Pench National Park

The best thing about Pench National Park is that it offers all the charm of Bandhavgarh, however with less crowds. This is where you can spend hours without coming across another vehicle filled with visitors. And here’ s the best part– Pench is also where you have a very high chance of spotting a tiger.

"The Land of the iconic Mowgli, Sher Khan, Bagheera & Balloo."

Pench National Park derives its name from the Pench River that flows through the park.

However don’t make your experience all about spotting the king of the jungle. There’s a lot more to see and experience here: the wild canines, the collared scops owls, chameleons, jackals and hornbills. Likewise, don’t miss out on the small creatures that are sure to further enrich your experience of being out in nature– funnel spiders, a small owlet, the flash of blue of a nightjar’s wings, butterflies swarming around the jeep’s yellow indicator, or a baby bear grunting after its mother.

In 1863, the first Inspector General of Frests (India). Dr Dietrich Brandis, visited this location and set policies for the forests. In 1929 it was declared a reserve forest, however hunting permits were available till 1970-71. In fact, according to local records, in 1949-50, 49 tigers were shot in the |location. In 1977, finally realizing the need to protect the tigers in the region, 449.39 sq km was demarcated as the Pench Wildlife Sanctuary. Then in 1983 it was declared a National Park and in 1992, a Tiger Reserve. It became the 19th reserve to be protected under Project Tiger.

The total area of the Pench Tiger Reserve is spread out across 1180 sq km, including a buffer zone of 768 sq km. the core area, which is of 411 sq km includes| the Pench Moguli WS. The terrain is undulating, with most of the area covered by small hills, steeply sloping in the sides. The hills in the park include CHindi Matta, Khumabdeo, Khariban Matta, Arjal Matta and Kalapahar. Matta translates to hills in Gondi (the language of the Gond tribals in the area. Kalapahar is the highest at 650 m, while Jamtara and Ghumtara are the plateaus.

It’s only in the previous decades that Pench has actually opened up to tourists, though ironically, descriptions of its natural wealth and richness appear as far back as 400 years ago in the Ain-i-Akbari (Abu Fazal’s renowned account of the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar). The natural beauty, the huge prey base, the numerous predators and its biodiversity were also featured in numerous wildlife books dating back to the 17th century.

The well-known 19th– century author Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book is apparently set around this tract of the Satpura, though Kanha has somehow usurped the claim to fame. In reality, Liling has actually even penned a poem, Hunting tune of the Seeone pack, after this location of Pench located in the Seoni District.

ORIENTATION

Pench National Park or the Indira Priyadarshini Pench Tiger Reserve is located on the southern boundary of Madhya Pradesh and is adjoining with Maharashtra's Pench National forest. You can access the park from Maharashtra as well. In the Madhya Pradesh side, the park is located in the Seoni District and is named after the Pench River, which flows north to south through the park.
Pench forms part of an area of 2,500 sq km called the Satpura-Maikal landscape, which includes Melghat, Pachmarhi, Kanha, Chhattisgarh and Bandhavgarh. There are three gates: the Turia Gate which is the most convenient and the Karajhuri and Jamtara Gates.
Here also, like the other parks in MP, only registered local vehicles are allowed inside, and with a signed up guide. The majority of hotels, however, will include park-related charges in their rates, so check with your hotel about the safari in advance.
If you've come to watch wildlife, make sure you plan your day to fit in as much as is possible. It is difficult to get up every day before dawn (specially during the freezing winter season}however, do yourself a favor and make that effort. Keep in mind, animal sightings (especially tiger) are not guaranteed, and the more journeys you make into the jungle, the more likely you are to see the animals. And don’t worry about losing out on sleep. As in between the morning and evening rides, there will be plenty of time to take that well-deserved nap.

explore Pench through the camera's eyes

History of Pench National Park

Pench Tiger Reserve’s current geographical area has an illuminated history. Abul Fazl’s Ain-i-Akbari, an immortal book showcasing Akbar’s regime & era, does mention the flora, fauna & the location of this forest.

Geography, location & area of Pench National Park

The Core area of Pench National park consists of Indira Priyadarsini Pench National Park and Mowgali Pench Sanctuary.

The Indira Priyadarsini Pench National Park is located in Seoni and Chhindwara districts & The Pench Mowgali Sanctuary is confined to Kurai block of Seoni district.

Climate & Best time to visit Pench National Park

There are four distinct seasons in the area which is distinctly common to Central india – the summer from March to the second week of June (till the first shower of monsoon), the rainy season from the second week of June to almost first week of September and the winter from November to February.

Things to do & activities in Pench National Park
  • Visit the Potter’s Village at Pachdhar
  • Go Boating Near The Pench Reservoir
  • Unwind & Relax
Places to stay in Pench National Park

It’s advisable to stay at Touria, the main entry point to the park.

Madhya Pradesh Tourism hosts Kipling Court at Touria.

Wildlife of Pench National Park

Pench National Park has its importance in the natural history of central India.

Many accolade of its natural beauty and its richness in fauna & flora have appeared in numerous literatures dating back to the 17th century.

For Your Eyes Only

Operation

Pench remains closed for tourists from 1st July till 30th of September every year or as reviewed & decalred by the Forest department.

Weather

Winters ( Dec to Feb ) can be extremely cold touching sub zero. Summers are hot & humid.

Permits

Jungle Safari’s are allowed for tourists subject to availability of permits. It is advisable to pre book wildlife tours well in advance as issuance of permits are highly restricted & much in demand. 

How to reach pench

Pench National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh sharing it’s border with Maharastra.

Tour Packages for Pench National Park

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Destination Brochure of Pench National Park

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