{ India Tours } -- { Wildlife National Parks } -- { Pench National Park }
Pench National Park
Introduction to Pench National Park
The Pench National Park is named after the the Pench River which flows across the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.The park sprawls across 293 sq km and the area of the Tiger Reserve is 758 sq. km. Meandering streams and seasonal small canals crisscross across the park. The Sanctuary area is 119 sq.km approx and the other forest area is 344 sq.km.
The park is the 19th Tiger Reserve of India The park has been the inspiration for the setting of Rudyard Kipling's all time favorite classic “Jungle Book”.
Tiger and leopards prowl around for prey along the Pench River. Jungle cats, Leopard cats, small Indian civets and palm civets are also seen in abundance.
Wildlife Attraction
The Pench National Park is very rich in fauna and a number of endangered species can be found. In Pench National park Sambar, Nilgai, Cheetal are also commonly seen grazing on the open sites on roadsides and banks of river. Jackals, packs of wild dog, herds of deadly bison (gaur), sloth bears and Black bug Chinkara can be found grazing in the hilly tracts of the park.
Black facet monkeys (Langoors) and the Rhesus monkeys may be seen swinging on the trees. The avian residents, which are more than 200 species of birds, include several migratory guests, apart from Red jungle fowl, Peafowl, Crow pheasant, Redvented bulbul, etc.
Flora Of The Park
The Pench National Park is highly blessed with lush green forests made up of southern tropical mixed deciduous fores and teak and form a spectacular landscape. Some of the fauna include Bamboo, Teak, Bija, Saja.
Added Charm Of Pench
Sitaghat: The most beautiful spot of Pench National Park is famous for its blooming flowers in the wee hours of the mornings in the summer season. The setting sun that casts contrasting shadows and highlights too is a delight for painters.
Chhindimatta Road: Travelling over rocky hills, you will find another place of interest in the huge Pench reservoir. The rocky cliffs make excellent hiding places for leopards. Buzzards, eagles and hawks can be seen hovering over their nests. Alikatta: All roads wind their way towards the Alikatta area, which seem to be the nucleus around which the park is designed. You can commence your elephant ride from here and spot many animals found in the park. Herds of thousands of spotted deer can be seen in the twilight.
Best time to visit:
Excellent weather conditions in the months from November and February and from April to June is the best time for sighting tigers and other animals close to the water bodies.
How to reach Pench National Park
By Railways: Nearest railway station is Nagpur from where Pench is just 92 km by road; Jabalpur (195 kms).
By Airways: Nearest airport Nagpur (92 kms) which is 80 kms along National Highway No. 7 to Khawasa and then 12 kms to Turia gate.
By Road: You can drive down from Jabalpur (195kms), Nagpur, (92 kms) Chhindwara (65 kms via Seoni,120 kms) either by hiring taxis or boarding a bus.
Location of Pench
The main entrance gate is at Turai which is 12 km from Khawasa. Khawasa is on the NH-7 about 80 kms from Nagpur and 190 kms from Jabalpur.
