The Pench Wildlife National Park is located between latitude 21°40' in the North and longitude 79°15' in the east. The park is situated in the Seoni district of southern Madhya Pradesh and runs in continuation with Pench National Park of Maharashtra. This park has been known through the ages for its rich flora and fauna. Many writers like Captain Forsyth, A.A.D. Brander, R.A. Strendale, and Rudyard Kipling in their books have made the mention of the park as the place with rich and beautiful flora and fauna.
The Pench Wildlife Sanctuary was named after the river Pench that flows nearby. The place was declared as a notified area in 1972 and as the Wildlife Sanctuary in 1983. The park is the 19th Tiger Reserve in the country and has quite a few tigers and other wildlife population. The total of 758 km of area comes under the Pench Tiger Reserve, out of which 299 sq km of the core area forms the National Park and 464 km comprises the buffer area.
There is a thick growth of forest vegetation in the park. The Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Teak and Southern Tropical Mixed Deciduous Forest are found in this park along with other species of shrubs, trees and climbers. Many rare and exotic herbs and grasses are found in the region that are known for and used for medicinal purposes.
The park is home to a large number of endangered species. The park has high density of the Chital, Four Horned Antelopes, Gaur, Muntjac, Nilgai and Wild pig. T is really difficult to spot a tiger over here and it requires a lot of patience and luck to sight one. The park has a huge population bird life as well. The census of the bird population in the park is more than 125 species like Barbets, Blue Kingfishers, Bulbuls, Minivets, Munias, Mynas, Orioles, Wagtails and Waterfowls. The Pench River and the Water Streams provide a place to the water birds of this region. They are also the habitat for crocodiles and fresh water turtles.
Nagpur is situated at a distance of around 93 km from Pench. The tourist have the option of visiting the Sitabuldi Fort, Council Hall, Cathedral of All Saints, High Court, Raj Bhawan and Chhatris of the Bhonsle Dynasty at Nagpur.
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 Pench experiences the Tropical Climate with hot summers and cold winters. Pench receives monsoon showers from the beginning of July and continues till September. The best time to visit this park is during summer as many of the wildlife come out of their natural habitat in search of water and waterholes in the park. The tourists should carry light cotton clothes during summers and light woolens during winters.
How To Reach
The nearest airport to the Pench National Park is the Sonegaon Airport at Nagpur, which is at a distance of 93 km. There are frequents flights connecting Nagpur with Mumbai.
The nearest Railway Station to the Pench National Park is the Seoni Railway Station, which is 30 km away from the Park.
The road network connects Seoni to almost all the major places in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
The Forest Rest Houses are available on rent for the purpose of accommodation. Prior booking is necessary to reserve these rest houses.
STD/ISD and Postal Facilities are available in Seoni. Internet facilities are available only at Nagpur where there are many Internet access points for public use.
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