Panna Tiger Reserve

Panna National Park is located in Central India, broaden between two districts Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh in India, The national park is spread between 542.67 sq kms. Panna national park is situated at a distance of 57 km from Khajuraho which is known to be the world heritage centre. The Famous Tiger Reserve in MP had won and was awarded the certificate of excellence in the year 2007. Panna reserve was recognised as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1981. Tiger reserve was taken under the control of ministry of Tourism of India to manage the park properly. Panna Tiger reserve carries the essential historical importance with its numerous sites as well as it impresses by its rich flora, fauna and water bodies to the tourists who come across for Panna Jungle safari trip.

The unique attractions in this Tiger reserve in India brings the visitors a step closer to wildlife and on the lap of nature. The manifold landscapes and the soothing surroundings connect with mind, body and soul. Amidst Panna Tiger reserve the beautiful Ken River makes it ways to the valley which forms wonderful waterfall where tourist enjoy the summers in Panna national park. The park is far more awe-inspiring as compared to other parks of the country, though it appears to be just an ordinary park to the one who doesn’t know the real essence of it. Panna National Park has an increasing population of Tigers in Madhya pradesh. There are ample of things that the park offers to the tourist so that the tour of Panna Tiger Reserve becomes the unforgettable memory for the one who visits here.

History of Panna Tiger Reserve

Unlike the most of the national parks in India, Panna was also the hunting ground for the former kingdom of Panna. Panna National park was formed in the year 1981 by the Government of India, under the project “Save Tiger” to protect the declining population of Tigers in Panna. The park was recognised to be a Tiger Reserve in the year 1994.Panna became the twenty-second Tiger Reserve in India and along with this it was declared the fifth Tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh.

Flora

Park has the incredible diversity of flora in Panna, includes its dense vegetation which enhances the exquisiteness of the reserve. The section of the northern part of the park comprises of teak forest. However, the other part which is the eastern part of the park is filled with natural Anogeissus pendula (Dhok) forests in Panna. The characteristic of the floral species discovered in this area are Tectonagrandis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhucaindica, Buchnanialatifolia, Anogeissuslatifolia, Anogeissus pendula, Lanneacoromandelica, Bossweliaserrata etc. As the Panna national park has the nature of hot and dry climate, the type of vegetation in this particular region is more of the type of dry deciduous forest with thorny woodlands, shrubs and tall grasses. Some of the commonly found trees inside the park are Tendu, Achar, Seja Mahua, Saja, Salai, Bel and others. The picturesque forest can be discovered while on the Jungle safari trip to Panna Tiger reserve.

Funna

Panna National Park is counted amongst India’s top wildlife parks where one experiences some fascinating wild species. It is a home to a great variety of wildlife species. Hence animals like Tiger, Leopard and Chinkara have found their haven in Panna Biosphere. The wooded areas are flourished with sambar, which is the largest of Indian deers, chital and chowsingha. One can easily sight Nilgai and Chinkara during the safari tour of Panna in most open areas in the grasslands, especially on the periphery. Other endangered animals are also present in their natural habitat. Panna is also home to more than 200 species of various birds which includes the King vulture, Indian Vulture and bar-headed goose. All these are experienced during the safari in Panna National park.

Jungle Safari In Panna Tiger Reserve

Panna national park is segregated into three parts. The entry has to be registered on the gate and a prescribed charge has to be paid. The park entry is limited for the numbers of jeeps that can enter the park hence the Panna online safari booking has to be made in advance. A park guide has to accompany the jeep as a regulation and a fee paid for this service. The gypsy charges are different and have to be paid separately for safari in Panna national park.

Safari gates and timings in Panna Tiger Reserve:

Madla gate in Panna Tiger Reserve: Madla forest has the varied species of mammals as compared to Hinauta gate. This is one of the entry gates to the park. The Madla gate consists of rich flora and fauna in Panna, Forest being rich in flora good number of herbivorous and wild animals can be spotted from this zone.

Hinauta gate in Panna Tiger Reserve : Hinauta gate in Panna comprises of dry and rocky area. Although, it is known to be the best zone to spot the big cats including Tigers, Leopard and also the sloth bear.

