Panna National Park (Madhya Pradesh) | Hotels, Safari. Best Time To Visit

Panna National Park, Panna Overview

The 22nd tiger reserve of India and the fifth in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Pana National Park is located in Panna and Chhatarpur districts. Known worldwide for its plentiful wildlife and avifauna, the national park covers an area of around 542.67 km square. Panna Tiger Reserve was found as the best managed and maintained national park of India by the Ministry of Tourism of India, and therefore, it was rewarded with the Award of Excellence in the year 2007. The park is famous for its attractions like wild cats, including tigers as well as deer and antelope. It is also an abode for more than 200 species of birds.

Jungle safari in this widely famous sanctuary is an exciting experience. The jeep passes through the dense teak forests and picturesque gorges. It is entirely fascinating to see the diversity of flora and fauna. If you are lucky, you will spot unique animals like spotted deer or chital, black buck, the Indian gazelle or panthers. When it comes to the vegetation of the Panna National Park, you will find distinct types of eccentric plants. Besides being a paradise of wildlife fanatics, the national park has a natural splendour too. Magnificent gorges and mesmerising waterfalls are a treat to the eyes. Boating in the Ken river adds up to make your trip a perfect one.

History of Panna National Park

Earlier, Panna National Park was a private hunting preserve of the rulers of Panna, Chhatarpur & Bijawar states. Later, in the year 1981, the national park along with Gangau sanctuary was declared as a wildlife sanctuary. Panna National Park is 22nd Tiger reserve of India and fifth in central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. In 1994, it was upgraded into a Tiger Reserve with the inclusion of some other wildlife sanctuary like Ken Gharia wildlife sanctuary. It is also mentioned in Mahabharata that Pandavas spent a long time of their exile in the forests of Panna.

The national park faced several problems in conserving the tigers. In March 2009, two female tigers were brought here from Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha National Park. Surprisingly, in June 2009, it was discovered that the sanctuary, which had around 40 tigers six years ago, was left only with two tigresses. Due to this, Ministry of Environment and Forest decided to relocate two tigers and two tigresses to the reserve. Few of them were brought from reserves like Pench National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha National Park.

Wildlife at Panna National Park

Mammals: You will find tigers roaming here freely with other beings like the leopard (Panthera pardus), wild dog (Cuon alpinus), wolf (Canis lupus), hyaena, caracal (Felus caracal) and other smaller cats. Sloth bears can be easily spotted in the rock escarpments and peaceful valleys. The wooded areas are abundant with sambar, the largest of Indian deer, chital and chowsingha. One can easily see nilgai and chinkara in the open areas of grasslands, especially on the periphery.

Avifauna: The avifauna comprises more than 200 species, including a myriad of migratory birds. Some of the birds you might spot here are- white necked stork, bareheaded goose, honey Buzzard, King vulture, Blossom-headed Parakeet, Paradise flycatcher.

Reptiles: Variety of snakes including pythons are found here.

Flora: Due to the dry and hot climate along with shallow Vindhyan soils, deciduous vegetation dominates this area. Other major forest types are riverine, open grasslands and thorny woodlands. The characteristic floral species of this area include tree species such as Tectona grandis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca indica, Buchnania latifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Anogeissus pendula, Lannea coromandelica, Bosswelia serrata, etc.

Panna National Park Jeep Safari

The jeep safari in the Panna national park is a thrilling experience. As you pass through undulating terrains and thick deciduous forests, you will spot a variety of rare animals and plants. Two rounds of jungle safari are available- one in the morning and the other in the evening. At a particular time, 63 jeeps are allowed to go inside the park, and maximum six tourists are permitted in a single vehicle. While on a safari, you can also choose to boat in the Ken river to have a close look of aquatic species.

Safari timings-
Winter (Oct to Jan)- Morning- 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Evening- 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Summer (Feb to June)- Morning - 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Evening- 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Panna National Park Timings and Entrance Fee

The timings are 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM and 2:30 AM - 5:30 PM.

Entry fee is INR 40 for Indians & INR 500 for foreigners.
Jeep rental- INR 1500/half day.
Camera- INR 40 (still) & INR 200 (video)
Guide- INR 100/vehicle,
Private vehicle entry- INR 150,
Boat Ride- INR 150 for Indians and INR 150 for foreigners
Elephant safari- INR 100 for Indians and INR 600 for foreigners
Night Safari- INR 1800/jeep (including entry fees)

Photography

allowed

Best Time To Visit Panna National Park

The best time to visit Panna National Park is from November to April during which climate remains pleasant. The mercury lingers between 8 to 30 degrees Celcius in winters which are not too cold. In March-April, the chances of spotting animals are quite high. Summers witness blistering heat with the temperature soaring up to 45 degrees Celcius. Monsoons are also not suitable for visiting the national park since heavy downpours are observed, and jungle safaris are also not available.

Tips For Visiting Panna National Park

1. Do not try to feed animals.
2. Avoid wearing bright colours that could attract wild animals.
3. Do not venture into restricted areas. Follow the rules and regulations while on a jungle safari.
4. Carry water bottles, sunscreens and scarfs as a protection from heat.

How To Reach Panna National Park

The road network is perfect to reach Panna National Park; nearest bus stand is in Panna town which is connected to Khajuraho, Satna and many other places in Madhya Pradesh by a good road network. Madla, at a distance of around 24 km south west of Khajuraho, is an excellent transport centre. One can get buses and other road transport modes from here to the Panna National Park.