Pench National Park
Madhya Pradesh
Pench National Park, a teak forest, located in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is named after the river Pench which divides the park into two. This park shot into prominence with an increase in wildlife tourism in the year 2002. However, it was even before tourism began, that the park was discovered by Rudyard Kipling and penned as a memoir forever with his famous “Jungle Book”. Still, home to the ferocious Sher Khan and cuddly Baloo, Pench resonates with the whispers of our favorite bedtime story.
Primarily a teak forest, this park is an amalgamation of four different hill ranges. Pench National park also forms a healthy corridor with Kanha National Park. In fact, there have been records of Tigers moving from Kanha to Pench, which is about 200kms. It is also home to another big cat, the elusive Leopard. Sloth Bears, Indian Gaur, Wild Dogs, Sambars, Langurs, and over 300 species of birds also call Pench their home.
Best Time to Go
October – May
Flights
Nagpur (NAG)
Avg. Climate
20°C – 38°C
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About Pench national Park
A total of 758 sq. km of this Southern Indian tropical moist deciduous forest has its extent mingling with the tropical dry deciduous teak. The area is crisscrossed by a number of streams and ‘nallahs’ most of which are seasonal. Though the Pench River dries up toward the end of April, a number of water pools locally known as ‘dohs’ are found here, which serve as water holes for the wild animals. The Pench Reservoir at the center of the park is the only major water source during the pinch period.
As the prey concentration is high along the Pench River, Tigers usually inhabit and frequents this belt. Leopards, though generally operating in the peripheral areas of the jungle, are occasionally seen in the deep forest also.
Geographical Details
Altitude: 425m to 620 m above sea level span
Vegetation: 425m to 620 m
Water Resources: Water Resources The Pench River is life line of Pench national park and a tributary river of the Kanhan River
Core Area: 411 sq. km
Buffer Area: 768 sq. km
Coordinates: 21.7630° N to 79.3391° E
Rainfall: 1300mm
Temperature: 20 – 38 degree Celsius
Pench National Park Tiger Safari Tours
Luxury Tiger Safaris
Tiger Safari India Tours
Special Interest Tours
In Pench National Park, a healthy population of the Cheetal, Sambar, and Nilgai are commonly seen grazing the open sites on roadsides and banks of the river & reservoir. Packs of up to 15 wild dogs can be seen near the Chhedia, Jamtara, Bodanala, and Pyorthadi areas of the Reserve. Herds of Gaur can be spotted near streams and bamboo patches commonly in the summer months. Sloth beer occupies hilly, rocky outcrops and favors Mahul bel infested forest. The Chinkara is present in very small numbers and is found in open areas around Turia, Telia, and Dudhgaon villages.
Langoors are very common in Pench, whereas the Rhesus monkeys may be seen occasionally on the fringes. Pench boasts of more than 210 species of birds that include several migratory ones also. Commonly seen are Peafowl, Red jungle fowl, Crow pheasant, Crimson breasted barbet, Red-vented Bulbul, Racket-tailed drongo, Magpie robin, and lesser whistling teal.
Popular Fauna at Pench National Park
His majesty, the national animal of India. The Royal Bengal Tiger is considered by many naturalists as one of the most powerful apex predators. You catch a glimpse of this big cat in action at the Pench National Park.
It has larger rosettes than the other subspecies, with a paler coat in desert habitats, greyer in colder climes and more ochre in rainforest habitats. They remain well-camouflaged at night but come down from trees to hunt during the day.
Shaggy, dusty, and unkempt, the reclusive sloth bear makes its home in the forests of South Asia. Emitting noisy grunts and snorts, it wanders alone, usually at night, in search of insects and fresh fruit.
Safaris at Pench National Park
Jeep Safaris
Morning Safari:
The morning safari at Pench National Park begins around 6:00 AM, depending on sunrise, and lasts for approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. This safari offers a prime opportunity to witness the park’s diverse wildlife, including the majestic Bengal tiger, as the animals are most active during the cooler hours of the morning. After the safari, guests return to their lodge or resort to relax and prepare for the next adventure.
Evening Safari:
The evening safari starts later in the afternoon, usually lasting for 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on sunset timings. As the day cools down, wildlife activity resumes, providing another chance to observe the region’s rich biodiversity. Post-safari, guests return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.
A full day jeep safari allows visitors to maximise their exploration of Pench National Park. The safari begins 15-20 minutes before other vehicles enter the park and continues throughout the day, including a lunch break amidst the serene wilderness. Guests exit the park 15 minutes after all other vehicles have departed, ensuring ample time for wildlife observation. Full-day safaris are ideal during the cooler months of October to November and February to March, and are particularly favoured by wildlife photographers and documentarians aiming to capture specific species or events within the park.
Accommodations at Pench
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