Panna National Park

4.2 / 5 Heritage, Religious, National Parks,

About Panna National Park

Far From City: 10 kms from city center
Cost: About Panna National Park Weather: Time Required:4-5 hrs Open Time:6:30 AM - 10:30 AM, 2:30 AM - 5:30 PM Cost:Indians: INR 40,Foreigners: INR 500

History of Panna National Park Earlier, Panna National Park was a private hunting preserve of the rulers of Panna, Chhatarpur & Bijawar states. Later, in the year 1981, the national park along with Gangau sanctuary was declared as a wildlife sanctuary. Panna National Park is 22nd Tiger reserve of India and fifth in central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. In 1994, it was upgraded into a Tiger Reserve with the inclusion of some other wildlife sanctuary like Ken Gharia wildlife sanctuary. It is also mentioned in Mahabharata that Pandavas spent a long time of their exile in the forests of Panna. The national park faced several problems in conserving the tigers. In March 2009, two female tigers were brought here from Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha National Park. Surprisingly, in June 2009, it was discovered that the sanctuary, which had around 40 tigers six years ago, was left only with two tigresses. Due to this, Ministry of Environment and Forest decided to relocate two tigers and two tigresses to the reserve. Few of them were brought from reserves likePench National Park,Bandhavgarh National ParkandKanha National Park. Wildlife at Panna National Park Mammals:You will find tigers roaming here freely with other beings like the leopard (Panthera pardus), wild dog (Cuon alpinus), wolf (Canis lupus), hyaena, caracal (Felus caracal) and other smaller cats. Sloth bears can be easily spotted in the rock escarpments and peaceful valleys. The wooded areas are abundant with sambar, the largest of Indian deer, chital and chowsingha. One can easily see nilgai and chinkara in the open areas of grasslands, especially on the periphery. Avifauna: The avifauna comprises more than 200 species, including a myriad of migratory birds. Some of the birds you might spot here are- white necked stork, bareheaded goose, honey Buzzard, King vulture, Blossom-headed Parakeet, Paradise flycatcher. Reptiles: Variety of snakes including pythons are found here. Flora:Due to the dry and hot climate along with shallow Vindhyan soils, deciduous vegetation dominates this area. Other major forest types are riverine, open grasslands and thorny woodlands. The characteristic floral species of this area include tree species such as Tectona grandis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca indica, Buchnania latifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Anogeissus pendula, Lannea coromandelica, Bosswelia serrata, etc. Panna National Park Jeep Safari The jeep safari in the Panna national park is a thrilling experience. As you pass through undulating terrains and thick deciduous forests, you will spot a variety of rare animals and plants. Two rounds of jungle safari are available- one in the morning and the other in the evening. At a particular time, 63 jeeps are allowed to go inside the park, and maximum six tourists are permitted in a single vehicle. While on a safari, you can also choose to boat in the Ken river to have a close look of aquatic species. Safari timings- Winter (Oct to Jan)- Morning- 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Evening- 1:30 PM to 5:30 PMSummer (Feb to June)- Morning - 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Evening- 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM Panna National Park Timings and Entrance Fee The timings are 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM and 2:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Entry fee is INR 40 for Indians & INR 500 for foreigners.Jeep rental- INR 1500/half day.Camera- INR 40 (still) & INR 200 (video)Guide- INR 100/vehicle,Private vehicle entry- INR 150,Boat Ride- INR 150 for Indians and INR 150 for foreignersElephant safari- INR 100 for Indians and INR 600 for foreignersNight Safari- INR 1800/jeep (including entry fees)

Best time to visit Panna National Park The best time to visit Panna National Park is from November to April during which climate remains pleasant. The mercury lingers between 8 to 30 degrees Celcius in winters which are not too cold. In March-April, the chances of spotting animals are quite high. Summers witness blistering heat with the temperature soaring up to 45 degrees Celcius. Monsoons are also not suitable for visiting the national park since heavy downpours are observed, and jungle safaris are also not available. How to Reach Panna National Park The road network is perfect to reach Panna National Park; nearest bus stand is in Panna town which is connected to Khajuraho, Satna and many other places in Madhya Pradesh by a good road network. Madla, at a distance of around 24 km south west of Khajuraho, is an excellent transport centre. One can get buses and other road transport modes from here to the Panna National Park.

Top Tourist Places in Panna Diamond Mines Panna National Park Raneh Falls and the Ken crocodile sanctuary Mahamati Prannathji Temple Jugal Kishoreji Temple Baldeoji Temple All Tourist Places in Panna

Tips 1. Do not try to feed animals.2. Avoid wearing bright colours that could attract wild animals.3. Do not venture into restricted areas. Follow the rules and regulations while on a jungle safari.4. Carry water bottles, sunscreens and scarfs as a protection from heat.