An Adventurous Weekend In Pench National Park

India has oodles of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The ecosystem, wildlife, flora, and climate of these wildlife hotspots vary depending upon their longitude and latitude.

But one thing that remains constant regarding these wildlife hotspots is the scenic beauty, picturesque landscapes, and serenity spread all around with a promise of varied and enticing flora and fauna.

One such wildlife hotspot that allows you to connect with nature is Pench National Park in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh.

Pench National Park covers over an area of 257 square kilometers and drives its name from the Pench river. Pench river not only divides this wildlife sanctuary into almost two halves but also supports flora and fauna to flourish.

History of Pench National Park

How many of you feel nostalgic when you hear “Mowgli” or “The Jungle Book”?
And what if you can get a chance to walk under the same canopy where Mowgli did?

Well, this dream can come true rather quickly for you.
Pench tiger reserve was the inspiration and setting behind the famous story collection “The Jungle Book” of the eminent writer Rudyard Kipling.

Not only Rudyard Kipling but even Mughal emperor Akbar, could not remain untouched by the magnificence and serenity of this wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.

One finds its mention in Ain-i-Akbari, which translates to the Constitution of Akbar written by Akbar’s wazir Abu’l-Fazl ibn Mubarak.

Later in 1965, the Government of India declared it a wildlife sanctuary only to uplift it to the status of Pench National Park in 1975 and Pench Tiger Reserve in 1992.

Wildlife in Pench National Park

You may remember a handful of the species of this national park if you have seen the Jungle Book. Its flora and fauna is more abundant than that.

Nearly 40 species of mammals, 210 species of birds have found their home in this national park. Other than that 13 reptiles species and three amphibian species are also indigenous to this national park. Moreover, the 40 lions roaming under the vast green canopy of the forest add a little more charm to the splendidness of the park.

Apart from Royal Bengal tiger, this national park is also home to Indian leopard, Indian wolf, jungle cat, chital, wild boar, jackal, striped hyena, nilgai, sloth bear, porcupine, gaur, four-horned antelope, sambar, and barking deer.

The indigenous, as well as migratory birds which tourists love to spot here, include egret, waterfowl, kingfisher, Indian roller, lesser whistling teal, crimson-breasted barbet, racket-tailed drongo, and many more.

Jungle Safari

The open jeep safaris in the Pench National Park are similar to the safaris in every other national park. Time of entry and exit may vary for these safaris as per the season. The park remains closed in the monsoon season.

Morning and evening safaris are the best to witness the wilderness and spot the royal Bengal tigers, along with many other species of mammals and birds.

Apart from open jeep safari and elephant safari, one can also enjoy trekking on prior permission from the jungle authorities.

Cycling in Sakata forest

For wildlife photographers and enthusiasts and nature lovers, the trip to Pench national park can be fulfilling in more ways than expected. Apart from exciting open jeep safaris, and trekking, you can also opt for cycling in the Sakata forest.
Sakata forest is a part of the Kanha-Pench tiger corridor and hence serves as a buffer zone. This buffer zone is the perfect ground for bamboo and teak trees to flourish. It is also home to wildlife such as leopards, tigers, gaurs, bears, and many more.

Facts

1. There are many famous and exquisite tourist locations near Pench tiger reserve, including Tadoba national park, Bandhavgarh national park, Kanha national park, and Nagzira national park.
2. The famous documentary ‘Spy in the jungle’ documented by BBC on the life of four tigers took place in the Pench national park.
3. Two hundred ninety-nine square kilometers out of 758 square kilometers area of Pench national park comes under Mowgli Pench Sanctuary and Priyadarshini Pench National Park collectively.
4. Rich in diverse and exotic flora and fauna, Pench national park has 1200 species of plants.

How to Reach Pench National Park

Well, it is rather easy to reach this national park. Nagpur is the nearest city at a distance of merely 88 kilometers from the national park.

By Air

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur is the nearest airport to Pench national park. This airport connects Nagpur to other significant parts of the country via Go Air, Indigo, Air India and Jet Lite.

Jabalpur airport is the second nearest airport after Nagpur to the wildlife sanctuary.

By Train

Again, the nearest railway station to the national park is in Nagpur. This railway station has connectivity to other significant parts of the country via Kahanvally Express, Chhattisgarh Express, and Patalkot Express.

By Road

You can prefer to travel in your private vehicle. Or if you are planning to travel by road via public transport, then the nearest bus stand is in Seoni.

Pench National Park Rules

Pench national park has a set of rules which every visitor must follow for the sake of his safety:-

1. Speeding of Vehicles over the permitted speed limit of 20 kilometers per hour, along with shouting, misconduct, and indiscipline, are things that every visitor should avoid for their as well as wild animals’ safety.
2. Visitors can’t carry polythenes, and arms and ammunition inside the forest.
3. Visitors should avoid at all costs, loitering, chasing, or teasing animals and even feeding them.
4. Creating noises, blowing horns, and stepping down of the vehicle may land you in trouble.
5. Visitors can only access the forest under the guidance of an authorized park guide.

Stay

There are many premium resorts and hotels which provide a safe, comfortable, and luxurious stay for the visitors. One of them is the Riverwood Forest Retreat, which has excellent ambience and arrangements.
Apart from hotels and resorts, Pench national park has a diverse network of treehouses such as in Riverwood Forest Retreat for visitors who wish to stay near nature.

Conclusion

Rich and exotic flora and fauna, picturesque landscapes, luxurious stays, and a chance to walk down the memory lane- this is what Pench National Park is for us.
What are you waiting for? This wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh has everything to deserve to be your next venture. Pack your bags, book your tickets, and relive your childhood once more.