Park
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Jeep Safari
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Description: Private or shared Jeep Safaris for close encounters with wildlife.
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Timings:
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Morning: 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM
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Evening: 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM
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Capacity: 6 visitors per Jeep.
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Boat Safari
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Description: Explore the Ken River to spot aquatic birds, crocodiles, and other wildlife.
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Walking Safari
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Description: Guided treks in buffer zones for birdwatching and exploring flora.
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Safari Zones in Panna National Park
The park is divided into four main zones:
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Madla Zone: The most popular zone, known for tiger sightings.
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Hinouta Zone: A quieter zone ideal for birdwatching.
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Akola Zone: Offers scenic landscapes and wildlife diversity.
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Jhirna Zone: A lesser-explored area with peaceful surroundings.
Accommodations in Panna National Park
Pashan Garh – Taj Safaris
Ken River Lodge
Sarai at Toria
Jungle Camp Panna
Khajuraho Jungle Retreat
Camp Panna
The Lalit Temple View Khajuraho