Pench National Park

About

Named after the Pench River, this reserve is a classic Central Indian highland landscape. It is widely known for its rich prey biomass, which supports a high density of predators and makes it one of the best places for wildlife photography.

History

Pench provided the real-life setting and characters for Mowgli’s Jungle Book story. The area was historically part of the Seoni district, where a “feral boy” was reportedly found living with wolves in the 19th century.

Wildlife in Pench national park

Royal Bengal Tigers (main attraction)
Leopards, Wild Dogs (Dholes), Sloth Bears, Jackals, Hyenas
Indian Bison (Gaur), Nilgai, Sambar Deer, Chital, Barking Deer
Crocodiles and aquatic species in the Pench River
300+ Bird Species such as Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, White-eyed Buzzard

Zones

Pench Tiger Reserve is unique because it straddles two states: Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Maharashtra.

Madhya Pradesh (MP) Side

Turia Zone (Core): The most popular and premium zone, known for high tiger density and the majority of the park’s resorts.
Karmajhiri Zone (Core): A quieter, beautiful teak-dominated forest that shares a boundary with Turia.
Jamtara Zone (Core): A smaller, exclusive zone often favored for sloth bear sightings and peaceful drives.
Wolf Sanctuary/Khawasa (Buffer): An open scrubland famous for spotting Indian Wolves and offering night safaris.
Teliya Zone (Buffer): A rising favorite for sightings of the melanistic leopard (Black Panther) and wolves.
Rukhad Zone (Buffer): A hilly, dense forest corridor connecting Pench to Kanha, great for cycling and jeep safaris.

Maharashtra Side

Khursapar Zone (Core): Located very close to the Turia gate, it is widely considered the best zone in Maharashtra for tiger sightings.
Sillari Zone (Core): A scenic zone with a mix of bamboo and grassy patches, accessible from the Nagpur-Jabalpur highway.
Chorbahuli Zone (Core/Buffer): A picturesque area with several water bodies, offering a more serene and less crowded experience.
Kolitmara Zone: Located on the banks of the Pench River, it is known for its beautiful landscapes and birdwatching.

Best Time to Visit

November to February: The “Peak Season.” The forest is lush, the air is crisp, and it’s perfect for photography.
April to June: The “Pro Season.” It is extremely hot (up to 45°C), but tigers frequently visit waterholes, making sightings very common.
Closed Season: The core zones close from July to September due to the monsoon.

Safari Timings

Morning Safari: 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Afternoon Safari: 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Night Safari (Buffer Zones Only): 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Great for spotting nocturnal animals like wolves and owls).

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