A Simple Guide to Pench National Park – A Perfect Jungle Escape in India
There are many beautiful forests in India where one can see wild animals and enjoy nature. One such special place is Pench National Park. It is a beautiful jungle with tall trees, green grass, and calm rivers that make it look like a peaceful place full of life. Many travelers visit this park to see wild animals, enjoy nature, and take time out to stay in a calm environment away from busy city life. The park has become famous due to a famous story called “The Jungle Book.” If you like animals, birds, and the jungle, then it would be a great visit for you and your family.
Location and Basic Facts About the Park
Pench National Park is situated on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra states in central India. The park was named after the Pench River that runs through the forest. The forest was declared a national park in the year 1975. Later on, it was declared a tiger reserve in the year 1992 under the Project Tiger of India. This forest is inhabited by many species of animals. There are around 50 tigers in the reserve. This information was given by the recent forest department reports. Other animals that can be seen in the forest include leopards, wild dogs, jackals, sloth bears, and hyenas. In the forest, one can also find large animals such as deer, sambar, nilgai, and wild boar. There are more than 300 species of birds in the forest. Therefore, it is one of the best places for bird lovers. The best time to visit the forest is from October to June. The forest remains closed during the rainy season from July to September.
Jungle Safari and Wildlife Experience
The most exciting activity in the park is the jungle safari. In this activity, one sits in an open jeep and moves through forest routes with a guide and driver in the jeep. The jungle safari takes place two times in a day, in the morning and in the afternoon. The time taken for each jungle safari is approximately three to four hours. The park has major jungle safaris like Turia Gate, Karmajhiri Gate, and Jamtara Gate. Among these gates, Turia Gate receives the most visitors due to its proximity to resorts and hotels. In the jungle safari, one may see deer moving in groups in the forest, monkeys sitting in trees, and colorful birds flying in the forest. If one is lucky enough, they may see a tiger moving on the road or sitting in the shade. Therefore, due to its healthy forest and tiger population, this Park has been considered one of the best in India to see wild animals.
Best Resorts Near the Forest
There are many resorts that are located near the forest gates, which provide the visitor with the opportunity to stay close to nature. These resorts provide their guests with clean accommodation, good food, and help for their safari trip into the forest. Some of the places where one can stay while visiting the forest include Vannraj Resort, Tathastu Resort, Olive Resort, and Village Machaan Resort. These resorts provide their guests with comfortable cottages where they can stay while on their trip to the jungle safari. Most of these resorts have beautiful gardens, swimming pools, and restaurants where one can enjoy Indian cuisine. Staying at these resorts gives the visitor the opportunity to stay close to nature while on their trip to the forest.
Resort Name | Distance from Turai Gate | Price per Night | Why is it a good choice |
Vannraj Resort | 5.4 km | ₹6,500 to over ₹14,000 | Peaceful for families, Indian food, swimming pool, and garden. |
Olive Resort | 1–2 km | ₹8000+ | Budget-friendly option with neat rooms and campfire evenings. |
Tathastu Resort | 2.5 km - 3 km | ₹7,791 to ₹11,500+ | Offers luxury cottages, a spa, nature walks, and a close jungle experience. |
Village Machaan Resort | 2–3 km | ₹4,700 to ₹9,500+ | Unique tree house design, bird watching, and authentic village tours. |
Travel Tips for a Good Trip
Proper planning of the trip will make the visit smooth and enjoyable. Booking of a safari should be done in advance on the official website of the forest department, as the number of seats is limited on a safari. Morning safari is recommended, as there are more chances to see animals in the forest because of the weather. While going for a safari, it is recommended that the visitor wear simple clothes in forest colors such as green, brown, or grey. Avoid bright colors, as they may disturb the animals in the forest. It is recommended that the visitor carry water, a cap, and sunscreen in summer because the weather may turn hot. The nearest railway station is Seoni (30-72 km), but Nagpur Junction (90-130 km) is the most convenient and well-connected major hub. The nearest airport is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur (NAG), located approximately 92–130 km away, and from there, taxis and buses are easily available to reach the forest area.
Conclusion
Visiting Pench National Park can be a wonderful experience to see wild animals, green forests, and calm nature. The park has exciting jeep safaris, comfortable resorts, and opportunities to learn about wild animals. Families, couples, and wild animal lovers can visit this forest to take a calm break from busy city lives. With proper planning and during the right season, with some patience during jeep safaris, one can have wonderful experiences.