Pench National Park

Pench Tiger Reserve

Named after the pristine Pench River, Pench Tiger Reserve is located in the Chhindwara and Seoni districts of Madhya Pradesh which border on the state of Maharashtra.

The Pench river flows right through the middle of the park. It descends from north to south, thereby dividing the reserve into equal eastern and western parts. The place is more popularly known as Pench National Park since the identity of a tiger reserve was granted to it later in the year 1992.

Pench Tiger Reserve is the joint pride of both Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Its unique location makes it accessible from both states, as entry gates open into each of the two states.

Interesting Fact – Pench

Pench National Park got its name from the river Pench that flows through the National Park.

Prime Predators

Big Cats like Bengal Tigers and Indian Leopards are on the top of the food chain in Pench Tiger Reserve

Famous For?

Pench is famous for its legendary Tigress Collerwali and her 5 cubs.

Major Wildlife

Tiger, Leopard, Indian Wild Dog, Bison, Sambhar, Rock Python, Banded Kukri, Peafowl, Rufous Treepie

Flora & Fauna in the Park

Pench tiger reserve functions as a protective home not only for the big striped cats but a large variety of other species. Undoubtedly the most dominant predatory variety is the Royal Bengal Tiger. Leopards, hyenas, jungle cats are some other animals of predatory instincts. Their prey base in the park includes chital, langur, wild boar, sambhar, and gaur.

39 Mammals species dwell in the park, 13 varieties of Reptiles, 3 different amphibians, and more than 210 varieties of Birds including some migratory bird species color the Pench’s sky.

Flora:  Pench is a mixture of Southern dry broadleaf teak forests and tropical mixed deciduous forests, Shrubs, climbers. Some of them are unique varieties and possess medicinal as well as healing properties. Bamboo plantations are also present nearby the water banks.

pench mammals

Mammals

  • Royal Bengal Tiger
  • Indian Leopard
  • Indian Wild Dog
  • Indian Wolf
  • Sambhar deer
  • Spotted Deer
  • Bison / Indian Gaur
  • Jackal
  • Nilgai
peacock bird in pench

Birds

  • Indian Pitta
  • Indian Roller
  • Greater Racket-tailed Drongo
  • Peafowl
  • Indian Black Ibis
  • Asian Openbill
  • Indian Scops Owl
  • Yellow Crowned Woodpecker
  • Rufous Treepie
reptiles in pench

Reptiles

  • Indian Rock Python
  • Sand Boa
  • Checkered Keelback
  • Banded Kukri Snake
  • Russell’s Viper
  • Common Vine Snake
  • Common wolf snake
  • Spectacled Cobra
  • Indian Flapshell Turtle

Safari in Pench National Park

Jungle safari is hands-down the best way to explore the nook and corners of any protected area. Pench tiger reserve is no exception. The safari services available here are one of the best in the country and give you a worthwhile experience.

The entry and exit timings vary according to the season. The park remains shut for visitors during the rainy season that usually falls between July-October.

Bird excursions and walking safaris are also available options. Consider your stamina well before embarking on a walking safari since it would be a 12 km long but adventurous journey.

Collerwali– Most famous Tigers of Pench Tiger Reserve

Pench National Park and Tiger Reserve is easily accessible from National Highway 7. There are a total of 11 gates out of which 5 gates are in Madhya Pradesh and 6 gates are in Maharashtra. Turia gate, Sillari gate and Karmajhiri are major entry gates of Pench Tiger Reserve.

As per many visitors, Turia gate and Sillari gate are the best safari gates to spot a Tiger in Pench Tiger Reserve.

For Turia gate safari booking, you have to visit MP Forest Department website, whereas for Sillari gate online safari booking you have to visit Maharashtra Forest Department website.

Pench Safari Tours

Pench Budget Safari Tour

Pench Budget Safari

Designed specially to concentrate on the tiger safaris in Pench National Park. With 4 or 6 safari tours options, you will be amazed by the beauty of Pench Tiger Reserve

Pench Weekend Safari

Pench Weekend Safari

We also have weekend safari packages with only 2 Tiger Safari for the wildlife lovers who want to explore the beauty of the forest without disturbing their weekdays routine.

Tigers of Central India Tours

Tigers of Central India Tour

Join the Tigers of Central India Tour for an unforgettable journey through Tadoba, Pench, Bandhavgarh, and Kanha National Parks.

Pench Fixed Departure Tour

Embark on a riveting wilderness odyssey with our Pench Fixed Departure tour. Immerse in untamed beauty, witness majestic wildlife, and savor moments that etch unforgettable tales. Join us for an adventure beyond imagination.

