Pench Tiger Safari Timings
Pench Tiger Reserve, spread across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is one of India’s most exciting wildlife destinations. Known for its rich biodiversity and dense teak forests, Pench offers thrilling safaris that bring you up close with tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and more. However, safari timings and rules differ slightly between the Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra zones, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Here's everything you need to know.
Pench Safari Timings (Maharashtra)
The Maharashtra side of Pench (like Sillari, Khursapar, and Kolara zones) follows specific timings based on the season. Morning safaris usually begin early, while evening drives are timed to end around sunset.
Note: In Pench Maharashtra, Khursapar Gate remains closed on Tuesdays and Sillari Gate is closed on Wednesdays for maintenance.
Pre-Winter (October to November)
| Safari Slot Vs. Month | October | November |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Slot | 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM | 06:30 AM to 10:30 AM |
| Evening Slot | 02:30 PM to 06:30 PM | 02:00 PM to 06:00 PM |
Winter (December to February)
| Safari Slot Vs. Month | December | January | February |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Slot | 06:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 06:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM |
| Evening Slot | 02:00 PM to 06:00 PM | 02:00 PM to 06:00 PM | 02:30 PM to 06:30 PM |
Summer (March to June)
| Safari Slot Vs. Month | March | April | May | June |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Slot | 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM | 05:30 AM to 09:30 AM | 05:30 AM to 09:30 AM | 05:30 AM to 09:30 AM |
| Evening Slot | 02:30 PM to 06:30 PM | 03:00 PM to 07:00 PM | 03:00 PM to 07:00 PM | 03:00 PM to 07:00 PM |
Monsoon (July to September)
| Safari Slot Vs. Month | July | August | September |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Slot | Core Zones - Closed, 06:30 AM to 10:30 AM |
Core Zones - Closed, 06:30 AM to 10:30 AM |
Core Zones - Closed, 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM |
| Evening Slot | Core Zones - Closed, 02:00 PM to 06:00 PM |
Core Zones - Closed, 02:00 PM to 06:00 PM |
Core Zones - Closed, 02:30 PM to 06:30 PM |
Pench Safari Timings (Madhya Pradesh)
The MP side (like Turia, Karmajhiri, Jamtara, etc.) has a slightly different schedule. The forest department adjusts safari slots with seasonal sunrise and sunset times.
Note: In MP, Wednesday evening safaris are closed for core zones only. Buffer zones may remain open depending on park regulations.
Pre-Winter (October to November)
| Safari Slot Vs. Month | October | November |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Slot | 06:00 AM to 11:30 AM | 06:15 AM to 11:30 AM |
| Evening Slot | 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM | 03:00 PM to 05:45 PM |
Winter (December to February)
| Safari Slot Vs. Month | December | January | February |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Slot | 06:30 AM to 11:30 AM | 06:45 AM to 11:30 AM | 06:30 AM to 11:30 AM |
| Evening Slot | 03:00 PM to 05:30 PM | 03:00 PM to 05:45 PM | 03:00 PM to 06:15 PM |
Summer (March to June)
| Safari Slot Vs. Month | March | April | May | June |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Slot | 05:45 AM to 11:30 AM | 05:45 AM to 11:30 AM | 05:30 AM to 11:30 AM | 05:30 AM to 11:30 AM |
| Evening Slot | 04:00 PM to 06:45 PM | 04:00 PM to 06:45 PM | 04:00 PM to 06:45 PM | 04:00 PM to 07:00 PM |
Monsoon (July to September)
| Safari Slot Vs. Month | July | August | September |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Slot | Core Zones - Closed, 06:30 AM to 11:30 AM |
Core Zones - Closed, 06:45 AM to 11:30 AM |
Core Zones - Closed, 06:30 AM to 11:00 AM |
| Evening Slot | Core Zones - Closed, 03:00 PM to 05:30 PM |
Core Zones - Closed, 03:00 PM to 05:45 PM |
Core Zones - Closed, 03:00 PM to 06:15 PM |
Pench Opening and Closing Months
Pench Tiger Reserve remains open from October 1 to June 30 every year. The park stays closed during the monsoon (July 1 to September 30) for safety and conservation work. However, a few buffer zones may remain open on select days, especially in the Maharashtra side
Safari Timings for Other Parks & Reserves
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pench Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra zones have the same safari timings?
No. Both run morning and evening safaris, but the MP side (Turia, Karmajhiri, Jamtara) has different slots than the Maharashtra side (Sillari, Khursapar, Kolara) - MP mornings typically run later into the late morning (up to 11:30 AM) than Maharashtra's.
Are there weekly closures in Pench?
Yes, and they differ by zone: in Maharashtra, Khursapar Gate is closed on Tuesdays and Sillari Gate on Wednesdays; in MP, Wednesday evening safaris are closed for core zones (buffer zones may stay open).
When does Pench open and close for the season?
The reserve is open from October 1 to June 30 each year on both sides, closing for the monsoon from July to September.
Is Pench open during monsoon?
Core zones on both sides are closed from July to September. Some Maharashtra buffer zones may stay open on select days during this period.