Panna National Park is a good wildlife park in Madhya Pradesh, India, located in the Chhatarpur and Panna districts, together. This park covers about 542.67 square kilometers, and it was made a national park in the year 1981. Since then, many people who love nature, animals, and outdoor activities have come to visit this park.
This park is well known for its wild animals. Many animals live in the forest. Some of the important animals you can see here are tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian wolves, wild dogs, and hyenas. You can also see many kinds of deer. If you are lucky, you may also see animals like the pangolin, four-horned antelope, Indian fox, rusty-spotted cat, porcupine, and chousingha, which is another name for the four-horned deer.
bird species
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Tiger population
All these animals inhabit the dry deciduous forest. This type of forest has many trees, bushes, and open grasslands. It is a nice place to walk and look at animals living in their natural home.
This park is also a good place for people who like birds. There are more than 200 kinds of birds in the park. You can see many beautiful birds when you visit. Because of this, many bird watchers and photographers come here.
A very special part of this park is the Ken River. This river flows through the park and gives water to the plants and animals. The river also lets people enjoy a boat safari. This is something that not many other parks in India offer. On the boat safari, you can see the park from the river. You can also spot crocodiles and birds around water areas.
This is a well-known wildlife park in India. It is near the Vindhyan Hills. The government made it a national park in the year 1981. The park has forests, open grasslands, and a river called the Ken River that flows through it. Because of these natural features, the park has many types of animals and plants.
When we talk about Panna history, 1994 is a very important year. That’s when the Government of India included the park in the Project Tiger programme. It became the 22nd Tiger Reserve in India and the 5th Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The main purpose of Project Tiger is to protect tigers and the places where they live.
In 2009, the park had a big problem. There were very few tigers left in the park. This happened mainly because of illegal hunting, also called poaching. People were very upset and worried because tigers were almost gone from the park.
After this, the government and wildlife experts started a special programme to help bring back the tigers. They brought some tigers from other parks and placed them in Panna. They also kept a close watch on the tigers to make sure they were safe. Because of these efforts, the number of tigers slowly increased. This was a proud moment in Panna history and Indian wildlife conservation. Today, there are more than 80 tigers (approx.) living in the park.
In 2011, the government gave Panna another special title. It was named a Biosphere Reserve. This means that the area is very important for animals, plants, and people. It protects nature and also helps the people living near there.
Now, Panna National Park is not only a safe home for tigers, leopards, and other animals, but it is also a popular place for tourists and people who love nature. The park's success in bringing back tigers shows how careful planning and hard work can help save animals and nature.
Panna National Park is a great place for people who love nature and animals. But not everything here is about forests and tigers. There are also many other nice places to visit near the park. They are clean, peaceful, and extremely beautiful. If you are making a Panna package booking, you should also see these places.
Pandav Falls is a very famous and beautiful waterfall near Panna Park. It is surrounded by many green trees. The water comes down from the rocks into a big pool. Many people believe that the Pandavas from the Mahabharata lived here for some time. There are some old caves near the waterfall, too. People come here for picnics.
DetailsRaneh Falls is another lovely place to visit. It is on the Ken River. There is a deep valley here made of colorful rocks. In the area, there are many big and small waterfalls. The green forest around the falls makes it a peaceful place. It is good for taking photos and sitting quietly. You can visit here with friends,
DetailsIn this wildlife sanctuary, the Ken and Khudar rivers join together, and it is also home to a rare crocodile species called the gharial. Gharials have long and thin jaws. They are rare, and the government protects them here. This sanctuary started in the year 1985. You can also see other animals like Sambar deer,
DetailsInside the park, there is a place where you can enjoy boating on the Ken River. You can sit in a boat and ride on the calm water. While boating, you may see birds, animals, or even reptiles. The most suitable time for boating is in the evening, at sunset. It is a quiet activity that helps you enjoy the natural
DetailsThis is a very ancient and unique temple in Panna. The temple is built in Roman and Gothic styles, so it looks different from other temples. It is for Lord Balram, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. The statue of Lord Balram is made from black Shaligram stone. The temple has big pillars and is built
DetailsThis temple is also very important. It was built in 1692. The design of the temple shows both Hindu and Muslim styles. The temple has six parts. There are big domes and shapes like lotus flowers. Mahatma Prannathji lived here for 11 years.
