Introduction

Panna national park is spread over Vindhyan ranges of Central India. It is one of the popular tiger safari destination in Madhya Pradesh state. Panna national park is part of Panna tiger reserve and lies in northern region of Madhya Pradesh state. Tiger reserve is spread over an area of 1598.10 sq. kms. area in which 576.13 sq. kms. area is core forest and remaining area is buffer forest. These figures may vary if in future, some more areas will be added on it. It was declared as a national park in year 1981 and in 1994, it was delcared as tiger reserve. Due to location, close to UNESCO world heritage site Khajuraho temples, it gained easy popularity in tourism world. Unfortunately, in year 2009, after so much controversy, delcared as a tiger reserve with no tiger. It was a major setback for Panna national park management and Madhya Pradesh tourism. Later tiger re-introduction project was launched in which tigers, both male and females were shifted from surrounding national parks like Kanha national park, Bandhavgarh, Pench national park etc. With dynamic management practices, project gained success and once again tiger population revived in this national park and gained its place in wildlife tourist map of India..

History

Panna national park forest has good historical background. This vast forest area was under influence of 3 princely states i.e. Chhatarpur state, Panna princely state and Bijawar princely state. All these princely states were using this forest as thier hunting prserve. It was mainly used by royal family members and their important guests. During British India period, British officers also use to visit these forests for hunting expeditions. In those days, hunting was favorite activity for adventure and thrill. Gangau wildlife sanctuary was created in 1975 by comprising Northern and Southern parts of Panna tiger reserve. In 1978, Chhatarpur forest division was added to this reserve forest of Panna with intention to form a national park. In 1981, Panna national park was formally declared. With declaration of national park, wildlife conservation efforts were stepped up. Thus as a result, in year 1994, it was decided to upgrade this forest management by declaring it a tiger reserve, under Project tiger.

Specialty

When we talk about speciality of Panna national park, we can categorize it in terms of safari experience, additional activities to do in addition to jungle safaris and possible excursion trips. Panna forest is spread over Vindhyan ranges passing through Bundelkhand region. First major advantage of Panna safari trip is good chance of getting core zone safari permits without any worry. It doesn't means that it is not preferred by tourists. Here jungle safari experience is different from near by Bandhavgarh national park as landscape is totally different. Panna vegetation is more dry and in form of plateaus. Its grassland is consistently spread over the vast area that gives it different look. Here Leopard and Sloth Bear sighting is good. It rocky landscape offers good vulture sighting thus good for vulture photography. We rate this national park are more photographer friendly as safaris are done with more freedom, no fixed route system. One noticable thing, during Panna safari is that fearlessness among mammal species. Deers are especially roams fearlessly which gives increases the good photography opportunity. Here rock-painting sights are also available inside safari area. It can be visited by taking special permission, not accessible to normal tourists. Presence of boating site on Ken river, in Madla zone is additional activity, that can be done during jungle safari. After safari, tourists have option to visit historical Pandav fall and also go for late evening safari for nocturnal species sighting. Although Panna & Bandhavgarh national park forest on same mountain range but their vegetation have lot of difference. Panna forest is dominated by Kardhai (Anogeissus pendula) forest where as Bandhavgarh is dominated by Bamboo forest. Panna forest is the northern most point of Teak forest.

Safari Timing

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Jungle Safari

Jungle safari in Panna national park is mostly done by open jeeps. Like Bandhavgarh national park, here canter (open bus) safari option is not available. Despite of being a popular tiger reserve, here probability of getting core zone safari permits is high. Here jungle safaris are offered in two rounds i.e. morning safari round and afternoon safari round. In addition to this, other activities are also available for tourists like boat ride in Madla zone, Pandav fall visit and Raneh fall visit. Boating is done during Madla zone safari, in safari hours only. After doing all this, one more popular activity is to undertake unique "Pardhi walk" visit. It is totally separate activity done privately at a location about 30 kms from Madla entrance gate thus cab transfer will be required. It is a walk with Pardhi community person to understand their local life style and vocal signs to call wild animals and birds. We arrange this service for interested guests.

Mammals

Mammals checklist of Panna national park is different from other national parks of Madhya Pradesh like Bandhavgarh, Kanha national park, Pench national park etc. The reason behind this fact is due difference in vegetation and landscape. Prominently seen mammal species includes Leopard, Sloth Bear, Tigers, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Jackal, Wild Boar, Hyena etc. 

How to reach

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Best time to visit

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How to Plan

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Accommodation

Panna national park is close to Khajuraho temples site thus tourists have option to stay either in Khajuraho hotels or Panna national park resorts to undertake jungle safari in this national park. Here we can find limited accommodation option in which majority of hotels are in standard and Deluxe cateogry. On luxury option, Pashangarh Safari Lodge of Taj Safaris and Sarai at Toria are the best option for stay. In deluxe category, Tendu Leaf resort is ideal place for stay. In standard category, MPSTDC hotel Madla Camp is best choice for stay.

Nearby

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