Panna National Park – A Traveller’s Guide
Panna national park is credited with bringing back tigers, who had become extinct in the area, and has since increased their population to over 50. Panna is a success story for the reintroduction of tigers, and it is now renowned for providing outstanding results in an exceptional increase in the number of felines there. Panna was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in November of 2020.
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About Panna National Park
Panna National Park Area
Panna National Park is located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh’s Panna and Chhatarpur districts. It was established in 1994 and is now Madhya Pradesh’s fifth and the country’s twenty-second Tiger reserve overall. It has an area of 542.67 km2 (209.53 sq mi). The reserve is situated on each side of the Ken River, which runs through the Lower Vindhyan Formations of the park from south to north.
Panna National Park Landscape
Located in a series of hills and plateaus of Chandranagar Range. The Ken River is a tributary of Yamuna’s most polluted river of India and still, Ken can be said to be the cleanest river in this region. It is a perennial source of water for all living creatures around this region. The river makes a boundary between Panna and Chatarpur districts.
Panna National Park Flora
There are many different types of plants growing on these plateaus, including tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), salai (Bosswelia serrata), mahua (Madhuca indica longifolia), ghont (Ziziphus xylopyrus), achar (Buchanania lanzan), kardhai (Anogeissus pendula), ber (Ziziphus mauritian Numerous of them seem to bloom or bear fruit in March, attracting a profusion of birds as well as sloth bears, which are typically nocturnal but were active during these days feeding.
Panna National Park Water Bodies
One of the least polluted rivers and a tributary of the Yamuna, the Ken river runs through the Reserve. In addition to adding to the calm, peaceful atmosphere, the Ken River, which runs through the center of the reserve, also forges several magnificent waterfalls on its way to the valley below. There are many historical sites located inside the reserve. You may see remnants of human civilization from the Neolithic period here.
Popular Tigers at Panna National Park
A tiger reintroduction effort was initiated in the Panna Tiger Reserve when it was discovered there were no tigers there around ten years ago. Since that time, the Panna Tiger Reserve has succeeded in maintaining an increasing tiger population. Madhya Pradesh surpassed all other states in terms of the number of tigers, according to the most recent tiger census. Around 30 to 35 tigers have just left the Panna Tiger Reserve. There are about 20 to 25 pups and 45 to 50 adult tigers in the Panna Tiger Reserve (below the age of one year). There are a total of 70 big cats in the Panna Tiger Reserve as of now according to the reserve’s field director Uttam Kumar Sharma (statement given to PTI in 2021).
In a difficult effort that needed the re-establishment of a healthy tiger population in Panna Tiger Reserve, T4 became one of the “Founder Tigers.” Two females from Bandhavgarh (T1) and Kanha (T2), as well as one male (T3) from Pench, made up the small pioneer population there when T4 arrived. T4 – A tigress that was reared by a few men turned out to be a tough woman who had an exceptional, rich life in a setting that was far different from her natural habitat, ranging from the harsher, drier Kardhai and Sagwan forests of Panna to the damp, cold Sal woods of Kanha.
Wildlife at Panna National Park
The Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, chital, chinkara, nilgai, Sambar deer, sloth bear, rusty-spotted cat, and Asian palm civet are among the creatures that may be found here. More than 200 different bird species may be seen in the park, including the Indian vulture, red-headed vulture, blossom-headed parakeet, bar-headed geese, and crested honey buzzard.
Safari Zones in Panna National Park
| S.No. | Core Zones | Entrance Gates (Full Safari) | Entrance Gate (Single Seat Safari) |
| 1. | Madla Zone | Madla Gate | Madla Gate |
| 2. | Hinouta Zone (Core) | Hinouta Gate | Hinouta Gate |
| 3. | Jinna Zone (Buffer) | Jinna Gate | Jinna Gate |
| 4. | Akola Zone (Buffer) | Akola Gate | Akola Gate |
Best Time to Visit Panna National Park
November to March is the ideal time to go on a tiger safari in Panna National Park. However, before making a reservation for the Panna National Park Jungle Safari, you must consult us as we will help you find the best accommodation, best time, and best zones for maximum sighting for your tiger safari in Panna National Park. The park is typically open from October through June.
Types of Safaris at Panna National Park
There are three ways to reach Panna National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
Night Patrol Buffer Safari: You can also book a night patrol safari in a jeep which takes place in the buffer area of the Panna National Park. Panna tiger safari at night can be a different experience. On this night safari, you may observe many of the nocturnal species that are found in Panna National Park.