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There are many big trees in the park. Some common trees are teak (called Tectona grandis), bamboo, and mahua (called Madhuca indica). Other important trees are tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), chironji (Buchanania latifolia), and some types of Anogeissus trees. You will also see trees like Lannea coromandelica and Boswellia serrata. These trees help keep the forest strong and healthy.
Besides big trees, the park has many small plants too. Shrubs are small bushes that grow close to the ground. Two common shrubs in the park are Ziziphus mauritiana and Ziziphus oenoplia. There are also climbing plants that grow on trees and rocks. These plants make the forest look nice and give homes to many animals.
The park has many flowering plants. You can see flowers like the flame of the forest (called Palash), Lantana camara, Grewia plants, night-flowering jasmine (called Nyctanthes arbor-tristis), and Ixora flowers. They attract numerous insects and birds to this park. Birds and insects help keep the forest healthy.
Panna National Park also has grasslands. Grasslands are grassy open areas. These areas give food to animals like deer and antelopes that eat plants. The mix of trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasslands makes a good home for many animals. These trees, bushes, flowers, and grass help the animals and make the park a nice place to see.
The tiger is one of the most famous animals in Panna. Tigers are strong and big cats. Sometimes, visitors are lucky to see a tiger, but it does not happen every time. Other large animals in the park include leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs. You can also find wolves and hyenas walking around in the park.
There are many smaller animals in the park, too. These animals are food for the big animals like tigers and leopards. Some typical smaller animals include sambar deer, chital (also known as spotted deer), chowsingha (a small species of antelope), chinkara (Indian gazelle), and nilgai (blue bull). Visitors often see these animals during safaris.
If you like birds, you will enjoy Panna National Park. It has about 200 different kinds of birds. Some birds you can see here are the white-necked stork, bar-headed goose, honey buzzard, and king vulture. There are also many colorful birds like the blossom-headed parakeet and the paradise flycatcher. Small birds such as scimitar babblers live in the park as well.
Panna is not only home to animals and birds but also reptiles like snakes and crocodiles. Crocodiles can be seen resting near the water. The Ken River runs through the park, and crocodiles often remain close to this beautiful river.
In short, Panna Park is a great place to see many animals and birds. Whether you want to see big animals like tigers or watch many kinds of birds, Panna is a nice place for people who love wildlife.
The best time to visit Panna National Park is from October to June. The park remains open to visitors between these months. You can make a Panna package booking and go on safaris and see many animals and birds.
From October to March is the winter season. The weather is cool and nice, with temperatures between 5°C and 28°C. This is the most convenient time to visit. Animals come out in the sunlight, so it is easier to see them. Many birds come to the park during this time, so it is good for bird watchers. You can also enjoy safari rides and visit nearby places without worrying about the heat.
From March to May the summer season. It is very hot, and temperatures can go up to 45°C. Even though it is hot, this is still a good time to see animals near water. You can go on a boat safari on the Ken River to spot rare reptiles and other animals. If you visit in summer, remember to bring sunscreen, drink lots of water, and wear light clothes.
The park is closed from June to September because of heavy rain. The paths become slippery, and it is not safe to visit. Thus, plan your visit during October and June for the most pleasant visit to Panna National Park.
Panna National Park has three different kinds of safaris. Each one lets you see animals and nature in a special way.
This safari happens at night in the area around the park. It is very exciting because you can see animals that only come out at night. You have to be very quiet and not use a flashlight. This way, the animals will not get scared. This safari is good for people who like adventure and want to see the jungle at night, but still be safe.
This is the most popular safari in the park. You will travel in an open, four-wheel-drive vehicle known as a gypsy. A guide will help you find animals like tigers, leopards, and deer. You can get close distance with the animals and take good pictures. This safari goes inside the main part of the park where animals live freely. It is a good choice for families and people who love wildlife and nature.
