Pench National Park | Wild Safaris India

Pench National Park– A Comprehensive Guide

About - Pench National Park

Located on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Pench National Park is a mesmerizing blend of wilderness and tranquility. The park derives its name from the Pench River, which flows through it, dividing it into two distinct halves. Renowned for its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes, Pench is also famously known as the “Mowgli Land”, as it inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.

Spread over 758 sq. km, including a core area of 292 sq. km and a buffer zone of 466 sq. km, Pench is part of the Pench Tiger Reserve, established in 1977. The park is celebrated for its thriving population of Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, and a wide variety of bird species, making it a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Geographical Details

Altitude: 425m to 675m above sea level
Coordinates: 21°41’ N to 21°50’ N
Rainfall: 1,300 mm annually
Temperature:
- Winter: 5°C (Min)
- Summer: 45°C (Max)

How to Reach Pench National Park

By Flight

The nearest airport is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (90 km), which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Nagpur, you can hire a taxi for a 2-hour drive to the park.

By Train

The nearest railway stations are:

Nagpur Railway Station (90 km, 2-hour drive)
Seoni Railway Station (30 km, 1-hour drive)

By Road

Pench is well-connected to nearby cities via road:

Nagpur: 90 km (2-hour drive)
Jabalpur: 200 km (4-hour drive)
Mandla: 240 km (5-hour drive)

Best Time to Visit Pench National Park

The park offers unique experiences throughout the year:

Winter (October – February): Ideal for safaris and birdwatching, with cool weather.
Summer (March – June): Best for tiger sightings as animals gather at waterholes.
Monsoon (July – September): The park is closed for rejuvenation.

Wildlife at Pench National Park

Pench is home to a variety of wildlife species, including:

Royal Bengal Tiger: The park’s most iconic predator.
Indian Leopard: Frequently sighted in the buffer zones.
Indian Gaur: The massive wild bison of the park.
Sloth Bear: Prefers rocky terrains and dense forests.
Wild Dog (Dhole): Known for their pack behavior and hunting skills.

Bird species include:

Indian Pitta
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Crested Serpent Eagle

Reptiles include crocodiles, pythons, and monitor lizards.

Best Places to Visit Inside and Near Pench National Park

Pench River
- A serene river that flows through the park, offering scenic views and a lifeline for wildlife.
Chhindimatta Road
- A popular safari route for tiger and leopard sightings.
Alikatta
- A central meadow in the park, perfect for spotting herbivores like deer and gaur.
Runi Jhuni Meadows
- A beautiful grassland area for birdwatching and photography.
Pachdhar Pottery Village (15 km)
- A quaint village known for its traditional pottery-making art.
Nagpur City (90 km)
- Explore Nagpur for its historical sites, markets, and the famous Zero Mile Stone.
Kohka Lake (20 km)
- A tranquil spot near the park, ideal for birdwatching and picnics.

Types of Safaris in Pench National Park

Pench offers a variety of safari options:

Jeep Safari
- Description: Private or shared Jeep Safaris for close encounters with wildlife.
- Timings:
  - Morning: 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM
  - Evening: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Capacity: 6 visitors per Jeep.
Canter Safari
- Description: Group safaris in larger open vehicles.
- Capacity: 12–20 visitors.
Walking Safari
- Description: Guided walks in the park’s buffer zones.