Types of Jungle Safari in Panna Tiger Reserve

Jeep Safari Panna National Park: The jeep safari in Panna is the most exploring activity that one must experience in on their visit to Panna Tiger Reserve. It allows six people at a time to accommodate.

Jeep safari timing in Panna National Park:

Summer safari time in Panna: Morning: 5:30 am to 9:30 am, Evening: 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm

Winter safari time in Panna : Morning: 7:00 am to 10:30 am, Evening: 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Boat safari in Panna National Park: Ken River flows through the ravines which are a deep, narrow gorge with steep sides in the Panna reserve and it surrounds most of the forest area. It is known as the tributary of the Yamuna River. During the boat safari in Panna one can easily spot long snout gharial, python and other aquatic species. The activity is a delight if you love birding as a wide range of bird species can be spotted near the river. Boat safaris are done only for half an hour while on a safari tour to Panna.

Boat safari timing in Panna:

Boat safari’s are done for half hour each ride during the safari. This can be explored during the regular safari rides. 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM; 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

How to reach Panna Tiger Reserve

By Air to Panna National Park : The nearest airport is Khajuraho (25 km) which is well connected to the capital city Delhi & the city of Taj Mahal-Agra.

By road to Panna National Park : Four wheel drive petrol vehicles can be perfect for the wildlife enthusiasts watching and going around the reserve. Rough terrain, un- medaled roads; steep inclines are difficult for other vehicles. Private vehicles can be hired at Khajuraho/ Panna.

By Train to Panna National Park : Jhansi (180 km) for those travelling from Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai; Satna (90 km) for those travelling from Delhi, Kolkata and Varanasi; Katni (150 km) for those travelling from Mumbai, Chennai and Nagpur.

Distance between major cities and Panna Tiger Reserve

Distance from Khajuraho and Panna national park – 25 km
Distance from Satna and Panna national park – 70 km
Distance from Mahjhagawan diamond mine and Panna national park – 19 km
Distance from Katni and Panna national park – 130 km
Distance from Jhansi and Panna national park – 180 km
Distance from Orchha and Panna national park – 230 km
Distance from Bhopal and Panna national park – 727 km
Distance from Delhi and Panna national park – 889 km
Distance from Chennai and Panna national park – 1761 km
Distance from Calcutta and Panna national park – 1040 km

Best Season to Visit Panna Tiger Reserve

Summers in Panna: Panna experiences burning summers being in the dry area. However, the temperature does not rise till April. The temperature ranges between 15°C and 40°C.. Summer is considered to be best time to visit Panna National Park, as the chances of sightings of the wild are high during summer season.

Monsoon in Panna: Panna has a very flexible monsoon season each year. Monsoon starts in June and ends in September. The surrounding is lush green all over with inflated steams and pools where the animals bounce in their habitat because of the sufficient rainfall in the forest.

Winters in Panna: Winters in Panna are freezing cold. The park stays cool during the month of February and March. During this duration where you may find the crocodiles basking in the sun. Winter is admittedly the best period to visit the Park and enjoy long sightseeing and wildlife safari in Panna. This is considered to be the best season for bird watchers.

Places to explore in Panna

Along with Panna Tiger reserve various places increases the awestruck beauty of Panna like the famous Raneh Falls its is located within the distance of 99 kms from Panna National Park. Raneh Falls is an astonishing and natural waterfall on the River Ken. The various colours of Granite attracts with its green, pink, misty white, and red colors. Similarly, Pandav Falls is also the major attraction located in the distance of 69 kms. Pandav Falls is place comes with a history and so its loved by the history lovers its caves make this waterfall an interesting site for culture. Then there is MahamatiPrannathji Temple which invites the devotes in the time of Sharada Parnima and is the essential pilgrimage of Pranamis. It comes with a legendary story which tells that MahamatiPrannathji lived at this site for 11 years after which he took samadhi inside one of the domes of this temple. Ken Gharial Sanctuary, Nachna, Ajaygarh Fort are the another tourist attraction which are the visual delight and a visit to it will surely leave you amazed after the tour of Panna tiger reserve. Visit to Khajuraho which is known for its heritage must be planned along with these places during the tour of Panna.