Pench National Park

History

Pench National Park is undoubtedly one of the most reputable National Parks in India, located in the Seoni & Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh. Several decades ago, in mid-20th century, parts of forest lands cam under the administration of the Royals in Madhya Pradesh. Then, in the year 1965, the Government of India declared it as a sanctuary.

There are two distinct segments of the Park namely the Priyadarshini National Park and the Mowgli Pench Sanctuary. The River Pend flows through the Park, almost bisecting its area. There are 10 villages in and around the Park. The hamlet Fulzari is located inside the Park, and remaining nine villages are on its peripheral area. 

In 1975, the Indian Government finally gave the forests the status of a National Park. Pench is home to a large number of Bengal Tigers, making it one of the most sough-after tourist destinations in India. In the year 1992, the Park came under the consideration of Project Tiger plan, and declared a Tiger Reserve. The world-famous author Rudyard Kipling had based his classic ‘The Jungle Book’ on Pench. 

Useful Information

• Total area – 758 sq km 
• Core area – 292.85 sq km 
• Elevation range – 425 to 620 meters 
• Latitude –  21037’N to 21050’30” E
• Longitude – 79007’45” E to 79022’30”
• Nearest river – Pench River  
• Nearby hills – Satpura Hills 
• Avg. annual rainfall – More than 1300 mm 

Flora of Pench National Park

Exploring the beauty of Pench is a lifetime experience, where you would come across abundant flora species. The lush greenery and dense forests of the Park are bound to impress you with their biodiversity. The presence of several Mahua trees in the Park makes it mystic and uniquely appealing, which you witness availing Pench holiday packages. 

The subtle loveliness of Palash trees in Pench is attractive, too. You would fall completely in love with the sheer captivating vegetation of the forests. There are also numerous teak trees in the Park, adding more value to its numerous flora species. You would also come across many Neem trees in the Pench forests. Spotting an animal or even a bush colorful with wild flowers is very satisfying for any wildlife enthusiast. 

The trees already mentioned are not the only species found in Pench. There are several varieties of fruit trees found across the forest. It is not very uncommon to see a guava and orange trees in specific zones of the Park in your Pench tour packages. 

If you have read about Sal trees only in novels and never seen them, then you would have a wonderful opportunity to see those trees in Pench. The National Park is abundant with Sal tress of various sizes. There are also numerous varieties of shrubs and herbs spread across different parts of the Park.

Fauna of Pench National Park

The diversity in faunal species in Pench National Park would surely put a broad smile on your face, as it would enrich your experience of touring the Park in your vacations. No doubt the Royal Bengal Tiger is the major attraction, but there are many other animal species, too. For example, spotting a leopard in the Park is one of the most exciting experiences in one of your Pench wildlife packages. There are also smaller versions of wild cats, such as Jungle Cats, which could be spotted among thickets.

Pench is also a residence for major deer species such as Chital, Sambar and Chinkara. As a wildlife enthusiast, you would also be extremely delighted to spot Barking deer in Pench forests in your Pench adventure packages. 

The Gaur or the Indian Bison is one of the most prominent animals found here. You could also spot Nilgai and wild pigs. There are other varieties of carnivore animals that are found in Pench, such as wild dogs, wolves, foxes, hyenas, jackals, etc, you could spot during Pench safari tours.

Pench is also home to animals like civets, such as its small Indian version. Palm civets live in these forests, too. There are also small animals such as porcupines. Witnessing a sloth bear in Pench sightseeing packages frolicking beside a bush could also be a wonderful experience, if you are lucky enough. 

Climate of Pench National Park

The Pench National Park is located in the Highlands of Central India – hence, the nature of its climate is pretty dynamic. It has predictably three distinct seasons namely summer, monsoon and winter.

Summers in Pench are very uncomfortable. Although many tourists visit the Park during the summer season, it is not recommended to explore the forests during summers, as the weather is very hot. The dryness in air would make it very difficult to explore the different regions of the Park, making it quite difficult to seep through the beauty of these jungles. The mercury could even rise to the level of 50 degree Celsius. Late nights are not so uncomfortable. The temperatures generally fluctuate around 25 degree Celsius mark. 

