Pench National Park is also known as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru National Park. It derived its name from the ‘Pench River’ as it is situated along the river. There is an old fort Ghuhhugarh of the Vakataka Period. The park is situated in Seoni and Chindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh. River Pench flows from north to south and thus it divides the park into two equal parts. It was first declared a sanctuary in 1977 but eventually got a status as a National Park in 1983. Then in 1992 it became a Tiger Reserve.
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The famous ‘Jungle Book’ written by Rudyard Kipling was shot at this national park and the surrounding areas. It is a real life story of a boy. It is also called Mowgli Land, the name of the famous character of the book. BBC’s Tiger: Spy in the Jungle was filmed here.
Pench Tiger Reserve lies in the areas of Satpura-Maikal ranges of Central Highlands. To add to your knowledge, this is among the most important tiger habitat not only in India but the world. It has a forest area which is in continuity with Kanha Tiger Reserve and Pench Tiger Reserve Nagpur. The Madhya Pradesh side of the tiger reserve is the best maintained. It is also home to the endangered ‘Bengal Tiger’.
It is a teak wooded forest of moist and dry deciduous type. White Kula trees stand out from the different hues of green in the forest. Besides the tiger, other animals like the jackal, chital, sambhar, nilgai, and wild boar too can be spotted.
Pench National Park in Maharashtra State of India is also a tourist destination at a distance of 95 km from Nagpur. The area is about 542.22 sq. km. It is visited by nature lovers. It has a wonderful and unique ecosystem with all its flora and fauna, which is also rich in aquatic-life. It is the 25th Tiger Reserve of India. You might also get to spot birds like the jungle babbler, red-vented bulbuls, baya weaver, little bee-eater, fufous woodpecker, hornbills, hawk eagles, etc., while on a safari in the national park.
Places of Interest around Pench
Sitaghat
It is on the banks of the Pench River. It is dotted with rocks and trees. The setting sun casts a beautiful picture and you feel as if you are watching a painting of some amazing scenery with all the contrasts and highlights.
Alikatta
A park is planned around this area. In the grasslands you can spot the spotted dears merrily grazing. From here you can take an elephant ride.
Bodhanala Range
It has a wonderful topography from hills to bamboo bushes to a pond close to the park. You spot snakes making their way in the grass, or you get to see lovely water birds at the pond.
Best Time to Visit
Between February and April
Closed during monsoons
Winter timings differ a little
Closed on every Monday
Safari timings are 6 am to 10:30 am and 3 pm to 6 pm
Connectivity
By air – Nagpur 80 km or from Jabalpur
By rail – Nagpur or from Jabalpur
By road – Nagpur or from Seoni
Entrance
Three entrance gates are there for taking a safari, namely, Touria, Karmajhiri, and Jhamtara.
Open jeep safari can be taken from all three gates, but Touria is the preferred gate due to easy availability of accommodation around.
Bookings
Through travel agents or directly at the entrance gate counter
Guide fees and vehicle charges are to also to be paid
Maximum six persons per vehicle
Accommodation
Tiger ‘N’ Woods Resorts is on the edge of the jungle. It is 1 km from Touria gate. A lavish stay at Village Avarghani that is about 115 km from Nagpur. Budget hotels are available like Mahuavann Pench, Mowgli’s Den Pench, Bhaghvan Lodge, and Pench Jungle Camp. You will find luxury, standard, and budget hotels at Touria gate, which is the main reason the tourists prefer entry through this gate.
