
Things To Know About Pench
Best Time to Visit Pench National Park
Nestled in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh and extending into
Nagpur, Maharashtra, Pench National Park is a stunning dry deciduous forest celebrated for
its incredible biodiversity. Home to majestic tigers, leopards, and a rich variety of mammals,
birds, and reptiles, Pench has quickly become one of India’s most popular wildlife
destinations.
Season by Season in Pench
❄️ Winter (October to February)
Winter is the most comfortable and sought-after time to explore Pench. With pleasantly cool
weather ranging from 11°C to 31°C, this season is ideal for long safaris. Wildlife activity
peaks during these months, making it the best time to spot tigers and leopards. The serene
climate, crisp mornings, and fog-kissed trails make winter the peak tourism season for
nature lovers and photographers alike.
🔥 Summer (March to June)
Summer brings hot and dry conditions, with temperatures between 28°C and 45°C. Despite
the heat, this season offers excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings, as animals gather
near the remaining water sources. Early morning and late evening safaris are recommended
to avoid the midday sun. For adventure seekers, night safaris provide a thrilling glimpse into
the forest’s nocturnal world.
🌧️ Monsoon (July to September)
During the monsoon, Pench transforms into a lush green paradise, with temperatures
ranging from 23°C to 34°C and high humidity. This is the breeding season for many animals,
offering a unique perspective on wildlife behavior. While core zones may remain closed due
to slippery terrain, the buffer zones remain open, allowing visitors to enjoy the rejuvenated
forest and its vibrant landscapes. Bird watchers and nature lovers especially enjoy this
tranquil and less crowded season.
When Should You Visit Pench?
Traveler Type Best Time to Visit Why
First-time visitor October to February |Pleasant weather & high wildlife activity
Wildlife photographer March to June | Greatest chances of tiger sightings
Bird watcher / Nature lover July to September (buffer zones)| Lush greenery, peaceful
ambiance, fewer crowds
Adventure enthusiast May to June (with night safari) Rare nocturnal sightings and
thrilling experiences
Tips for a Perfect Pench Safari
Permits: Book safaris in advance, especially during peak season, via penchsafaribooking.com.
Clothing: Wear earthy tones — greens, browns, and greys help you blend into the forest.
Essentials: Bring binoculars, camera, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a fully
charged phone.
Stay: Choose accommodations near Turia or Sillari gates for convenient safari access and
jungle vibes.
Fauna of Pench National Park
Renowned as one of India’s premier wildlife reserves, Pench National Park is a living testament to successful
conservation. Thanks to dedicated efforts in both Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the population of Royal
Bengal Tigers has grown significantly, making them the undisputed stars of the park. But Pench is far more than
just its tigers — it is home to a spectacular variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, each
contributing to the forest’s rich and balanced ecosystem.
Mammals
At the pinnacle of the food chain, the Royal Bengal Tiger reigns supreme. Pench is also home to other wild cats,
including Leopards, and occasionally, the elusive Black Panther or Black Leopard can be spotted.
Among the herbivores, herds of Indian Spotted Deer (Chital), Sambar Deer, Nilgai, and Indian Bison (Gaur) roam
freely, creating mesmerizing scenes of natural harmony.
Other notable mammals include:
Indian Wolf
Wild Dogs (Dholes)
Sloth Bear
Wild Boar
Jungle Cat
Striped Hyena
Golden Jackal
Indian Fox
Porcupine
Pangolin
Barking Deer
Four-horned Antelope (Chousingha)
Small Indian Civet & Palm Civet
Rhesus Macaque & Hanuman Langur
Indian Grey Mongoose
Indian Giant Squirrel
Rusty-Spotted Cat
Birds
Pench is a paradise for bird lovers, sheltering over 300 species of resident and migratory birds. Its diverse
habitats — from dense forests to open grasslands and shimmering water bodies — provide ideal conditions for
avian life.
Common resident birds include:
Indian Peafowl
Jungle Fowl
Indian Roller
White-throated Kingfisher
Flame-backed Woodpecker
Red-wattled Lapwing
Spotted Dove
Laughing Dove
During winter, the park becomes a haven for migratory birds, including:
Indian Pitta
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Osprey
Eagles and Kites
Brahminy Duck
Common Pochard
Bar-headed Goose
Various species of Vultures
Coots
These birds play a vital role in pollination, insect control, and seed dispersal, maintaining the ecological balance
of the forest. The Pench River, flowing through the heart of the park, provides a lifeline for both wildlife and
avian species, especially during the dry summer months.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Pench boasts an impressive array of reptiles, including:
Indian Rock Python
Cobra
Russell’s Viper
Indian Krait
Common Rat Snake & Cat Snake
You can also encounter Monitor Lizards, Fan-throated Lizards, Chameleons, Indian Garden Lizards, freshwater
turtles, and even mugger crocodiles near water bodies. The park supports a healthy population of amphibians,
especially frogs, which play a crucial role in pest control and maintaining ecological harmony.
