The Pench National Park is located in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh and shares a border with Maharashtra. Named after the Pench River flowing through it, the park was the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s famous work ‘The Jungle Book.’ The 758 sq km park is home to various flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, and over 285 species of birds. This guide shares details on how to reach Pench National Park, things to explore in Pench National Park, where you can stay near Pench National Park and the real estate in the area.
See also: National Parks Of Madhya Pradesh
Location of Pench National Park
The Pench National Park is located in central India between two major cities – Nagpur (93 km) and Jabalpur (201 km). The park can be easily reached by road via the Nagpur-Jabalpur highway. Pench also has good air connectivity with Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, located 130 km away. The Nagpur railway station (130 km) and Jabalpur railway station (210 km) are the most convenient options for rail travel.
Address: Pench National Park, Turia, Madhya Pradesh 480661
How to reach Pench National Park?
By train
The closest railway station is Nagpur (130 km), with trains connecting all major cities. The Jabalpur railway station (210 km) is another good option.
By air
The Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur (130 km) provides both domestic and international connections. The Jabalpur Airport (213 km) caters to domestic flights.
By road
Pench is located on the Nagpur-Jabalpur highway and can be reached in 3-4 hours from either city. Buses ply every hour between Nagpur and the nearby towns of Khawasa (12 km) and Seoni (72 km).
Key facts about Pench National Park
- The national park is home to Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears and wild dogs
- There are over 285 species of resident and migratory birds recorded
- Four endangered species of vulture are found here
- The park is the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’
- It has been declared a sanctuary in 1965, a national park in 1975 and a tiger reserve in 1992
- It comprises the Pench and Jamtara wildlife reserves
- There are seven entry gates: Turia, Karmajhiri, Jamtara, Rukhad, Sillari, Khursapar and Wolf Sanctuary
- Best visiting months: November to June. The park remains closed in the monsoon.
- Entry fee – Rs 150 (Indians) and Rs 1,200 (foreign nationals).
Things to explore in Pench National Park
Tiger and leopard spotting safaris
Best season to visit: November to May
Timings: 6 AM – 11 AM and 3 PM – 6 PM
Take a jeep or canter safari into the core forest area to see Royal Bengal tigers in the wild. Leopard sightings are also reasonably common.
Birdwatching tours
Best season to visit: November to March
Timings: Early morning
Head to the Khoka Lake near the Karmajhiri gate to spot migratory waterfowl and other exotic bird species.
Sloth bear watching
Best season to visit: April to June
Timings: Early morning
The Jamtara gate area is ideal for spotting sloth bears foraging for food.
Butterfly watching
Best season to visit: October to February
Timings: Early morning
Look out for beautiful butterflies like the Blue Mormon and Crimson Rose near the Rukhad gate.
Village walks
Best season to visit: October to March
Timings: 8 AM – 10 AM
Take a guided walk through the picturesque Gond tribal villages around Pench for a peek into the rural lifestyle.
Where to stay around Pench National Park?
Pench Tree Lodge
Address: Pench National Park, Seoni, Kurai, Madhya Pradesh 480661
Luxury lodge in the national park area.
Tiger Corridor Resort
Address: Pench National Park Village-Avarghani, Post-Turia, Seoni, Kohka, Madhya Pradesh 480881
Mid-range resort in a village near Pench National Park.
River View Retreat
Location: Kothar, Pench
A budget-friendly retreat around Pench with cottages and good service.
Real estate around Pench National Park
Residential property around Pench National Park
Owning a home near Pench lets you be close to nature while enjoying modern amenities. Properties such as Khawasa, Turia and Chorbahha offer good connectivity and a chance for tiger spotting. The area is sought-after by nature enthusiasts looking to find a residence in a peaceful location away from the cities. Investing in residential property will result in long-term benefits with the peace of Pench.
Commercial property around Pench National Park
Investing in resorts, homestays and other tourism infrastructure around Pench can yield good returns owing to high tourist footfalls. The land is affordable but the forest department controls development. Investing in commercial property around Pench National Park in Seonia is also a good opportunity because of the tourism and travel businesses in the area.
Property price range in Seoni near Pench National Park
Avg. price / sqft: Rs 3,188
Price range / sqft: Rs 3,437 to Rs 3,437
Source: Housing.com
FAQs
The best time is between November and June. The park remains closed in the monsoon months of July-September.
The nearest railway station and airport is in Nagpur, 130 km away. Pench can be reached in 3-4 hours by road from Nagpur.
The Turia zone offers excellent prospects for tiger sightings along with leopards.
Safaris can be booked in advance via the forest department’s website or authorised agents.
Pench offers activities such as safaris, birdwatching, village walks, etc., which are perfect for families. Resort facilities are also reasonably family-friendly.
Yes, the park remains open from mid-October to the end of June. Summers can be a good time for tiger sightings near water bodies.
The entry fee is Rs 150 per person for Indians and Rs 1,200 per person for foreign nationals.
No, but guided cycling tours are organised in buffer areas such as the Rukhad forest for an offbeat experience. What is the best time to visit Pench?
What is the easiest way to reach Pench National Park?
Which zone is best for tiger sightings in Pench?
Can safaris be booked online?
Is Pench National Park suitable for family holidays?
Does Pench remain open in summer?
What is the entry fee for Pench National Park?
Are there cycling trails in Pench National Park?
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