Safari Zones or Gates

The core zone in Pench comprises Turia, Jhamtara, Karmajhari whereas the Buffer Zone of the park includes Rukhad, Telia, Khumbhpani, Silari, Khursapar, Chorbahuli

Turia Gate – Pench

Turia is one of the most prominent zones for a tiger safari in Pench. With an abundance of wildlife and the most picturesque landscapes, Turia gate is the most visited gate in Pench. It is located approx 100kms from Nagpur Airport.

Rukhad Buffer Zone

One of the most rocking buffers of Pench is Rukhad Zone. Home to variety of wildlife, in recent months Rukhad has had some of the most amazing Tiger head-on sightings to a lot of safari vehicles. Kingfisher male and Kuraigad male are the dominating Tigers of Rukhad buffer.

Khursapar Gate & Silari Gate

Khursapar and Silari gates are on the Maharashtra side and the nearest if you are visiting from Nagpur. The distance of Khursapar and Silari gate is approx 87kms and 75kms from Nagpur Airport respectively.

Pench National Park and Tiger Reserve

How to book Safari in Pench Tiger Reserve

To book an end-to-end safari package in Pench National Park including airport transfer, accommodation, meals, and internal transfer, you may contact Big Cats India, or schedule a free discussion with our experts to understand the best safari zone to book, based on your area of interest.

It is advised to plan your safari well in advance to get the best zones for sightings. If you are not sure which gate(s) to choose from, you can contact Big Cats India or message us for any assistance to book your safari in Pench.

You can also book Pench Safari online from mahaecotourism and mp tourism website. However, these websites only book your safari permits, not the jeep, accommodation, food and internal transfer to the reserve gates.

Open Jeep Safari

Open Jeep Safari

Open Jeep Safari is easily available in all the zones of Pench Tiger Reserve, but you will have to plan the safari in Advance. to get the permit availability of the desired Gate for better Big Cats sighting.

Canter Safari

Canter Safari

Canter Safari is available in Pench only from the Sillari Gate. It is only recommended to go for Canter Safari if you do not have the permit available for the Open Jeep Safari.

Morning Safari Timings
Summer Pre-Winter Winters
06:00 to 11:00 Hrs 06:00 to 11:00 Hrs 06:00 to 11:00 Hrs
Evening Safari Timings
Summer Pre-Winter Winters
15:00 to 18:30 Hrs 15:00 to 18:00 Hrs 15:00 to 17:30 Hrs

Weather in Pench

Pench National Park experiences a varied climate throughout the year. January and February are cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 20°C (39°F to 68°F).

March to June is characterized by hot and dry weather, with temperatures ranging between 25°C to 42°C (77°F to 108°F).

The monsoon season, from July to September, brings heavy rainfall, transforming the landscape into lush greenery.

Post-monsoon (October to November) offers pleasant weather, with temperatures between 17°C to 32°C (63°F to 90°F). December brings cool and dry conditions, with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 20°C (39°F to 68°F).

Each season provides a unique experience for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Pench National Park.

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Min(°C) 1 10 22 30 35 25 20 19 19 12 6 3
Max(°C) 15 25 35 40 42 41 34 30 31 29 27 25
Month Min(°C) Max(°C)
Jan 1 15
Feb 10 25
Mar 22 35
Apr 30 40
May 35 42
Jun 25 41
Jul 20 34
Aug 19 30
Sep 19 31
Oct 12 29
Nov 6 27
Dec 3 25

Visiting Park in Winter

Pench in Winters

During the winter season (November – February) Pench becomes the most beautiful national park in central India due to the eye-pleasing lush greenery and dense forests. The spectacular views of nature and wildlife sightings on sunny mornings make your safari memorable for a lifetime.

Visiting Park in Summer

Pench in Summers

If you are a wildlife photographer or tiger enthusiast, then summer (mid-March – June) is the ideal time to visit Pench Tiger Reserve. With the higher temperatures in summer up to 42 degrees, there are higher chances of spotting tigers near water resources. Also, as the trees and vegetation become dry during summer, tiger spotting becomes easier.

Visiting Park In Monsoon

Pench in Monsoon

Usually, most of the national parks are closed for tourism during monsoon in India, but Pench buffer remains open for Safari during monsoon (July- Sep) as well. Rukhad and Telia are the only zones that operate Safari during Monsoon in Pench

Best time to spot tigers at Pench National Park

Well, as a tiger enthusiast you must be aware that you need to have a lot of patience when it comes to sighting a tiger. It can take hours or even multiple rides to spot a tiger in the jungle. Sometimes you may not at all see a tiger. It all depends on your luck. That’s why you have to be extra careful while selecting the visit season and entry gate at Pench tiger reserve to increase the chances of sighting a tiger.

Recommended Tour

Pench National Park

Travel 4 Days | 1 Park | 6 Safari

WhatsApp now to enquire or block your seat

 How to Reach the Park

Reach by Air

By Air

Nagpur airport is the nearest landmark for air travel. It is 88 km away from the park. You can also land at Jabalpur airport which stands around 200 km away.

