Panna National Park

Panna National Park, situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is a natural gem known for its exceptional wildlife and untouched landscapes.In addition, the Ken River flows through this reserve and creates beautiful waterfalls on its way to the valley.

The Panna Tiger Reserve was given the Award of Excellence in 2007 because the Indian Ministry of Tourism deemed it the best-run and maintained national park in the country. The park is well-known for its attractions, including tigers and other wild cats, deer, and antelope. Additionally, more than 200 different bird species call it home.

Quick Fact
The national park encompasses a dynamic dry deciduous forest in Vindhyan Hills, which spans 542 square kilometers. The gorges and plateaus in the park feature some splendid waterfalls, adding a sweet rhythm to the wild air of the national park. In addition to unique flora species, a wide range of fauna, including the Royal Bengal tiger, calls the park their home.

Popular Flora and Fauna of Panna National Park
Panna National Park is home to a staggering array of species, with the Royal Bengal Tiger and the long-nosed gharial serving as the main draws. However, the park is also home to a remarkable variety of flora, and its thick vegetation contributes to its overall splendor. This area’s vegetation is of the dry deciduous type, characterized by thorny forests, shrubs, and tall grasses due to the region’s predominately hot and dry climate.

Panna is the most impressive, well-managed habitat for India’s various wildlife creatures. The national park is a perfect home to a variety of fauna. With significant regional variations in physiography, climate, and edaphic types, Panna forests offer various habitat types responsible for multiple wildlife species in India.
Some of the famous fauna of Panna National Park include Royal Bengal Tiger, Chinkara, Nilgai, Chital, Chinkara and many more.

Brief history about Panna National Park
Panna National Park used to be a private hunting preserve owned by the rulers of the states of Panna, Chhatarpur, and Bijawar. The national park and Gangau were later designated as wildlife sanctuaries in 1981. With the addition of more animal sanctuaries, including the Ken Gharial wildlife sanctuary, it was elevated into a Tiger Reserve in 1994. The Mahabharata also mentions the Pandavas’ extensive time in Panna’s woodlands during their exile.

Places to Visit Near Panna National Park
People from all over the world have traditionally traveled to the stunning Panna Valley. However, there are many places to visit in Panna that will help you connect with the natural world and deepen your spirituality. Some of them are:

Pandava Falls and Caves
As the name implies, this location is inside the boundaries of the Panna National Park and was sought by the Pandavas during their exile. Fans of mythology, rejoice! With waterfalls, a deep lake, and lush green surroundings, this venue is sure to leave you speechless. It’s the ideal setting for a peaceful meeting.

Diamond Mines
Madhya Pradesh is home to the largest and only operating diamond mine in Asia, the state is thus known as “treasure land.” A visit to the Panna diamond mine will uncover the mystery behind diamond farming. The Majhagaon diamond mine is spread across a 50-km belt, from Pahari Khera in the north to Majhgawan in the south, with a breadth of about 30 km.

Jugal Kishoreji Temple
The most significant Hindu temple in Panna. The traditional Bundela temple design served as inspiration for the temple’s architecture. A pilgrimage to the four Dhams is considered insufficient if it doesn’t include a stop at the Jugal Kishore Ji Temple.

Baldeoji Temple
Roman architecture served as inspiration for the Baldeoji Temple’s Gothic design. The temple consists of a sizable room with enormous pillars called the Maha Mandapa, and it is constructed on an elevated platform so one can see it from outside the entrance gate.

Safari in Panna National Park

Night Safari
You can do something completely different from what you usually do when you go on a safari in a national park. In Panna, the authorities offer Panna National Park night safaris because the forest looks different at night when the stars and moon illuminate it. You can see where nocturnal animals live in the brightness of the shining moon and stars.

Bengal tigers, wolves, Indian leopards, and the rusty-spotted wild cat are the night’s dominant species, which you will track. Deer can be seen lazing around in the lovely canopy of shimmering stars. Additionally, seeing the owls and hearing their hoots will make you feel at ease. It’s also a great experience to catch fireflies.

Safari Timings

  • 6.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Jeep Safari
Jeep safari lets you explore the vast plateau and gorges, shining waterfalls, and deep teak forests and also allow you to see a wide variety of animals & plants. One should take advantage of the opportunity because it is your best chance of watching a tiger from a close distance.

