Panna National Park

History

Panna National Park is one of the most recognized National Parks in India, located in Madhya Pradesh. For centuries, the forest areas were the hunting reserves of Maharajas. The Royals of Madhya Pradesh, in due course of history, used the forests as refuge to enjoy nature. The three distinct kingdoms of Panna, Chhatarpur along with Bijawar had the spread of the forests in different parts. 

During the British rule, the operations in and around the forests were significantly controlled by the administration of the colonial foreigners. The villages surrounding the jungles remained more or less the same throughout several years. The scintillating biodiversity of Panna made the Government of India to declare it as a National Park in the year 1981. After 13 years, Panna National Park was given the status of a Tiger Reserve. It was 22nd such reserve in India. In 2007, the National Park won an award of Excellence for preserving the flora and fauna of the natural reserve.

Useful Information

Total area – 542.67 sq km

Elevation range – 211 meters 

Latitude –  24.5905° N

Longitude – 79.9417° E

Nearest river – Ken River

Nearby hills – Vindhya Hills

Avg. annual rainfall – 1100 mm

Flora of Panna National Park

If you want to enjoy an immersive experience in Panna, then you need to imbibe the spirit of flora species abundant in the Park. You will find here mesmerizing Bel trees, one of the signature species in the jungles. Mahua trees could also be found aplenty in various regions of the Park, when you avail the affordable Panna holiday packages. The subtle scent of the Mahua flowers creates a lovely environment in the jungles. 

The common Amla trees could easily be seen in the forests of Panna National Park. These trees have strong medicinal properties. The species is among the primary flora varieties in the Park. 

The biodiversity of the Park offers you lots of natural marvels to explore. You could see Kullu trees in different areas of the jungles. The Achar trees are also common to the list of flora species found in the Park.

If you are fond of locating new kinds of trees or trees that are not very common to a typical forest area, then doing an expedition in Panna might give you lots of opportunities to come across unique flora species. For example, locating the unique Salai trees is actually quite easy in Panna National Park through Panna tour packages. Moreover, you could also see plenty of Saja trees in the forest area. 

Another signature flora species of the Park is the Tendu trees. Irrespective of the specific entrance from which you enter into the core zone of the Park, you are bound to see some Tendu trees. 

Fauna

The major predator for which the Panna National Park is famous worldwide is of course the Royal Bengal Tiger. The presence of majestic beast attracts hundreds of tourists from all over the world each year, availing Panna sightseeing packages. The second important Big Cat Species in the Park is the leopard. 

Another important attraction of Panna is the Ghariyal, which is mainly found in the swampy regions of the forest. There are two broad varieties of deer found in abundance – Chinkara and Chital. Nilgai is also an important resident of the Park. Spotting Sambar deer is pretty common in the jungles when you are availing Panna wildlife packages. 

Wolves and wild dogs are other significant carnivores which live in the Park. If you are lucky enough, then you might spot a Caracal relaxing in the bushes in one of your Panna adventure packages. One should also never forget that Panna is a place where hyenas could be spotted easily, especially when you enter into denser zones of the jungles. 

The extensive list of faunal species of Panna is far from over. A more dedicated exploration in and around the Park on Panna safari tours might make you come across a sloth bear, idling under the shade of a tree. The diversity of animal species in Panna is extremely impressive indeed. 

Climate of Panna National Park

The dynamics of climate at Panna Tiger Reserve could be divided into three broad spectrums – the three seasons being each of them. 

The summer season in Panna begins from the month of March. It continues till end of June. Daytime temperatures can soar to the level of 45 degree Celsius. At night, the fall in the mercury level is sharp, and it comes down below 20 degree Celsius. Although the summers in Panna are very uncomfortable for an expedition or safari tour, the probability of tiger sightings and sightings of other species increases, too.

