Panna National Park

Location: Chattarpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
Area covered: 543 sq. km.
Main Wildlife Found: Tiger, Wolf, Chital, Sloth Bear, Chinkara, Sambar
Best time to visit: January to May

About Panna National Park
Panna National Park is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, at a distance of around 57 km from Khajuraho. The region, famous for its diamond industry, is also home to some of the best wildlife species in India and is one of the most famous Tiger Reserves in the country. The park is known worldwide for its wild cats, including tigers as well as deer and antelope. Due to its closeness to one of the best-known Indian tourist attraction in India, Khajuraho, the park is recognized as an exciting stop-over destination.

The climate of the region is tropical. Summers, somewhat scorching, are when one has the maximum chances of encountering the exclusive wildlife of this park. Winters are cold and comfortable and the temperature generally remains under 25°C. Monsoon touches this region in July and continues till mid-September.

Wildlife Attractions in Panna National Park

Mammals

Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), the king of the jungle, roams freely in this secure, though a bit small habitat along with his fellow beings - leopard (Panthera pardus), wild dog (Cuon alpinus), wolf (Canis lupus), hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), caracal (Felus caracal) and other smaller cats. Sloth bear has his most favourite home in the rock escarpments and undisturbed vales. The wooded areas are dotted with sambar, the largest of Indian deers, chital and chowsingha. One can easily see nilgai and chinkara in most open areas in the grasslands, specially on the periphery.

Avifauna

The avifauna comprises more than 200 species, including a host of migratory birds. One can see white necked stork, bareheaded goose, honey Buuzzard, King vulture, Blossom headed Parakeet, Paradise flycatcher, Slaty headed Scimitar babbler to name a few.

Reptiles

Variety of snakes, including the python and other reptiles are found here.


Flora Attractions

Dry and hot climate, in union with shallow Vindhyan soils has given rise to dry Teak and dry mixed forest. The dominating vegetation type is miscellaneous dry deciduous forest inter spread with grassland areas. Other major forest types are riverines, open grasslands, open woodlands with tall grasses and thorny woodlands. The characteristic floral species of this area include tree species such as Tectona grandis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca indica, Buchnania latifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Anogeissus pendula, Lannea coromandelica, Bosswelia serrata etc.


Safaris

There are no jeeps provided by the authorities, so you will have to rent your own jeep for a safari into the park. An hour long boat ride offered by the park authorities is a good option to catch a glimpse of water predators and other animals around the lake. Elephant safari is one of your best bets to spot a striped beast up close. A major attraction is the night safari at Gangau offered by the Ken River Lodge. Safari Timings are 6:30 to 10:30 AM & 2:30 to 5:30 PM.

Other Attractions

Panna is famous for its diamond mining industry and this makes it an interesting place to visit. Pandav falls is also a major attraction with its lake that is fed by a waterfall. Another major attraction of this region is the Rajgarh Palace, a magnificent piece of architecture overlooking the valley.

How to get there