By Road

You can easily reach Pench Tiger Reserve from Nagpur by driving along the National Highway 7. It manoeuvres through Seoni.

By Rail

By Rail

The nearest railhead is Nagpur. This is a major railway station and so, connected to all main cities through the country’s wide-reaching railway network.

Pench National Park's distance from important cities

From By Air+Road (Hrs) By Road By Rail+Road (Hrs)
New Delhi 1.5 Air + 4.00 Road 13.5 Hrs   14.5 Rail + 1.00  Road
Nagpur (Nearest Airport) NA 1.00 Hrs

NA

Mumbai 1.00 Air + 3.5 Road 13.00 Hrs 15.00 Rail + 1 Road
Bangaluru 2 Air + 2 Road 15.00 Hrs 19.00 Rail + 1.5 Road
Kolkata 2.00 Air + 3.00 Road 16.00 Hrs 9.5 Rail + 1.00 Road
Jabalpur NA 3.00 Hrs 9.5 Rail + 2.00 Road
Agra 4.5 Air + 1.5 Road 11.00 Hrs 11.5 Rail + 1.00 Road
Ahmedabad 2.00 Air + 1.5 Road 2.5 Hrs 19.00 Rail + 1.00 Road
Pune 1.00 Air + 1.00 Road 11.00 Hrs 16.5 Rail + 2.5 Road

 

Distance from other Parks & Reserves
From Time to arrive
Kanha TR 5 Hour
Bandhavgarh TR 5.45 Hours
Tadoba TR 5 Hours
Umred Karhandla 1.50 Hrs Road
Corbett TR 4 Hrs Air + 4.30 Hrs Road
Tippeshwar WLS 4 Hrs Road

Things you should carry with you

Essential things to carry for your Pench Tiger Safari

Your DSLR or Camera to capture your memorable safari moment.

Binoculars to view the wildlife from a safe distance.

Plenty of water to keep you dehydrated on a sunny day.

Hat & Shades to protect from direct sunlight.

Bandanna or Cotton Scarf to cover your face and avoid dust.

Winter wear or jacket if you are doing safari during winters. It really gets cold very quickly after sunsets in Jungle.

Rain Cover to save you and your gears from water during rain.

Pench can get really colder very quickly in the evening so consider carrying woolens in the afternoon safari in Pench during winters season

Items to carry in Jungle Safari

Some History about Pench Tiger Reserve

Pench National Park was created as a wildlife sanctuary in 1977. Soon after in 1983, its status was elevated to that of a National Park. The year 1992 brought to Pench the official identity of a Tiger Reserve.

The Pench Tiger Reserve covers a total area of 758 sq. km. Out of this, 292.85 sq. km of Pench National Park for the core zone of the reserve. A buffer zone comprising of Reserve Forests, revenue lands and Protected Forests sprawl in 346.73 sq. km.

Spotted Deer, Pench

The Mowgli Pench Wildlife Sanctuary that spreads over 118.30 sq. km is also a part of the Pench Tiger Reserve.

Why visit Pench?

Pench Tiger Reserve is also famous for most of and best tiger sightings. Due to the highest population of herbivores, you can see the predator hidden in bushes to hunt for its prey. ‘The Jungle Book’ lovers enjoy finding its characters Sher Khan, Bagheera, and Baloo in this park’s wildlife.

Pench General Info Card

  • Total Area: 758 Sq. Km
  • Location: Chhindwara & Seoni District
  • Notified as National Park: 1975
  • Notified as Tiger Reserve: 1992
  • Nearest Airport: Nagpur (2 Hours)
  • Nearest Railway Junction: Nagpur (2.5 Hours)

Pench Wildlife Info Card

  • Carnivorous: Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Dhole,
  • Herbivorous: Sambhar, Deer, Chital, Gaur.
  • Omnivorous: Sloth Bear, Rhesus, Mongooses.
  • Birds: 300 Species of Birds.

Pench Tour Info Card

 

  • Ideal Tour Length: 3N4D or 6 Safaris
  • Can extend with: Kanha, Tadoba, Bandhavgarh
  • Tour Starting points: Nagpur, Delhi, Mumbai
  • Is tour Customizable?: Yes
  • Safari Options: Open Jeep, Canter

An Ideal travel plan for Pench National Park

An Ideal Travel Plan for Pench National Park would look something like the image below. However, For our international guests, Landing in Delhi/Mumbai would be a better option then a connecting flight from Delhi/Mumbai would be a good option. We also have another tour starting from Delhi covering other historical places along with the national parks.

Pench Tiger Safari Travel Plan

Pench Tiger Reserve FAQ`s