Pench Travel Guide
Pench Travel Guide: Exploring India’s Stunning Tiger Reserve
If you’re looking to go on an authentic safari adventure in India, the Pench travel guide will show that Pench National Park needs to be at the top of your list. Located in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, Pench is one of India’s most pristine tiger reserves teeming with incredible biodiversity.
History of Pench Tiger Reserve
Pench has a long history dating back to the 3rd century BC when it served as a hunting reserve for the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. In the 16th century, the Gond kings declared it as a royal forest reserve. However, rampant poaching and deforestation took a toll until it was established as Pench National Park in 1977. It achieved the coveted status of a tiger reserve in 1992, playing a crucial role in preserving the Bengal tiger population in central India.
Wildlife Watching
The star attraction at Pench is obviously the majestic Bengal tiger. With an estimated 53 tigers roaming the park as of 2018, your chances of spotting this apex predator are quite high if you opt for multiple safari drives. Pench is also home to other mammals like leopards, sloth bears, dholes (Indian wild dogs), jackals, jungle cats, and various deer species.
Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the park, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Look out for colorful residents like the Indian pitta, storks, bee-eaters, and the Indian gray hornbill among many others.
Pench Safari Experiences
Guided jeep and elephant safaris in the morning and afternoon are the most popular way to explore Pench. Morning safaris start as early as 5:30 am while afternoon safaris begin around 3 pm. Each safari lasts around 3 hours.
The best times for tiger sightings tend to be in the hotter summer months from March to June when the tigers are more active and come out to water holes. However, the park remains open from October to June.
Where to Stay in Pench
The government-run Turia Gate Forest Rest House and Tiger Corridor Resort offer basic accommodation within the park premises. There are also multiple resorts and hotels just outside the park gates in villages like Turia, Khawa, and Sarahiri. For more upscale stays, opt for luxury lodges and camps like Pench Tree Lodge, Tathastu Resort, and Pench Jungle Camp.
Pench Distance from Nagpur
The nearest airport is located at Nagpur, just 78 km away from Pench National Park. Taxis are readily available from Nagpur to make the journey to Pench. For a hassle-free experience, book your Nagpur to Pench taxi in advance with AMZ Cabs, a reliable cab service provider in the region. Their clean and comfortable vehicles, along with experienced drivers familiar with the routes, ensure a smooth transit from the airport directly to your accommodation near the park.
With its incredible biodiversity, multiple zones to explore, and thriving tiger population, Pench National Park offers an unforgettable safari experience in the heart of India. Plan your trip, keep your cameras ready, and get ready to be wowed by this jewel of central India!
