A forest land area known as home of a jungle boy raised by wolves, a fictional character from the famous Jungle Book – ‘Mowgli’ is now notably acknowledged as Pench National Park. Have you been there to experience the feel of Jungle Book and ultimate wildlife safari? If not yet, then get on your travelling shoes and explore the heart-stoppingly beautiful panorama.
Sited on the border of Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, Pench National Park is one of the most popular and well-maintained national parks of India. The picturesque landscape is spread over 257.26 sq km and is a serene abode of big cats. Out of the 48 tiger reserves under Project Tiger of Government o India, Pench National Park is recognized as 18th tiger reserve of our country. The dense park area also embrace wild animals like panther, deer, blue bull, langoor, wild dogs, bear, Chital, hyena, jackal, muntjac, leopard, wild boar, rhesus macaque, civet cats and gaur. Park visitors are mostly eager to sight the royal tigers.
Pench is also birdwatcher’s ecstasy as one can spot myriads of gorgeous bird species like hornbills, barbets, kingfishers, wagtails, minivets, crested serpent eagle and crested hawk eagle. Due to extensive water bodies, large number of wet land migratory birds can also be sighted here.
You can also find assorted rare and endangered flora in this national park. Right from the sky-high trees to ground level shrubs, the park is spread with greenery. If you want to explore Pench to the fullest then you need to spend at least 3 days. The Pench National Park department offers different tour and safari packages to make sure you enjoy your visit in best way.
Pench National Park is much closer to Chhindwara but people found difficult to reach the park, before. However after Bichhua and Jamtara gates opened up, it become much easier to travel. The park is just around 60 kms from Chhindwara.
Points of interest:
- Turia Gate – entry point 2.2 km from ‘Tathastu’ (Pench Resorts)
- Alikatta – core and meeting point of the Park
- Junewani Talao – little attention-grabbing pond
- Piyorthadi – sight where you can spot leopards
- Baghin Nala – sight where you can spot tigers
- Sitaghat /Raiyakassa – spectacular view of Pench river bank and spot for bird-watching
- Bijamatta – a pond with rocky land and picturesque hilly region
- Bodha Nala – Small lake with serene surrounding
- Chindimatta – junction of roads from Chhindwara-Seoni
Facilities for stay and relaxation:
- Pench Jungle Camp
- Baghvan Wildlife Resorts
- Jungle Home Pench
- Tiger N Wood Resort
- Tiger Valley Resort Pench
- Village Machaan Resorts
How to reach Pench National Park?
Nagpur is the nearest airport and railway station. Visitor can hire car or board a bus to reach park. Chhindwara is about 65 kms. The most famous way to reach Pench is via Turia Gate which is at a distance of 13 kms Khawasa border, Madhya Pradesh.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit this scenic tourist destination is from October to April. The Park remains closed during Monsoon.
Pack your bags and get ready to take a journey to the mesmerizing land of rich flora and fauna.
Featured image source: wikipedia.org