You can travel by boat on the Ken River inside the park during this safari. You can see many birds, crocodiles, and other animals that live near the water. Sometimes, you might even see a tiger near the river. This safari is great for people who like water and want to enjoy nature in a calm way.
| Near Khajuraho: | Panna National Park is located near Khajuraho, only 25 kilometers away, and you can easily reach the park in around 30 minutes by car. That makes it easy for visitors to come to Khajuraho and Panna National Park in one trip. |
| Chance to See Tigers: | Tigers inhabit Panna National Park, however, the probability of sighting a tiger is not guaranteed and depends on chance. Several tourists do get lucky and spot tigers on their safari, but it is not necessarily guaranteed. |
| Many Wild Animals: | The park has several wild animals. You can easily spot deer such as Cheetal and Sambar. Nilgai (blue bulls), Chinkara (small Indian gazelle), Four-horned antelope known as Chousingha, monkeys known as Langoor, boars, and jackals are some of the other animals present. |
| Ken River and Waterfalls: | The beautiful Ken River flows through the park. This river has some nice gorges and waterfalls that visitors like to see. One famous waterfall near the park is Pandav Falls, where many tourists spend time enjoying nature. |
| Changing Seasons: | The forest in Panna is called a dry deciduous forest. During the rainy season, the forest becomes green and full of leaves. But during summer, the forest gets dry, and there is a lot of leaf shedding among the trees. This shows how nature changes with the seasons. |
| Ancient Relics: | While on safari, visitors can see old relics from the Gondwana period. These are very old objects left by the tribal people who lived in this area long ago. This adds historical value to the park. |
| Vulture’s Home: | This park is home to about eight species of vultures. These birds are important for nature and can often be seen flying or resting in the park. |
| Crocodiles in the River: | The Ken River is also home to crocodiles. Visitors may be lucky to see these reptiles near the water while enjoying the river views. |
| Popular Tourist Place: | Every year, about 20,000 people who love wildlife visit Panna National Park. They mostly visit the core forest area and the Ken Ghariyal Sanctuary. Additionally, about 35,000 visitors come to see the famous Pandav Falls nearby. This makes the area very popular for nature and wildlife lovers. |
Panna National Park is a big forest region in India where several wild creatures are found to reside. People can visit the park and take safaris to see the animals and enjoy nature. The park is divided into different zones. These zones help protect the animals and also make it easier and safer for visitors to explore. There are two main types of zones in Panna National Park: the Core Zone and the Buffer Zone. Each zone is special and has different kinds of animals and plants.
This is the main area of the national park where most of the wild animals live. The forest is very thick here. There are two important parts in the Core Zone:
Mandla Zone is a main area inside Panna National Park, and it is a nice place where visitors can watch animals that eat only plants, called herbivorous animals. During a safari in this area, visitors can see animals like sambar deer, spotted deer, nilgai (also called blue bull), and sometimes even hyenas. The forest in Mandla Zone has many green trees and plants, which make it look very beautiful and peaceful. This zone is perfect for people who enjoy quiet and calm nature. It is a relaxing place to visit and spend time in the forest while watching animals in their natural habitat.
Hinouta Zone is also part of the Core Zone and is more famous for big wild animals. In this zone, visitors have a better chance of seeing tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, and even Indian wolves if they are lucky. This makes it an exciting zone for people who want to see rare and powerful animals. The forest here is also very beautiful and has seasonal waterfalls during some parts of the year. These waterfalls and the natural view of the area make it a popular choice for safaris. Many visitors choose this zone because it offers both beautiful scenery and higher chances of spotting rare wildlife.
The Buffer Zone is the area that is outside the Core Zone but still inside the park. It is not as deep in the forest, but it is still a good place to enjoy a safari. There are three buffer zones in Panna National Park: Akola, Harsa, and Khajurikudar. In these areas, visitors can usually see herbivore animals like deer, and also many different kinds of birds. This zone is perfect for people who are visiting with family or children, or those who want a simple and easy safari. The chance of seeing big animals like tigers or leopards is low in the Buffer Zone, but the forest is still very peaceful and beautiful. It is also a nice place for nature walks and gypsy safaris.
The Ken River passes through the area of Panna National Park, and people visiting the park can take a boat safari on this river. While sitting in the boat, you might see birds, animals, or reptiles near the water. The boat ride is quiet and relaxing. It is a different way to see the beauty of this park.