Pench
- Pench
Pench National Park – Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra
If you’ve ever dreamt of walking into the pages of The Jungle Book, Pench National Park brings that fantasy to life. This enchanting forest, spread across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is named after the Pench River that flows through its heart, nourishing the land and its wildlife. Known for its healthy tiger population, Pench is also home to leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, and over 300 species of birds.
Its diverse landscapes of teak forests, open grasslands, and meandering streams make every safari a new adventure. Watching a tigress lead her playful cubs across the track or spotting a hornbill in flight against the golden light is an experience you won’t forget.
Covering an area of over 750 square kilometers, Pench was declared a national park in 1975 and became a tiger reserve in 1992. The Pench River, along with seasonal streams, creates lush habitats that draw wildlife year-round, offering you exceptional photographic opportunities and moments of pure wilderness magic.
Interesting Fact – Pench National Park
Named after the Pench River flowing through it, the park is celebrated as the real-life setting of Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.”
Prime Predators
Royal Bengal tigers and leopards rule this forest.
Famous For?
Renowned for ‘Collarwali,’ the iconic tigress who nurtured a record-breaking family.
Major Wildlife
Tigers, leopards, wild dogs, jungle cats, gaur, chital, and abundant birdlife, including hornbills and kingfishers.
Flora & Fauna in the Park
Pench National Park, straddling Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is a mosaic of teak forests, mixed deciduous trees, and open grasslands. Dominant vegetation includes teak, mahua, tendu, and saja, along with bamboo clusters that create ideal cover for wildlife. Seasonal flowers and fruiting trees attract numerous bird species and pollinators, keeping the ecosystem vibrant year-round.
The park supports a healthy predator–prey balance, with tigers, leopards, and wild dogs thriving alongside large herds of spotted deer and sambar. Pench is also famous for being the setting of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, with real-life “Baghira” and “Sher Khan” roaming its terrains.
Mammals
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Leopard
- Wild Dog (Dhole)
- Sloth Bear
- Striped Hyena
- Gaur
- Sambar
- Spotted Deer
- Jackal
Birds
- Indian Roller
- Malabar Pied Hornbill
- Changeable Hawk-Eagle
- Peafowl
- White-eyed Buzzard
- Racket-tailed Drongo
- Indian Scops Owl
Reptiles
- Indian Rock Python
- Cobra
- Common Krait
- Russell’s Viper
- Indian Monitor Lizard
Safari Zones or Gates
Pench National Park
Pench National Park has several safari zones in both Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, offering great chances for wildlife sightings, especially tigers.
Turia Zone – Pench (MP)
Turia is the most popular and busiest safari zone, known for frequent tiger sightings and diverse wildlife. It has Turia Gate as the main entry point.
Karmajhiri Zone – Pench (MP)
Karmajhiri offers a quieter safari experience with scenic landscapes and good sightings. Entry is through Karmajhiri Gate.
Jhamtara Zone – Pench (MP)
Known for its serene surroundings, Jhamtara is less crowded but offers excellent wildlife encounters. Entry is via Jhamtara Gate.
Wolf Sanctuary Zone – Pench (MP)
A unique zone dedicated to the conservation of Indian wolves, accessed through the Wolf Sanctuary Gate.
Sillari Zone – Pench (MH)
Located in Maharashtra, Sillari is a popular choice for tiger sightings and birdwatching. Entry is through Sillari Gate.
Khursapar Zone – Pench (MH)
Khursapar is another Maharashtra zone, smaller but with high chances of wildlife sightings. Entry is via Khursapar Gate.
Saleghat Zone – Pench (MH)
Known for its picturesque landscapes and peaceful safaris. Entry is through Saleghat Gate.
Core Zone
| Zone Name | Entry Gate |
|---|---|
|
Turia (MP) |
Turia Gate |
|
Karmajhiri (MP) |
Karmajhiri Gate |
|
Jamtara (MP) |
Jamtara Gate |
|
Wolf Sanctuary |
Wolf Sanctuary Gate (Khawasa) |
|
Sillari (MH) |
Sillari Gate |
|
Khursapar (MH) |
Khursapar Gate |
Buffer Zones
| Zone Name | Entry Gate |
|---|---|
|
Rukhad |
Rukhad Gate |
|
Telia |
Telia Gate |
|
Kolitmara (MH) |
Kolitmara Gate |
|
Khubala/Saleghat (MH) |
Khubala/Saleghat Gate |
|
Surewani (MH) |
Surewani Gate |
