While at Khawasa a small little village on the Nagpur Jabalpur National Highway 7, you will see a board that says Pench National Park 12 kms, take this metalloid road thru the beautiful teak forest. You will pass a couple of small village on the way. Finally you reach Village Avarghani, directions to Pench are clear, and you move towards the Turia gate, which is about 1.5kms from this village.
This park is different. Located in the AVSM (Aravali, Vindhyanchal, Satpura and Maikal Ranges) belt, this teak forest is a different and a pleasant surprise to the normal and scenic parks of Kanha and Bandhavgarh. The tracks are smoother, the trees are thicker with dense undergrowth, perhaps one reason why the herbivore population here is more larger in size compared to Kanha and Bandhavgarh. There is a distinct silence here. You feel you are the King, when suddenly your driver halts seeing the Pugmarks of the actual King of the area. A Tiger has just crossed, he shows them to you, and suddenly an alarm call from one of the denizens of the forest. You, your driver, your naturalist are all alert. Looking in the direction of the call, eye balls much bigger than usual, heart pounding at 120 beats a minute. Ears as big as of an Elephant, you want to see the true King of Pench. The drama, unfolds, and you are in Pench, the true and original Kipling Country.
Housed in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, Pench National Park owes its name to the river Pench which cuts a path through the forests. It is so vast that it straddles the realm of Madhya Pradesh and the neighbouring state Maharashtra. The beauty of Pench National Park is so enchanting that it has sparked one of the best creations of Rudyard Kipling- The Jungle Book.
Laden with rocky trails, wooded hills, glassy rivers, and gushing streams, the park lures in large herds of visitors every year, and is a nature lover’s wildest dream! The beautiful, lush woods foster over 300 varied species of flora and fauna, something no other place in India can boast of! There are also flocks of resident and migratory birds that live here.
The park also shelters the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger and is India’s finest sanctuary, Pench Tiger Reserve. It offers splendid opportunities for tiger spotting, especially in the summers.
The swaying trees and gurgling streams are a melodious combination, lulling the senses of all those who come here. With no dearth of luxury resorts, cottages and lodges that line the interiors of the park, a perfect balance of comfort and wilderness enhances your trip. There are countless stimulating activities that you can lust after at this national park.
The Pench National Park Safari is the best of its kind in the entire country. Besides that, activities like nature trails, elephant safaris, boating, bonfires, bird watching, wildlife spotting, and cycling rides add magic and excitement to your stay.
Pench Dam and Reservoir:
Pench dam is also famous by the name of Kamthikhairy Dam, and is on the river Pench. It’s a beautiful place as the Pench Reservoir offers opportunities for the tourists to watch beautiful sightseeing areas surrounding the lake and the tourists also enjoy boating at this place. Motor boats as well as paddle boats are available for the tourists to enjoy the panoramic view of this place. Tourists also visit and enjoy the areas surrounding the lake. This dam is located in the west range of Pench National park and it is encompassed by the slopes of the forest.
Kuwara Bhivsen:
It is a beautiful place known as Gond Devsthan beside the bank of Pench River near Nagpur. The scenic beauty of this place is heart touching for the tourists. It’s a nice place for arranging picnic. Beside the river, there is a beautiful Shiv Mandir located at the hill and this gives an awesome view to the tourists. Approaching to this destination offers a marvelous experience to the tourists. Tourist feel that they are in some different world as the trees on both the side of the road offers a mesmerizing view.
Night safari
Daytime safaris and walks are pretty great, but nothing compared to the splendor and thrill of exploring the forest after dusk, especially at night! Wolf Sanctuary Zone is the only area where night safaris take place.
It surprises you with sightings of rare nocturnal creatures in all their glory. The temperature becomes cool and pleasant, making your ride more enjoyable. The first few minutes may seem a tad intimidating, owing to the darkness, but the soothing caress of mother nature quickly pales your fear. If you’re lucky, you may even spot beautiful tigers in the night!
Turia zone
The most elegant zone in Pench National Park, the Turia gate is located just 1.5 km away from Village Machaan Resort. The entry gate sits adjoining a wildlife museum, which holds information of the various flora and fauna in the park.
Turia zone is open from October to June. You can book Turia safaris online, for an advance booking is required to enter the gate.
Best time to visit
Whenever travellers think of visiting Pench National Park, the very first thing that might come to their mind is probably the best time to visit. Attached to both Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the tourist attraction takes something good from here and there. While the harsh summers can be enjoyed with the proper gear like sunglasses, ample water, and hats; monsoons are not a preferable time as the national park is closed during that time and slips away in no time, and switches its place with winters. The cold season is considered the best time to visit Pench National Park as that’s when the migratory birds come here to take shelter with the other birds.
October to February is a good time to visit Pench when the weather is pleasant and the jungle looks lush. November and March are the best months for birding when birds come to central India from colder areas to spend winter. At this time deer fawns can also be seen.
March onwards the jungle start to change colour as summer approaches. Some of the best sightings happen in summer when grass dries up and wildlife is concentrated around water holes but it is also the hottest time of the year when temperatures reach 42C in May.”