Pench Tiger Reserve
The Pench Tiger Reserve is an enthralling wildlife sanctuary that lies on the southern border of Madhya Pradesh, extending into Maharashtra. Spanning over 758 square kilometers, this remarkable reserve is named after the Pench River, which meanders through its verdant landscapes. Pench Tiger Reserve is one of the premier tiger habitats in India and offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the regal Bengal tiger in its natural environment.
A Historical of Pench Tiger Reserve
Pench Tiger Reserve boasts a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The reserve inspired the famous "The Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling, making it a place of significant literary and cultural importance. In 1977, Pench was declared a wildlife sanctuary, and later in 1992, it was included in Project Tiger, solidifying its status as a vital conservation area for Bengal tigers and other wildlife species.
Ecological Significance and Biodiversity
The biodiversity of Pench Tiger Reserve is truly remarkable, with a wide array of flora and fauna that thrive in its diverse ecosystems. The reserve is predominantly covered by Southern tropical dry deciduous forests, interspersed with open grassy meadows. These habitats support a rich variety of wildlife, including:
- Mammals: Apart from the Bengal tiger, Pench is home to leopards, Indian wolves, sloth bears, dholes (wild dogs), and numerous species of deer, such as the spotted deer (chital), sambar, and barking deer.
- Birds: Pench Tiger Reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting over 285 species of birds, including the Malabar pied hornbill, Indian pitta, and the endangered white-rumped vulture.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: The reserve also shelters a variety of reptiles like the Indian rock python, cobra, and several species of turtles and frogs.
Photo Gallery
Flora & Fauna
The forests found in Pench Tiger Reserve are divided into three parts as follows: -
- Southern tropical wet deciduous forest.
- Southern tropical dry deciduous teak forest.
- Southern tropical dry deciduous mixed forest.
Dry mixed forest spreads in about one-third area of ?? protected area. Whose main species are salai, pickle, moyan, tendu etc. Kahua (Arjuna), Jamuna, Guular and Saja are found along the banks of river streams. Trees of Mahua, Palash, Plum etc. are found scattered around the open forests of displaced areas of old villages. Teak forests are found in about one quarter area. There are about 82 types of grass species and Bamboo found in this forest area.
The major Carnivores are Tiger, leopard, wild cat, wild dog, hyena, jackal, fox, wolf, weasel among the vegetarian species, Gaur, Nilgai, Sambar, Chital, Chasinga, Chinkara, Wild Pig etc. are prominent. In this Tiger Reserve, birds of about 325 species can also be seen in various seasons of the year. In the sunny areas of the Totladoh reservoir situated inside the park limits, there is a lot of migratory birds seen in the cold season. Among the migratory birds, Ruddy shelduck, Pintail, Whistling Teal and Vegtel etc are prominent.
Best Time to Visit Pench Tiger Reserve
While Pench Tiger Reserve is accessible throughout the year, the best time to visit is during the winter and early summer months, from October to April. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the chances of spotting wildlife, including tigers, are higher. The summer months, from March to June, though hotter, offer excellent opportunities to see animals congregating near water sources
Accommodation Options: Stay Amidst Nature
Pench Tiger Reserve offers a range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Whether you are looking for luxury lodges or budget-friendly resorts, you will find something to suit your needs.
Luxury Resorts
For those seeking a luxurious stay, Pench boasts several high-end resorts that offer world-class amenities. These resorts often provide guided safaris, nature walks, and other activities, ensuring a comfortable yet immersive experience in the wilderness.
Mid-Range and Budget Options
If you are traveling on a budget, there are plenty of mid-range and budget accommodations available. These include comfortable lodges and guesthouses that provide essential amenities and are usually located near the reserve's entry gates, making them convenient for safari-goers.
Pench Safari Zone & Entry Permits (Per Day)
Pench Tiger Reserve has three Tourist zone namely Turia, Karmajhiri and Jamtara.
Core Zone Vehicle Allowed and Entry gate Information.
| Zone | Entry Permits are Available Per Day | Total | |
| Morning | Evening | ||
| Turia | 74 | 37 | 37 |
| Karmajhiri | 16 | 8 | 8 |
| Jamtara | 9 | 5 | 4 |
| Telia | 30 | 15 | 15 |
| Rukhad | 30 | 15 | 15 |
| Total | 159 | 80 | 79 |
Weather
Pench being situated in Central India is subjected to extreme and tropical weather. Month of January may also witness sub-zero temperatures and frost. Monsoon arrives in the second week of June. The average temperature over the months is as below:
| Months | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Min (°C) | 1 | 10 | 22 | 30 | 35 | 25 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 12 | 6 | 3 |
| Max (°C) | 15 | 25 | 35 | 40 | 42 | 41 | 34 | 30 | 31 | 29 | 27 | 25 |
Connectivity & Distance
Nearest Airport : Jabalpur and Nagpur
Nearest Railway Station : Jabalpur, Chhindwara & Nagpur
Pench Tiger Reserve has three entry point (Gate) namely, Turia, Karmajhiri, Jamtara
- Jabalpur – Seoni – Khawasa – Turia : 215 km.
- Nagpur – Khawasa – Turia : 85 km.
- Balaghat – Seoni – Khawasa – Turia : 200 km.
- Seoni – Khawasa – Turia : 110 km.
Turia Gate
- Nagpur – Suktara – Karmajhiri : 135 km.
- Balaghat – Seoni – Suktara – Karmajhiri : 150 km.
- Jabalpur – Seoni – Suktara – Karmajhiri : 195 km
- Seoni – Suktara – Karmajhiri : 50 km.
Karmajhiri Gate
- Chhindwara – Bichhua – Pathri – Thotamal – Jamtara : 80 km.
- Chhindwara – Chand – Maghdoun – Thotamal – Jamtara : 59 km.
Jamtara Gate
For Pench Online Safari Booking, you can easily arrange your wildlife adventure by contacting us. Our team is here to assist you with all your safari booking needs, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience in Pench Tiger Reserve. For inquiries and bookings, contact us at info@mptourtravels.com or WhatsApp & call +91-6266369208.