Pench National Park

Pench National Park is situated in the districts of Seoni and Chhindwara in the central state of Madhya Pradesh in India. One of India’s most well-known wildlife sanctuaries is Pench National Park, named after the pristine River Pence that runs through the park. Covering an extensive area of around 400 square kilometers, Pench National Park is a sprawling wilderness that hosts various wildlife and plant species. It’s a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Pench National Park provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of nature, discover a rich variety of wildlife, and experience history.

Quick Fact

Priyadarshini Pench National Park and Mowgli Pench Sanctuary are located on either side of Pench National Park, which covers an area of 758 square kilometers. The national park’s buffer zone covers the remaining 464 square kilometers of land.

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    BEST TIME TO VISIT PENCH NATIONAL PARK

    SUMMER SEASON

    (April to June)

    The vegetation begins to lose its original hue in April. The possibility of seeing tigers doubles from April to May since the grass dries up and less water is available due to the intense heat. As a result, there is a higher chance of sighting these animals near surviving water supplies. Heat can make the weather unbearable, and few tourists travel during this time. In addition, the wet season will start at this point, making safari challenging.

    MONSOON SEASON

    (July to September)

    This region’s monsoon season begins during the first week of July. This is the animal breeding season, and the sanctuary receives moderate to heavy rainfall. Soft rain showers, however, can quickly develop into powerful storms. As a result, during the rainy season, the park region in Madhya Pradesh is closed (July-September). Nevertheless, the park is most stunning, and following the monsoon season, the sanctuary turns lush green to reopen to visitors in October.

    WINTER SEASON

    (October to March)

    Since there are fewer visitors during this time, it is possible to visit the park. The primary visitor season is between October and March, when the weather is most agreeable. However, it could be chilly in the mornings and nights, particularly in December and January. It could get quite cold, and there will be frost, so you should pack a bit extra warm gear.

    HOW TO REACH PENCH NATIONAL PARK

     
    Wildlife enthusiasts can easily get to Pench National Park by air. Catch a flight to Jabalpur Airport in Madhya Pradesh, 5 hours from Pench National Park. Else, take a flight to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Maharashtra, located just 3 hours from the national park. If coming by air to Pench National Park, tourists prefer the airport in Maharashtra as it is connected with domestic and international flights. To cover the distance further, you can take a cab or taxi from the airport for a comfortable journey to Pench National Park.
    The nearest train station to Pench National Park is Seoni Railway Station in Madhya Pradesh. It is located about 80 kilometers away from Pench National Park. The station provides excellent connectivity from major Indian cities by operating trains frequently. 

    Another choice is the Jabalpur Railway Station, about 224 kilometers from Pench. Nagpur is a different destination for travelers and one of the central train hubs. From Pench, Nagpur Railway Station is around 76 kilometers away. Using cabs at any of these stations facilitates travel to Pench National Park.

    Pench National Park is close to Nagpur and is easily reachable by road, train, and air from all across the nation because National Highway 7 passes through it. Varanasi and Kanyakumari are connected by National Highway 7, and adjacent cities like Chhindwara, Nagpur, Jabalpur, and Raipur make it simple to reach the national park. The closest town to Pench is Seoni, which is 81 kilometers away. Pench is located 228 kilometers from Jabalpur, 78 kilometers from Nagpur, and 75 kilometers from Chhindwara.

    The largest city near Pench in Nagpur, which has excellent road access to India’s main cities. State buses and privately rented cars are easily accessible to Pench from all these cities.

    TIPS FOR PENCH NATIONAL PARK

    • Planning your wildlife tour with a professional is advised. Also, use a guide provided by the trip organizer.
    • The park is closed on holidays like Holi and Diwali and also in monsoon season. 
    • There is a higher likelihood of seeing a tiger or wild cat on an elephant safari.
    • Go on an evening safari to increase your chances of seeing the animals.
    • In the rainforests, network coverage and connectivity are low. Therefore, avoid relying on phones or mobile devices, particularly for crucial matters, while on a jungle safari.
    • Flashy (vibrant colored clothes) attire is strictly prohibited. Instead, put on relaxing, softened colors. Choose comfortable, well-fitting clothing whenever possible.
    • Private vehicles are not allowed inside the national park’s gates. Therefore park them in the designated parking area.

    FAQs

    What is the best time to visit Pench National Park?

    Winter is the ideal time to visit Pench National Park because the weather is still mild and peaceful for a safari among the park’s fauna. From November to February, the temperature drops to a minimum of 1°C per day and reaches a maximum of 5°C.

    Which is the closest airport to Pench National Park?

    The closest airport is Nagpur, around 85 kilometers away. Another option is to travel to Jabalpur, about 228 kilometers from Pench. Compared to Jabalpur, Nagpur’s international airport has more flight options.

    How many zones are there in Pench National Park?

    There are seven zones in Pench National Park: Turia, Karmajhiri, Jamtara, Rukhad, Wolf Sanctuary, Sillari, and Khursapar.

    Which Pench National Park gate is famous for viewing tigers?

    Tourists choose Turia Gate for a safari ride for tiger sightings in Pench National Park.

    How many days are required to explore Pench National Park?

    Two days are more than sufficient to enjoy the Pench National Park trip.