The monsoon begins from July. All three months – July, August, and September – witness rainfall. Heavy showers across the vast expanse of Panna transform the terrains into greener, lusher, and lovelier pastures. But, exploring the Park during the rainy season is strictly not recommended. There would be lots of problems in terms of logistics. 

The winter season in Panna begins from the month of October. Winters here last rather long and usually extend till the month of February. Temperatures generally hover from 16 degree Celsius to 26 degree Celsius. At times, the mercury could dip as down as to the level of 3 degree Celsius! The atmospheric humidity is low during the winter months. 

Best Time to Visit Panna National Park

It is essential to know the exact times to visit the Panna Tiger Reserve, in order to experience a memorable trip. Firstly, consider the worst advice that you could take – visiting Panna during the monsoons. It is never recommended to visit the Park when the weather is stormy, and it is heavily raining. You would never enjoy the trip. Also, several parts in the forests become inaccessible to tourists. 

Visiting in the summer season is a fairly good option. Keep in mind that the weather would be very uncomfortable. Carry water bottles as you would frequently feel thirsty on your safari tour. One of the advantages of availing of Panna family packages during the summer months is there is a greater probability of sighting the royal beast, the Royal Bengal Tiger, during this period. You could also spot Big Cats such as leopards in the summer months. 

If you want to avoid the scorching sun, then choosing the winter season is the most rational option In fact, wintertime is the best option for your trip. Besides very comfortable weather, there are plenty of chances of getting glimpses of exotic migratory birds. Tiger sightings are not very uncommon, too, especially during afternoons near a lake or pond. 

How to Reach Panna National Park?

When you chalk out a plan to comfortably reach Panna Tiger Reserve, it is better to take into consideration a host of travel options. There is ample flexibility to reach Panna by train, plane, car, public bus, etc. 

By rail: Availing is a train is arguably the best option to reach Panna. It is well-connected to different rail stations across the country. You can take a train from Delhi and reach Khajuraho. From Khajuraho, it is easy to book bus tickets or rent a car to Panna. The other option is boarding a train to Jhansi, and hiring a car from Jhansi to Panna. If you have a plan to travel from Mumbai, then it is best to board a train to either Satna or Jhansi. You can easily avail a public or private vehicle from the rail station you reach, destined for Panna. 

By road: The Forest is located on the National Highway. Hence, you would never face any trouble comfortably reaching the park either by car or by public bus, marking the beginning of your Panna National Park itinerary. Whether you are traveling from Gwalior, Jhansi, Khajuraho or Satna, you can always reserve bus tickets to reach Panna without countering any issues. There is also an option of renting a private car from any of these places, if you want to reach the destination more comfortably and in lesser time. 

By Air: Khajuraho Airport is the closest Airport to Panna. It is merely 26 km away from the Park. It is extremely easy to book air tickets and board a plan from Mumbai, Delhi or Varanasi to Khajuraho. After landing, you can conveniently do spot booking of a private car, taking you to Panna.

Connectivity & Distances

Railway station:  Khajuraho Railway Station 

Bus Stand: Panna Bus Terminus 

Airport: Khajuraho Airport

Nearest city/town: Panna

Place To Visit Near Panna National Park

Don’t commit the mistake of not visiting the nearby tourist interest places while touring Panna National Park on a weekend trip. There is no death of beautiful sports around Panna that you should never miss. Try to keep those places in a priority list while chalking out the tour plan.

Pandava Caves – If you are eager to visit a place adorned with mystic elements on a weekend getaway tour, then Pandava Caves are the perfect spot for you. It is considered to be associated with the mythology of Mahabharata. 

Diamond Mines – Are you interested to know the secrets of diamond farming? The only Asian diamond mine that is active is located only 17 km from Panna. Don’t miss visiting the place. 

Baldeoji temple – The major attractive feature of Baldeoji temple nearby Panna is its unique architecture, which is said to be influenced by Roman architectural design style, where you can easily visit availing an affordable weekend getaway tour package. It has a gothic appearance.