Posted 09 August 2023 in To the wild

Why a trip to Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh should be on your bucket list

A land of sublime splendour, Pench National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh, in the Chhindwara and Seoni districts. With a myriad of foliage and dense jungles, it is a paradise for wildlife lovers. Pench is home to numerous mammals and is a blissful land for bird watchers as it nestles around 300 bird species, including migratory birds. Manoeuvring ways into deep jungles, Pench has countless stories to tell its visitors.

Planning a visit to the Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh conjures up nature at its best.

Some interesting facts

Vegetation

Teak is the dominant vegetation; amla, amaltas, saja, and lendia are the other species that make the Pench forests spectacular. White Kullu trees, also referred to as 'ghost trees,' add thrill and mystery to the deep foliage. The ghost trees have stories spun around them, and to get a flavour, one must plan a visit to the Pench national park in Madhya Pradesh. Bamboo trees are scattered through the dense Pench forests, making the forests look no less than a scintillating paradise.

Popular Culture

Pench was the location for a documentary on the behaviour of tigers. In 2008, the documentary created a buzz about the National Park.

Safaris

Evening and morning safaris offer the jungle's panoramic view. The trained guides take you through the wilderness with the comfort of a styled picnic-breakfast inside the park and high tea while returning back.

The checklist for a Safari

Sunglasses
Binoculars
Cameras
Hat
Warm clothes

More things to do

1. The Runi Jhuni Walking Trail

The Runi Jhuni walking trail offers an exhilarating experience to those who wish to experience nature on foot. The trail is situated inside the National Park, about 4 km away from the Karmajhiri Gate. Apart from being able to experience flora and fauna, this trail offers visitors and naturalists a chance to see wildlife and nature closely. The major attractions while exploring the trails are the blaring alarm calls made by the animals to announce the tiger's arrival. A nature trail with various flora is a must-visit for nature buffs.

2. The Rukhad Cycling Excursion

The Rukhad Sanctuary is located in the Pench National Reserve's buffer zone. Home to magnanimous teaks and bamboo trees, Rukhad is a talked-about forest for wildlife sightings. Comprising a decent population of gaurs, leopards, tigers, and bears, Rukhad is the famous Kanha-Pench corridor's part. Though not a national park anymore, it is still home to a dozen tigers.

The cycling expedition is a 45-minute expedition and starts around eight in the morning. The finishing point is that the Sakata Forest Guest House is almost 22 km away. This guest house was built in 1903 and is a memoir of the old English era.

The best time to visit is between November to March, as the weather is perfect for riding through Rukhad Sanctuary's scenic route. Moderate fitness levels and cycling experiences will be helpful to enjoy this expedition.

3. Tribal Haat

Check out the ingeniously handmade crafts at the weekly bazaars or the haats. One can explore through these bazaars on foot or on a bicycle. A visit to the ‘haats’ is the best way to experience the local tribal culture. The various haats have designated days to visit:

Vijaypani welcomes tourists on Tuesday
Bel Path is open on Sunday
Badalpur on Thursday
Chakkikotha can be visited on Monday

4. The Night Trail

Visitors can spot nocturnal wildlife such as owls, spiders, and jungle cats in this unique in-house nature trail. It's a beautiful experience to walk under the starry sky, leaving footprints in the muddy trails through the dense foliage.

5. Savouring the delectable local food

From Daal Barbati to Dobri Mahua Kheer, Pench National Park offers various local cuisines and dishes that are a must-try. The flavour added to the food while cooking in a clay oven adds a great flavour to Pench's food.

6. The Night Safari

Night safaris are offered in Pench National Park's buffer zones. The two gates, called the Karmajhiri and Turia Gates, offer a splendid night safari. The Kumpani-Tikari Gate also offers a night safari.

7. Pachdhar Potter's Village

Famous for pottery, this quaint village is at a distance of 20 km from the Pench National Park. It is home to the uber-skilled potters, who are also called 'Kumhaars’. This village is adorned with paddy fields and a beautiful teak spread. Pottery made from black soil has its own unique charm and leaves one mesmerised with its beauty. The friendly locals have no qualms about sharing their knowledge with the tourists.

8. Totladoh Dam

Located in the Nagpur district, this dam is scenic and has many migratory bird sightings. The Pench National Park's wilderness and serenity extend to this dam as it is located at a distance of 55 km.

9. Kohka Lake

The enchanting Kohka Lake is an enjoyable site just before the sun sets on the horizon in the evenings. The swaying greens flanked with various birds make this lake a sight to behold. Comparatively less crowded, Kohka Lake is perfect for anyone looking for peace.

Best Places to Stay

The Pench Tree Lodge: Referred to as the Mowgli's den, the Pench tree lodge is home to 12 intimate tree houses. Spread across 44 acres, this lodge offers an accommodation that is safari styled. From sumptuous meals to the friendly staff, this lodge keeps a check on its carbon footprint, helping the environment stay as clean as possible.
Mahua Vann Resort: A tranquil resort, resting beside a river, it has various hues of green. It is eco-friendly and offers all the basic amenities. A well-stocked library and a swimming pool comfort you after a satisfying long jungle safari.
Baghvan Wildlife Resort: Named after the famous Bengal tiger, Baghvan is a luxurious resort in Pench National Park. Consisting of 12 rooms, this resort offers sunset views painting the sky in the most ornate hues. Sipping hot tea under the shaded rooftop called 'Machan' is the best way to soak up the park's natural beauty. This accommodation is a luxury stay and located at a distance of about 6.2 km from the Pench National Park.
Pench Jungle Home: An eco-friendly one, Pench jungle home is a perfect blend of urban life amidst the serenity of a jungle. The spa and sauna facilities provide you with much-needed relaxation after the safari excursion. Situated at a distance of 5 km from the Pench National Park, it provides comfort while experiencing the wilderness.
Pench Village Resort: Embracing the fauna and flora, this resort has cottages within the forests' openness. Each cottage’s ‘machan’ or the open to sky balcony gives the most scenic sunset views. A wellness hub, pottery workshops, and barbeques with bonfires are a few attractions of this resort. It is located 6 km from the Pench National Park.

Travel tips

Avoid visiting during monsoon season as some parts are closed.
Morning safaris are better for animal spotting.
Wear light and comfortable clothes. Bright colours catch the attention of animals, which is not advisable.
Mobile reception could be weak.

Pench National Park is home to numerous waterfalls, rivers, exciting activities, and safaris. One must plan the activities mentioned during a visit to Pench national park in Madhya Pradesh. The Park definitely leaves an imprint on nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

How to reach?

By air: The airport in Nagpur, called the Dr. Babasaheb International Airport, is the closest airport to Pench National Park. Airlines like IndiGo provide a comfortable and on-time flight to the airport in Nagpur. A bus or a cab from the airport takes you to Pench National Park. The bus stand is located 5 km from the international airport.
By train: The Seoni Railway Station is nearest to the national park, about 81 km away.
By road: A bus to the Khawas bus stand and a further taxi ride of almost 12 km, will get you to the National Park.

The Park is well connected through various transport modes. Therefore, it is convenient to plan a visit to the Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

Best time to visit

The peak tourist season is between November and February. The climate is best suited for safaris during the day and night. It's the perfect climate for anyone having a penchant for a blissful breeze through the day.