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.
Mammals
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Indian Leopard
- Indian Wild Dog
- Indian Wolf
- Sambhar deer
- Spotted Deer
- Bison / Indian Gaur
- Jackal
- Nilgai
Birds
- Indian Pitta
- Indian Roller
- Greater Racket-tailed Drongo
- Peafowl
- Indian Black Ibis
- Asian Openbill
- Indian Scops Owl
- Yellow Crowned Woodpecker
- Rufous Treepie
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
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
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 Tour
Join the Tigers of Central India Tour for an unforgettable journey through Tadoba, Pench, Bandhavgarh, and Kanha National Parks.
Safari Zones or Gates
The core zone in Pench comprises Turia, Jhamtara, Karmajhari, Silari, Khursapar, Chorbahuli whereas the Buffer Zone of the park includes Rukhad, Telia, Khumbhpani, Mogarkasa.
Turia Gate – Pench (Core Zone)
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.
Khursapar Gate & Silari Gate (Core Zone)
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.
Chorbahuli Gate (Core Zone)
Chorbahuli is a peaceful core gate in Pench, ideal for those who prefer quieter safaris. It’s great for birdwatching and known for occasional leopard and sloth bear sightings, with the occasional tiger surprise.
Khubala Gate (Core Zone)
Khubala, on the Maharashtra side, is a scenic core zone with rising tiger sightings. Its mix of forest and grassland makes it perfect for big cat photography and relaxed safari drives.
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.
Mogarkasa (Buffer Zone)
Mogarkasa is a promising buffer gate in Pench, slowly gaining popularity among safari-goers. With thick bamboo forests and waterholes scattered across the zone, this buffer has become a hotspot for spontaneous wildlife sightings. Tigers, leopards, and even wild dogs have been seen frequently in recent months.
Pench National Park Zones with Entry Gates (Madhya Pradesh)
Core Zone
Zone Name |
Entry Gate |
|---|---|
|
Turia
|
Turia
|
|
Karmajheri
|
Karmajheri
|
|
Jamtara
|
Jamtara
|
Buffer Zone
Zone Name |
Entry Gate |
|---|---|
|
Khawasa
|
Khawasa
|
|
Rukhad
|
Rukhad
|
|
Teliya
|
Teliya
|
|
Masurnala
|
Masurnala
|
|
Kumbhpani
|
Kumbhpani
|
Pench National Park Zones with Entry Gates (Maharashtra)
Core Zone
Zone Name |
Entry Gate |
|---|---|
|
Sillari
|
Sillari
|
|
Khursapur
|
Khursapur
|
|
Chorbahuli
|
Chorbahuli
|
|
Kalitmara
|
Kalitmara
|
|
Khubala
|
Khubala
|
Buffer Zone
Zone Name |
Entry Gate |
|---|---|
|
Surewani
|
Surewani
|
|
Mogarkasa
|
Mogarkasa
|
|
Saleghat
|
Saleghat
|
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 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 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.
Tiger Safari Timings in Pench Tiger Reserve
Pench Tiger Reserve follows seasonal safari timings that vary slightly between its Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra zones. Morning safaris generally begin between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM, when the forest is calm, cool, and full of wildlife activity. These drives typically last around 3 to 5 hours. Evening safaris start between 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM, ending at sunset, offering great light for photography and a peaceful jungle vibe. Always check the specific zone’s schedule before booking, as timings may shift slightly with sunrise and sunset changes.
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 |
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.
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.
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
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How to Reach the Park
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
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.
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Tipeshwar 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
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.
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 Reserve FAQ`s
Related National Parks & Tiger Reserves
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve – Safari Details, History & Information
Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve
Panna Tiger Reserve & National Park – Safari Details
Pench Tiger Reserve & National Park
Jim Corbett National Park – Safari Details
Bandhavgarh National Park & Tiger Reserve