Ecological Significance
The rich biodiversity of Pench — from the tiniest insect to the majestic tiger — forms a delicate and
interconnected web of life, sustaining the health of the forest. Every species contributes to the thriving
ecosystem, making Pench National Park a living sanctuary where nature flourishes in its purest form.
Flora of Pench National Park
Pench National Park is a lush, vibrant tapestry of life, showcasing the classic beauty of a dry
deciduous forest. True to its ecosystem, the forest sheds leaves during the dry season — from
late winter to spring — conserving water and thriving in the tropical climate, which alternates
between:
Hot, dry summers
Monsoon season with heavy rainfall
Cool, pleasant winters
Dominant Tree Species
The forest is largely dominated by Teak (Tectona grandis), forming dense, majestic patches
across the landscape. Alongside teak, many other deciduous trees create a rich canopy and
mid-story, including:
Sal (Shorea robusta)
Mahua (Madhuca indica) – valued for traditional liquor and medicinal uses
Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon) – known for leaves used in making Indian bidis
Salai (Boswellia serrata) – yields aromatic resin
Jamun (Syzygium cumini)
Bamboo – provides shelter and food for herbivores
Other Noteworthy Trees
Pench’s biodiversity is further enriched by:
Saja (Terminalia tomentosa)
Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium)
Lendia, Aonla (Indian Gooseberry), Khair, Bhirra, Palas, Skiras, Kahimali
These species offer shade, food, and nesting habitats, playing a crucial role in the park’s
ecosystem.
How to Book Your Pench National Park Safari Online
How to Book Your Pench National Park Safari Online
Experience the thrill of the wild at Pench National Park, where every safari promises
adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and the chance to spot majestic wildlife. The best time
to visit is from October to June, when all safari zones are open and wildlife sightings are at
their peak. The monsoon season (July to September) transforms the forest into a lush, green
paradise, teeming with herbivores and predators alike — a different kind of wild magic.
📅 Booking Window
Safari bookings open 120 days before your chosen date. Peak season fills up quickly, so it’s
wise to book early to secure your spot.
Safari Zones
Madhya Pradesh Side
Core Zones: Touria, Karmajhiri, Jhamtara
Buffer Zones: Khawasa, Teliya, Rukhad, Masurnala
Core zones in Madhya Pradesh close on Wednesday evenings.
Maharashtra Side
Core Zones: Sillari, Khursapar, Chorbahuli
Buffer Zones: Sillari Buffer, Mogarkasa
Weekly closures:
Mogarkasa: Monday
Khursapar: Tuesday
Sillari: Wednesday
Chorbahuli: Thursday
Safari Vehicles
Safaris are conducted in open jeeps across all zones.
Each jeep accommodates 6 adults + 2 children.
Complimentary entry for children:
o Madhya Pradesh: up to 5 years
o Maharashtra: up to 8 years
Safari Rules & Tips
Ensure all traveler details are accurate to avoid invalidation.
Strictly prohibited: mobile phones, loud noises, stepping out of the jeep, feeding
wildlife, smoking, or alcohol.
Safaris are conducted by official guides only, following designated routes.
Observe wildlife quietly and respectfully — patience is the key to spotting tigers!
Maximum 6 adults per jeep; children below the age limit travel free.
Which cities are closest to Pench National Park?
Madhya Pradesh side: Core zones are closed every Wednesday evening, while buffer
zones remain open year-round.
Maharashtra side: Zones observe weekly closures:
o Mogarkasa – Monday
o Khursapar – Tuesday
o Sillari – Wednesday
o Chorbahuli – Thursday
The park also remains closed during major festivals like Holi and Diwali.
Which core zone is best for a safari in Pench?
Touria Core Zone is considered the top choice for safaris.
Other popular zones include Sillari and Khursapar, both renowned for frequent tiger sightings.
Can Tigers be seen in the buffer zones of Pench?
Absolutely! Buffer zones such as Khawasa, Teliya, Rukhad, and Masurnala are excellent for
spotting tigers, leopards, and other wildlife.
The Mogarkasa zone in Maharashtra is particularly famous for recent sightings of the elusive
Black Panther.
How can one reach Pench National Park?
By Air: Nearest airports are Nagpur (95 km) and Jabalpur (240 km).
By Train: Convenient stations include Seoni, Nagpur, and Jabalpur.
By Road: Well-maintained highways and pre-booked cabs make road travel
comfortable and scenic.
How many Tigers are in Pench National Park?
Madhya Pradesh side: As of the 2022 census, there were 77 tigers.
Maharashtra side: The population has grown from 9 tigers in 2008–09 to 44 in 2021.
The latest census data is yet to be released, but sightings continue to rise, reflecting the
success of conservation efforts.
