Are you a fan of the roaring wild animals? These wildlife’s deep eyes, giant claws, and predatory steps intrigue humans. This fascination is a primary reason why tourists love to visit National Parks. So, if you are one of them, Panna National Park has to be your next stop.
It is sprawled over a distance of 542.67 km². A paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, this national park was declared a tiger reserve in 1994. The park makes a worthwhile vacation spot, from the rough plateaus and grasslands to the diverse Flora and Fauna.
Are you enticed to pay a visit to the renowned Panna National Reserve and take a look at the wild cats? If yes, then this Panna National Park guide covers everything you need.
Flora and Fauna of Panna National Park
After a great deal of research, I learned that Panna Tiger Reserve has a variety of natural worth that will make your trip memorable.
Beginning with the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, their decreasing population is a worrying cause. So, take the chance to see the remaining ones in their home. You will also get to see other kinds of mammals in the park. Some important Panna national park animals include Chinkara, Nilgai, Chital, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Leopard, etc.
Around 200+ species of birds are found surrounding the park. It includes various migratory ones that offer a rare sight. The other significant birds in the Panna Tiger Reserve are the King Vulture, White Necked Stork, Blossom Headed Parakeet, and Paradise Flycatcher. To top the residents are the fascinating reptiles like the massive Python.
However, when it comes to flora, you won’t find colorful flowers blanketing the National Park. It’s due to the hot and dry climate of the region that boasts dry deciduous type vegetation. You will see more thorny woodlands, shrubs, and tall grasses. A few essential trees in the park include Tendu, Achar, Seja Mahua, Saja, Salai, Bel, etc.
How to Reach Panna National Park?
You can reach Panna National Park by air, bus, or train in the following ways:
| By Air | The nearest airport to the Panna National Park is Khajuraho. It is 94 km from the park. However, there are no direct flights to the airport from the major cities of India. So, you can take a connecting flight or travel to the Raja Bhoj International Airport, which is located in Bhopal. From the airport, you can get a direct taxi to the park. |
| By Train | Satna Junction is the nearest railway station to Khajuraho, around 121 km away. But it's connected to major stations in India. |
| By Road | The bus stands near Panna are linked with Khajuraho. So, you can get there from different parts of the country by car. Otherwise, some buses from Gwalior, Bamitha, and Satna, can also take you to the park. |
Best Time to Visit Panna National Park
As I mentioned, Panna National Park’s weather is drier and arid. Given this weather, winter is the ideal time to enjoy your trip, where the temperature falls between 10° to 25°. The months between October and March are perfect for the journey. You can go on comfortable wildlife safaris and increase your chances to spot the animals.
Safari Timings: 6.30 AM – 10.30 AM; 2.30 PM – 5.30 PM.
Famous Safari Zones in Panna National Park
Compared to other national parks in Madhya Pradesh, Panna is smaller. It has only two gates that make the famous Safari Zones in Panna National Park:
1. Madla
Madla is the best Panna National Park Safari zone. Getting yourself a vehicle or a guide who helps you explore it is easier. This zone is rich in flora and a better spot to see wild animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger. It is located on NH 39.
2. Hinouta
This entrance of the Panna National Park opens up to dry and rocky terrain. Still, it’s the ideal spot to see wild cats, leopards, sloth bears, etc. Its terrain and region make it suitable for solo or backpack travelers traveling for some adventure. But Madla is more appropriate when you are with your family.
3. River Ken Region
The River Ken area is a cool spot when you are looking to engage in bird-watching experiences. You can go for a boating trip and relax in the serene water flow against the natural abode. In addition, you are likely to see more reptiles near the Ken River.
Types of Safaris in Panna National Park
Given the small size and simple landscape, three types of Panna National Park Safari are available for visitors. They are:
1. Jeep Safari
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The most common and easy way to explore and travel through the Panna Tiger Reserve is by sitting in a Jeep. There is a half-day safari during the morning and evening shifts. The morning ones are longer, lasting around 4 hours, while the evening ones take 3 hours. Overall, two safaris are enough to cover most of the park, and enjoy your day before returning to a relaxing and excellent accommodation.
2. Walking Safari
If you intend to get a closer and raw experience of traveling through Panna National Park, you can take a walking safari in the buffer zones. It takes place around the guided tiger trails, where a forest guard and local guide accompanies you.
3. Canoe Safari
After covering the land, the Canoe Safari or boating is your next stop. It’s a suitable safari to spot birds, migratory guests, and more. Apart from that, you can always relax in the lap of nature away from the urban buzz.
Things to Do in Panna National Park
The most common things to do in Panna National Park include visiting temples, enjoying sanctuaries, or indulging in some camping activities.
1. Visit the Renowned Prannath Ji Temple
The foremost thing you can do after exploring the park is go to the Mahamati Prannath temple. It is a prominent pilgrim spot in the region. The place is known to be where Mahamati Prannath Ji lived and took samadhi. So, several visitors come and pay their respects here.
2. Indulge in Camping Activities
The opportunity to sit down in the wilderness, stay in a tent, or enjoy near a bonfire is something you will always remember. You get the precious chance to go camping at the fantastic campsites in the buffer zone of Panna National Park. After camping at night, you can go trekking, bird watching, or even enjoy a musical night around a bonfire.
3. Photography around the Pandav Falls
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Visiting a natural abode is complete with posing along a waterfall. Use this opportunity to reach Pandav Falls, 34 km from Khajuraho. The cascading water against green forests and high peaks enhances the site’s ability to enjoy nature. Moreover, some ancient caves are nearby where the Pandavas are believed to have spent part of their exile.
4. View the Ken Gharial Sanctuary
One crucial aspect you may miss from your visit is an opportunity to spot the Gharials. To make up for it, prepare your camera gear and get ready. Spend the rest of your day capturing Gharials in their natural habitat through your lens. Moreover, other animals, like the Sambar, Nilgai, Langur, etc, are found here.
Places to Visit near Panna National Park
You can always organize a brief trip of two or three days to the Panna National Park. After traveling through the park, you should visit the overlooked gems around Panna. Some of the most beautiful places to visit around it for a perfect trip are:
1. Pandava Falls and Caves
Nestled in the territory of Panna National Park, you can’t miss out on visiting the place where the Pandavas spent a small part of their exile. The mesmerizing views, tranquil waterfalls, and clear deep lake create a perfect heavenly sight.
2. Diamond Mines
Do you know Panna is famous as the ‘The City of Diamonds‘? The Diamond mines are one of the most unique places around the Panna Tiger Reserve. India’s largest diamond mine is in Panna, a branch of the Vindhyachal mountain range. Looking back at history, more than 3000 years ago, India was the only supplier of diamonds. So, this diamond site in Panna is an integral part of India’s diamond history dating back to the 17th century.
3. Seha Falls
Image Credit: pannalive.com
There are several picture-perfect waterfalls around the Panna National Park, such as the Dundhwa Seha Falls. It is located between thick vegetation, where you can relax and rest after a long safari through the forest. Some nearby accommodations organize unique elephant rides, an alternative way to reach there.
Final Thoughts
A trip down to the Panna National Park would be about spotting the wildlife, enjoying some rustic adventure, visiting temples, and admiring waterfalls.
In addition, the accommodations and safaris around the park ensure you have a wonderful time there. It’s not every day you will get a chance to pass near a wild cat or boat across calm waters, admiring the various species of birds that are rare to find.
So, save time. Book your Panna National Park safari to escape your busy modern life.
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