Safari Timings
Summer timings

  • Morning: 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
  • Evening: 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Winter timings

  • Morning: 7:00 am to 10:30 a.m.
  • Evening: 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Boat Safari
The Ken River cruise or boat safari is a memorable way for visitors to experience Panna National Park’s splendor. Visitors to Panna National Park can partake in the Ken Boat Safari, which lets them explore the pristine surroundings while watching for migrating birds and amphibians. However, tourists may also witness frightening marsh muggers, Black Ibises basking, and Eurasian Eagle Owls (crocodiles).

Safari Timings
Summer timings

  • Morning: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
  • Evening: 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Winter timings

  • Morning: 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
  • Evening: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Elephant Safari
Elephant safari is one of the most thrilling aspects of visiting a wildlife sanctuary or national park. During this safari, you can roam around the lush green jungle with a guide on the back of an elephant, gazing at a greater distance. You are more likely to see a tiger on an elephant safari. The unique activity is thrilling, and you won’t be disappointed to take this ride.

Safari Timings
Summer timings

  • Morning: 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
  • Evening: 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Winter timings

  • Morning: 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
  • Evening: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Panna National Park Zones
The names of the safari zones that fall under the core and buffer zone categories should be known before visiting Panna National Park or any other national park.

A safari zone which in most cases is the core zone of the park, has no external borders and only borders the buffer zone. If you wish to enter the core zone, you must first pass through the forest in the buffer zone. Likewise, animals in the core zone must also pass through the forest in the buffer zone to enter the outside world. The Core zones are Madla Zone and Hinata Zone

In order to protect the wild creatures in the core zone, the buffer zone offers a surrounding layer. The inner and outer boundaries of the buffer zone are shared with the core zone. Local villages and resorts may also be included in the buffer zone; therefore, there is a somewhat higher level of human disturbance here, which makes it less likely to see mammals. Each site has its unique significance. The Buffer zones are Jinna Zone and Akola Zone.

Madla Safari Zone
The Madla zone is a part of the core zone forest in Panna National Park. It is a trendy tourist destination because it is the oldest safari zone area. Previously, it was the only safari area available for jungle safaris at the Panna National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Over time, visitors can access additional safari areas in the core and buffer zone categories.

It is a well-known safari location with gorges, vulture viewing sites, expansive tiger habitat grasslands, adjacent river forests, boating options, plateau-based safaris, and many more picturesque forest areas.

Only this safari zone offers the popular boat safari option on the Ken River. This means you must reserve a Madla zone safari permit if you wish to do a boat safari in the core zone.

Hinouta Safari Zone
The Panna National Park’s Hinouta Zone is located in the core zone forest. It is located south of the Madla Zone and provides an incredible safari experience. Since the Hinouta zone receives less traffic than the Madla core zone, travelers that like to go on a forest safari in peace or without being bothered by other safari vehicles tend to favor it.

The position of its access gate is the primary cause of this safari zone’s lack of appeal. Only the Taj Safari Lodge in Pashan Garh is conveniently adjacent to the Hinouta entry gate. Hence, visitors from this lodge are typically found only in this area.

Undoubtedly, Panna National Park is a treasure trove for wildlife lovers, as the two zones offer a range of unique safari experiences. The core zone has two safari zones: the Mandla Zone and the Hinouta Zone. These zones are ideal for safaris. Tourists can opt for different safaris in the core zone of Panna National Park.

Resorts in and around Panna National Park
Visitors can use the extra benefits of staying at the beautiful resorts and motels of Panna National Park for a memorable Panna Jungle trip. The location is particularly alluring because of the historical and attractive palace resorts. Additionally, if somebody is seeking a regular place to stay in the Panna area, a variety of lodges are available. Some of them are:

  • Pashan Garh A Taj Safari Lodge
  • Sarai at Toria
  • Ken River Lodge
  • Tendu Leaf Jungle Lodge
  • MPTDC Jungle Camp Madla
  • Panna Tiger Resort

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    BEST TIME TO VISIT PANNA NATIONAL PARK

    SUMMER SEASON

    (March to June)

    The summers in Panna are scorching, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 40°C. Nevertheless, early summer is the best time to indulge in a jungle safari because numerous animals are spotted moving around in the park, even though sightseeing at this temperature is uncomfortable.

    Panna’s arid environment makes the park exceedingly hot and dry throughout the summers. The animals and their cubs congregate daily near the Ken River to satisfy their thirst because the summers dry up the little water basins inside the park’s boundaries. Additionally, it improves your chances of spotting wildlife and is the most cost-effective time to visit.

