Panna National Park is situated in at a distance of around 57 km from Khajuraho in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Besides being famous for its diamonds, Panna is also well known for some of the best wildlife species in India. Panna Wildlife National Park is one of the best Tiger Reserves in the country. The park is known worldwide for its wild cats, including tigers as well as deer and antelope.
According to the legend, the Pandavas spent a major part of their seclusion in the forests of the Panna National Park. The park acted as the private hunting ground of the royal family of Panna. The park was declared a wildlife sanctuary soon after the independence. In the year 1981, the park was declared a National Park.
The region of the Panna National Park has growth of Mixed Deciduous Forests. The region has rocky and uneven terrain, which is covered by scrubby vegetation and grass. The park provides a natural habitat to the wildlife species including Chinkara, Chital, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Tiger and Wolf. The sights of the tigers is not very common and a difficult task over here. It requires a lot of patience and luck. The Ken River flows through the park towards the north. The river is home to the major Indian species of crocodiles i.e. the Mugger and Long Snouted Gharial.
Besides the Panna National Park, there are other tourist attractions in this place. The Pandav Falls, probably named after the Pandavas, is also a major attraction in this region. There is lake, which is fed by the waterfall. You can also visit the Rajgarh Palace, which is a splendid example of palace architecture. The palace overlooks the beautiful valley.
Panna is also famous for its diamond mining industry and is a place worth visiting. Majhgaon is 55 km away from Panna. It is the only diamond mine in India, which is in a working condition.
Khajuraho is at a distance of 57 km from the Panna National Park. The place is renowned for beautiful sculptures and group of temples. the temples are listed in the UNESCO's World Heritage Site. The erotic images on the walls of the temples are well known and attract tourists from all over the world. Major attractions are the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Lakshman Temple, Devi Jagdamba Temple, Temple of Vishwanath and Nandi, Chaunsath Yogini Temple, Parsvanatha Temple etc.
Travel Tips
Tourists should not cause any damage floral and faunal life. The flora should not be plucked to take back home. You should not kindle any kind of fire; throw lit matches and cigarette buds. Do not throw or leave trash, litter and polyethylene bags in the forest. Firearms and chemicals should not be taken into the forests as they may cause harm to the wildlife and the vegetation. Never play radio and tape recorders as their frequency and voice might disturb, scare or irritate the animals.
Climate
The region of Panna experiences Tropical Type of Climate. Summers are too hot and humid and this is the time when there is a maximum chance of coming across the wildlife population of this park. Winters are cold but comfortable. The temperature ranges around 31.4°C during the summer months and drops to around 13.5°C during the winter months. Panna experiences monsoon showers from July and continues till mid-September.
How To Reach
The airport at Khajuraho is the nearest to the Panna National Park, which is at a distance of 57 km. Daily flights connect Khajuraho with Delhi, Mumbai and Varanasi.
The nearest Railway Station is at Santa, which is 90 km away from the Panna National Park. It is connected with many cities and towns of Central and Western India.
Panna is well connected with many major cities and towns by a good network of roads. Madla at a distance of 24 km is major transport center.
There are options for accommodation at Panna national Park like tourist lodges, tourist houses etc. Better accommodation facilities are available at Madla. A day trip can be organized to Panna National Park while staying at Khajuraho where there are plenty of accommodation options suitable for all budget types.
STD/ISD and Postal and Telegraph facilities are available at Madla. Internet facilities are available only in most of the major hotels at Khajuraho.
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