Panna National Park
Panna National Park
Panna National Park is one of the most serene and wildlife-rich destinations in central India, situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It covers an area of around 542 square kilometers and is known for its diverse flora, fauna, and picturesque landscapes, including the Panna Tiger Reserve. The park is located between the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges, offering a stunning landscape of hills, valleys, rivers, and waterfalls. It’s a popular haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, particularly for those looking to spot the elusive tiger in the wild.
Not only is Panna National Park known for its wildlife, but it also features some ancient cultural landmarks and offers an enriching experience for nature lovers. The park is a key part of the Central Indian Highlands and is part of the larger tiger conservation efforts in India.
Things To In Panna Tiger Reserve
| Things To Do | Brief |
|---|---|
| Wildlife Safari | The main attraction in Panna National Park is the wildlife safari. Visitors can explore the park’s rich biodiversity through jeep safaris or elephant safaris (though limited). The park is home to Bengal tigers, leopards, wild dogs, jackals, and several species of deer. Birdwatching enthusiasts can also enjoy spotting over 200 species of birds in the park. |
| Visit the Pandav Falls | A prominent tourist attraction within the park, Pandav Falls is a picturesque waterfall that cascades down into a serene pool below. The falls are linked with the legend of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. The scenic beauty of the falls, especially during the monsoon season, is breathtaking. |
| Explore the Ken River | The Ken River flows through the park and offers boat rides to visitors. The river is a lifeline for the park’s wildlife, and boat safaris offer a unique view of the landscape and an opportunity to spot animals that come to drink water at the river. |
| Photography and Nature Walks | Panna National Park provides ample opportunities for photography. Whether it’s capturing the wildlife, the natural landscapes, or the scenic beauty of the waterfalls, it’s a photographer’s paradise. Nature walks with an experienced guide also give visitors the chance to explore the park up close and understand its ecosystem. |
| Cultural and Heritage Tours | The nearby Panna town also offers an opportunity to explore ancient temples, including the iconic 10th-century Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which adds a historical and cultural aspect to your visit. |
Popular Attraction Panna
| Attraction | Brief |
|---|---|
| Pandav Falls | A beautiful waterfall located in the northern part of the park. According to local legend, the Pandavas from the Mahabharata are said to have spent some time in this area during their exile. |
| Ken Gharial Sanctuary | Situated along the Ken River, this sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of the gharial, a rare species of crocodile. A boat ride through this area offers views of these prehistoric reptiles. |
| Ken River | The river forms a significant part of the park’s ecosystem. A boat ride on the river offers a unique opportunity to spot wildlife, such as crocodiles and other riverine species. |
| Raneh Falls | Located on the Ken River, Raneh Falls is famous for its picturesque beauty and the stunning canyon formed by the river. It is especially popular during the monsoon season when the water flow is abundant. |
Best Time To Visit Panna
The best time to visit Panna National Park is during the winter months, from November to February. During this period, the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for safaris and outdoor activities. The wildlife is also more active during these months.
Summer (March to June): The temperature during summer can soar to 45°C (113°F), and though this is a good time for spotting wildlife as they gather around waterholes, it can be quite hot for tourists.
Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to the region, making it difficult to explore the park due to muddy trails. The park is also closed during the monsoon for safaris, but the surrounding greenery and waterfalls are in full bloom.
Winter (October to February): The ideal season for safaris with pleasant weather and more active wildlife.
How To Reach Panna
Panna National Park is well-connected by road, rail, and air:
By Air: The nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport (25 km from Panna), which has regular flights from major cities like Delhi and Varanasi. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or hire a car to reach the park.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Satna Railway Station, which is about 70 km away. Satna is connected to major cities like Delhi, Bhopal, and Mumbai. From Satna, tourists can hire a taxi or take a bus to Panna.
By Road: Panna is well-connected by road to major cities in Madhya Pradesh. The distance from Khajuraho to Panna is approximately 25 km, while the distance from Bhopal (the state capital) to Panna is about 330 km. Taxis, buses, and rental cars are available for travel.
About Panna Tiger Reserve
Panna National Park was established in 1981 as a wildlife sanctuary and later upgraded to a national park in 1994. It is also part of the Panna Tiger Reserve, which was declared in 1997 to conserve the endangered Bengal tiger.
The park is home to a variety of ecosystems, including dry deciduous forests, riverine habitats, and open grasslands. It is one of the most prominent tiger reserves in India, and though tiger sightings were once sparse due to poaching, conservation efforts have led to a remarkable resurgence in the tiger population.
Quick Facts About Panna National Park
| Location: Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Area: 542 sq km (approx.) |
| Established: 1981 (as a sanctuary), 1994 (as a national park) |
| Altitude: 157-600 meters above sea level |
| Nearest City: Khajuraho |
| Climate: Hot and dry summers; pleasant winters |
| Best Time to Visit: November to February |
History of Panna National Park
Panna National Park was initially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1981 and became a national park in 1994. In 1997, the park was brought under the umbrella of the Panna Tiger Reserve as part of the Indian government’s efforts to conserve the Bengal tiger. Over the years, Panna faced significant challenges, particularly the loss of its tiger population due to poaching and other factors. However, a massive tiger conservation program, which involved translocation and protection measures, has helped restore the tiger population, making it one of the success stories in India’s wildlife conservation efforts.
In 2009, Panna made global headlines when tigers were reintroduced into the park after a gap of several years. The park has been successful in both conservation and eco-tourism, which has contributed to the local economy and awareness about wildlife protection.
Flora and Fauna in Panna
Flora:
Panna National Park is rich in plant diversity. The dominant tree species in the park include:
Teak: One of the most common trees found in the park.
Saja
Mahua
Bamboo
Aonla
Tendu
The park also has several medicinal plants and shrubs, which are integral to the local tribal communities.
Fauna:
Panna is home to a variety of wildlife, with the Bengal tiger being the prime attraction. Apart from tigers, the park is rich in other mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the key species include:
Tigers: Panna Tiger Reserve is one of the best places in India to spot tigers.
Leopards
Wild Dogs (Dholes)
Indian Wolf
Chital (Spotted Deer)
Sambar Deer
Nilgai (Blue Bull)
Chinkara (Indian Gazelle)
Wild Boar
Sloth Bear
Hyenas
Birdlife:
Birdwatchers will find Panna to be a paradise, with species such as:
Indian Vultures
Peregrine Falcons
Grey Hornbills
Peafowl
Kingfishers
Cuckoos
Reptiles and Amphibians:
Crocodiles: Found in the Ken River.
Indian Cobras
Russell’s Vipers
Tortoises