    MONSOON SEASON

    (July to September)

    July marks the beginning of the wet season, which lasts until September. The monsoons relieve Panna’s oppressive summer heat because of the region’s significant rainfall. As a result, Panna’s rainy season changes every year. The terrain turns slick and muddy, making journeys by bicycle and foot nearly impossible.

     

    While the excellent weather draws many visitors during this time, forest safaris are prohibited since most animals in the forests are in their breeding season. Therefore, you should talk to the authorities if you plan to visit the national park.

    While the excellent weather draws many visitors during this time, forest safaris are prohibited since most animals in the forests are in their breeding season. Therefore, you should talk to the authorities if you plan to visit the national park.

    WINTER SEASON

    (October to February)

    The winters are ideal for traveling to Panna and engaging in adventurous pursuits. The temperature range is from 27°C in the daytime to 8°C at night. As thousands of migratory birds fly to the wildlife regions in the winter, Panna sees the highest number of visitors because it is the best time for birdwatching.

    Winter lasts from October to February. When migratory bird populations are at their highest, November to January is the optimum time to go bird watching—come in winter if you enjoy watching migratory birds in flight. You might feel warm during the day, but it will be cold at night. So, pack your bags with suitable woolen.

    HOW TO REACH PANNA NATIONAL PARK

     
    By Flight
    By Train
    By Road
    The domestic airport closest to Panna National Park is Khajuraho. Only 94 km separate the park and the airport. Therefore, it would take 2 to 3 hours to travel there from Khajuraho Airport. The major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata do not offer direct flights to Khajuraho. The majority of flights connect to Khajuraho via Varanasi.

    Raja Bhoj International Airport, located in Bhopal, is the closest international airport to Panna National Park. To get to the park from the airport, use a cab. Even if it’s a little pricey, flying is still the fastest and most convenient method to get to Panna National Park, especially for foreign visitors.

    Near Panna National Park, there are two railheads. Khajuraho is first on this list. Using NH 39 and MP 49, it takes 2 hours and 42 minutes to travel the 99 km to the National Park from Khajuraho. Satna, located 90 km away, is the second railhead.

    The park is located 256 km from Jhansi, the closest significant railhead. This is an important rail hub, and all cities have rail connections to Jhansi. To reach these local interstate railway stations, you can take the best of the trains, like the Maharaja Express or the Golden Chariot, to reach cities like Lucknow, Khajuraho, etc., and then take private cars for transfers.

    The road network connecting Madhya Pradesh to other cities and states is outstanding. Travelers can easily access their destination by bus or vehicle, because of the well-paved roads and highways. The closest bus stop to the park is Panna, which has excellent connections to Khajuraho. In addition, Agra, Delhi, and Jhansi all offer interstate bus services, both public and commercial, that travel to Khajuraho.

    However, some buses connect visitors to the Panna National Park from Gwalior, Bamitha, and Satna. But if you want to make your journey smooth, comfortable, and convenient, then we also offer personal cars with drivers, and you can enjoy your road journey.

    TIPS FOR PANNA NATIONAL PARK

    • Book your jungle safari and hotel in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
    • Do not wear brightly colored clothes as they attract dangerous animals.
    • Reach early before the park gates open to complete all the formalities.
    • Do not venture into restricted areas. 
    • At any point during the safari, don’t leave the vehicle without your guide’s permission.
    • Do not litter. Take out the trash with you.
    • Carry binoculars and a camera with you.
    • Do not try to feed animals.
    • Do not smoke and light a fire.
    • Do not play music and make noises, as it may provoke animals.

    FAQs

    Is Panna National Park worth visiting?

    The park is well-known for its attractions, including tigers and other wild cats, deer, and antelope. Additionally, more than 200 different bird species call it home. A fascinating experience in this well-known sanctuary is a jungle safari.

    On which day Panna National Park is closed?

    Every Wednesday afternoon, safaris are prohibited in all of Madhya Pradesh’s national parks, including Panna, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, Satpura, and Sanjay.

    Is the Panna Tiger Reserve good?

    In 2007, the Indian Ministry of Tourism recognized Panna Tiger Reserve as “the best-maintained tourist-friendly national park of the country.”

    Who should visit Panna?

    Despite its tiny size, Panna’s Tiger Reserve attracts many tourists from all over the world. In addition, many ecotourists, wildlife photographers, and animal enthusiasts visit the city. The city also attracts historians and art enthusiasts due to its historic structures.