Pench National Park receives ample rainfall during the monsoons. The average annual rainfall that the Park receives is about 1300 mm. It is not uncommon for few parts of the forests to get inundated with water. Months of July and August receive the maximum rainfall. Resultantly, the forests in Pench become greener. 

The onset of winter season at Pench is from end-weeks of November. Winter lasts in the Park till the month of February. The climate during this period is very pleasant. There is a cool breeze smoothly flowing through the Park all the time. The breeze becomes chilling at nights. The temperature in some parts of the Park, especially in areas where the forests are denser, could drop to 6 degree Celsius. 

Best Time to Visit Pench National Park

Determining the best time to visit the Pench National Park becomes easier when you have the full details about the prevailing climactic conditions inside the Park, throughout the year. 

For example, during monsoons, especially in July and August, the Park is closed for tourists. Hence, planning your tour during this period would be a bad idea. Several regions in the core zone of Pench become unsuitable for safaris. Those areas become inaccessible. 

Summers are usually very hot. As an enthusiast traveler, you would practically find it very difficult to comfortably dig through different regions of the Pench. Although it is an undeniable fact that tiger sighting is more common in dry, summer months.

The best time to visit Pench availing affordable Pench family packages is of course the winter season that spans from November to late-February. The cool, comfortable weather inside the Park makes it very convenient for any tourist to easily explore its beauty. Don’t forget to carry warm garments when you plan to tour Pench during the winter season. 

How to Reach Pench National Park?

Reaching Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is not a difficult task when you have a clear plan to execute the tour itinerary. You can do booking of train tickets, reserve plane tickets or choose roadways to reach your destination in Pench. 

By rail: You can book train tickets to Jabalpur Railway Station or even to Chhindwara station, from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc. After you reach the target station, you can easily hire a private car to Pench. You can also consider Nagpur to reach Pench. Arrive at Nagpur by boarding a train from Mumbai or Delhi. After reaching Nagpur, it is quite convenient to reach Pench by renting a private vehicle from the station. It would take less than 3 hours. 

By road: Reaching the Pench Tiger Reserve by road is also a top option, if you are planning to tour the Park in your vacation. You can hire a private car either from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh or Nagpur in Maharashtra to reach Pench. If you are fond of long road trips, then you can consider driving your own car (or even renting a car) from Bhopal, while planning an exciting Pench National Park itinerary. Towns like Khawasa and Seoni have bus terminuses. After reaching these towns, you can consider buying bus tickets and comfortably reaching Pench. You might ask for ‘pick-and-drop’ services of the hotel you have booked, especially from these towns. 

By Air: There is no doubt that traveling by air to Pench is the most comfortable option that is available. You can fly to Jabalpur Airport from Delhi or Mumbai, and then hire a car from the Airport to Pench National Park. You can also fly to Nagpur and then rent a car. 

Connectivity & Distances

• Railway station: Nagpur Railway Station 
• Bus Stand: Khawasa Bus Terminus 
• Airport: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur 
• Nearest city/town: Khawasa 

Places to Visit Near Pench National Park 

Never miss the intriguing tourist spots around the Pench National Park when you are planning an extensive weekend getaway tour, for more enriching experiences. 

• Khekranala – It is one of the most scenic spots near Pench that you would love as a nature lover on a weekend trip. You would get lots of opportunities to get involved in a wide range of water sports at this spot. 
• Kanha National Park – Why would you miss visiting another National Park when you are so close to it? It is merely a 4-hour drive from Pench to Kanha, another terrific National Park marked by a renowned Tiger Reserve. 
• Panchmarhi – It is an exquisitely beautiful hill station located in Maharashtra not far away from Pench, where you can seek a restful refuge in impeccable serenity. 
• Ramtek – Ramtek is an excellent pilgrimage destination from Pench that you should never miss while in your weekend getaway tour package. The architectural splendor of the temple would impress you very much.