Panna National Park
Madhya Pradesh
About Panna National Park
Panna National Park holds the distinction of being the first in history to successfully reintroduce and protect tigers. Following the complete loss of its tiger population to rampant poaching between 2006 and 2008, the reserve reintroduced three tigers from other parks in 2009. These tigers established their territory in Panna, and under the dedicated leadership of then Field Director Mr Murthy, the population has now grown to 55, including cubs. Today, Panna is home to Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Crocodiles, Gharials, over 300 bird species, monkeys, and several species of deer. While jeep safaris remain popular, boat safaris on the Ken River offer an equally thrilling way to observe crocodiles and waterbirds in their natural habitat.
Panna National Park, often likened to a diamond mine for India, possesses the rare charm of invigorating and calming its visitors simultaneously. A tranquil boat ride on the Ken River is enough to reveal the forest’s hidden wonders, teeming with diverse life forms and proudly guarding its land since its revival post-2008. Though once a victim of poaching, Panna now flourishes on the pristine grounds of a broadleaf dry deciduous forest, continuing its legacy as a thriving sanctuary for wildlife.
What To Know About Panna
Best Time to Visit:
- March – May
- October – February
Reaching Panna:
- Flight: New Delhi – Khajuraho OR New Delhi – Jabalpur
- Railway: New Delhi – Khajuraho
Wildlife in Panna National Park
The park supports a diverse array of wildlife, including spotted deer, nilgai, four-horned antelope, hyenas, crocodiles, and apex predators such as the tiger, leopard, and sloth bear. It is also home to several lesser-known feline species, including the jungle cat, rusty-spotted cat, desert cat, toddy cat, and civet. Panna National Park, located in India, is considered prime tiger territory, now harbouring an estimated 35 tigers. These majestic big cats have staged a remarkable comeback over the past seven years, owing much to the dedicated efforts under the Project Tiger initiative.
The region’s abundant calcium-rich terrain supports a particularly robust population of sambar deer—one of the largest in India. The peak summer months present the best opportunities for wildlife sightings, and exploring the park via boat or jeep safari offers a thrilling and rewarding way to observe the animals in their natural environment.
Mammals
In addition to the magnificent tigers, there are also leopards, jungle cats, rusty spotted cats, and caracals that belong to the five kinds of wild cats. However, the populations of these cats are rather low.
other predators, including jackals, wild dogs, wolves, and hyenas, among others. Wild boar, striped squirrels, and langur monkeys find shade in the deep thickets, and as they graze in the open grasslands, you might glimpse spotted chital deer, sambar, and nilgai.
Birds
Over two hundred different kinds of birds have been identified in this area of Panna National Park. These birds range in size from small bee-eaters and rollers to large eagles, hawks, and buzzards. Additionally, there are birds of the water, such as fish eagles.
Reptiles
In Panna National Park, India, you have a chance of seeing the ‘Big Four’ snakes of India, which are the spectacled cobra, Russell’s viper, common krait, and saw scaled viper. In addition, long-snouted and marsh crocodiles lie in wait there.
What you will experience on this tour.
Nature Safari India, which has more than 30 years of experience in the wildlife safari industry and is an expert in tiger safari India tours, ensures that you will have an authentic and fulfilling safari experience on your next trip to India. Our tiger safari tours highlight the best of Indian wildlife along with hints of culture and Indian heritage.
These tours take place in some of the best national parks in the country for wildlife, such as Ranthambore National Park, Corbett National Park, or even Bandhavgarh National Park, and cover a variety of species and landscapes. Take a look at some of the top-rated tiger safari India excursions that we offer here.
Tour Inclusions
- Bed and breakfast accommodations are available in New Delhi and Agra.
- Accommodations include all meals and a safari in Pench, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh.
- Your Pench, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh admission and guide fees.
- Your entry fee and any tour guide fees for visiting monuments.
- There will be 6 exclusive jeep safaris offered in Pench.
- In Kanha, 5 exclusive jeep safaris will be offered.
- In Bandhavgarh, there will be 7 exclusive jeep safaris available.
- Assistance at the hotels and the airport.
- Every land transfer is done in a cool Toyota Innova or Crysta.
- Any taxes that are now applied.
Tour Exclusions
- Both domestic and international plane travel.
- Personal expenses like tips, cigarettes, alcohol, laundry, and phone calls.
- In national parks and monuments, there is a still and video camera fee.
- Travel Insurance
- Everything that isn't listed among the inclusions.
Enquire this tour
Other Wildlife Safari Tours in India to choose from
Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Kaziranga National Park are recognised for its wildlife adventures with Tigers, Gaurs, Wild Dogs, Barasinghas, water buffaloes, birds, and the one Horned Rhino.
Bandhavgarh National Park is a prime tiger safari park in central India.
This little park boasts one of the greatest tiger concentrations in the country. Every curve on a Bandhavgarh tiger safari has its own narrative.