Jeep Safari: For a small group one can book a tiger safari in Panna through Nature safari India. Booking an exclusive jeep safari is advantageous since it enables you to direct the driver and guide to drive following your preferences and, if you enjoy photography, it enables you to take better pictures with fewer people in the jeep.
Boat Safari: Taking a boat safari on one of the cleanest rivers of India “The Ken River” is a diverse experience if you are visiting Pana National Park for your tiger safari in India.
All these above safaris can be booked through Nature Safari India. The top Indian wildlife tour operator. It is a one-stop shop for all of your tiger safari needs in India.
Reasons to Visit Panna National Park
A wildlife safari in Panna National Park will provide you with endless excitement and thrill thanks to Bengal Tigers and the menacing gharial. There are around 35 Royal Bengal Tigers in Panna National Park, so that alone is a compelling incentive to go there. However, this justification is considerably stronger. The Park serves as the nesting and breeding habitats for several rare and endangered vulture species. There are no other vultures like them in India. That is noteworthy since when was the last time you saw a vulture, much less so many of them in one location?
The Park is unique in a variety of other ways as well. An gigantic reptile known as a gharial, which is only found on the Indian subcontinent, may be seen in Panna at the Ken Gharial Sanctuary, which is situated on the River Ken’s bank. A tributary of the River Yamuna, the River Ken traverses the whole reserve. A popular tourist destination nearby is Pandava Falls, one of India’s tallest waterfalls, which plunges from over 98 feet to join the River Ken.
Several endangered types of animals, like as the leopard and chinkara, as well as unusual creatures like the nilgai, sloth bear, and sambar, may be seen on a wildlife safari at the Panna Tiger Reserve. More than 200 different bird species may be seen in the park, which is great news for bird enthusiasts. The park’s vegetation is characterised as a dynamic dry deciduous forest, which changes from a rich green colour during the monsoon season to a barren dry grey colour throughout the summer.
Both the vegetation and the animals of Panna National Park reflect the park’s diversity. Mammals, birds, and reptiles are among the several flora species present in the park.
Do’s & Don’ts at Panna National Park
Panna National Park is, for all intents and purposes, a wildlife conservation zone first and foremost. This means that as a tourist, you are required to follow park protocol to ensure your experience is as safe as it is enjoyable. Listed below are some mandatory guidelines.
- 1. Avoid getting too near to animals and respect their space (around 20 m away)
- 2. Do not drive quickly or stray from the prescribed track or road.
- 3. Even if there is a trash can there, don’t leave any trash in the park. Take your garbage out with you once you exit the park
- 4. Don’t take babies, small children, or pets
- 5. Leave a spot if a large crowd is gathering and you have been there awhile
- 6. Keep quiet. If you must speak, do so softly.
- 7. Learn about park rules and abide by them e.g. Don’t get out of the vehicle except at designated places, don’t smoke
- 8. Interact with local guides ; they can enhance your jungle experience.
- 9. Listen to the noises of the jungle – give all your senses a treat.
- 10. Do look beyond the mega fauna – some of the smallest creatures can be the most fascinating.
- 11. Carry binoculars and cameras
Things to Carry at Panna National Park
- 1. Travel Insurance
- 2. A vaccine card protector
- 3. N95 masks to use in crowded airports
- 4. Hand sanitizer
- 5. Travel first aid kit
- 6. Emergency motion sickness relief
- 7. Power bank for devices
Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Panna National Park
Taj Pasangarh
A group of 12 stone cottages known as Pashan Garh, sometimes known as the “stone fortress,” is perched on a tiny hill and offers a panoramic view of a deep forest. This opulent jungle safari lodge in Panna National Park was inspired by the dry-packed stone homes of the…
Sarai at Toria
This uniquely designed 8-room accommodation is situated on a beautiful riverside. Surrounded by wonderful history and natural beauty.
Ken river Lodge
The best spot to disappear from the world is the Machaan restaurant, affectionately known by locals as the Tree House due to its wonderful setting above the Ken River at Ken River Lodge. It provides a rare opportunity to relax with crocodiles, roar with tigers, and fly with birds in the…
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We just returned from a great safari trip to Khana National Park, Bandavgarh and Kaziranga organized for us by Nature Safaris. Everything worked as we planned and we have been taken great care by the agency. The quality of the ...
I spent a week at Kanha NP and had excellent sightings on tigers, blackbucks and other wildlife in the jungle. Mr. Sharad replies my inquiries promptly and gets everything well organized and prepared. Also, the safari driver assigned to ...
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