Spread over 758 sq.kms of tropical moist
deciduous forest, Pench is one of the most accessible tiger reserves in the country, and
just 90 kilometres north of Nagpur. The Reserve is located in the southern part of the
Satpura hill range in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts in Madhya Pradesh. The terrain is
undulating, with most of the area covered by small hills and mounds.
The forest area
of Pench National Park is redolent with tropical dry deciduous teak and interspersed with
bamboo trees and other species of shrubs. The 'Kullu tree' (a species of gum tree) in
Pench is a highlight, and visitors are often mesmerized by its almost white bark and
spread out branches that are a startling contrast to the lush greenery around. In addition
there are many rare varieties of herbs and grasses in this region -many of them of
medicinal use. Fauna-wise, a number of endangered species have made it their habitat
including the Indian wild dog, the wild pig, nilgai, chital, muntjac, gaur, the
four-horned antelope and of course tigers. The tiger population in pench is one of the
hightest - 55, in number. The park is also rich in bird life with over 200 species like
barbets, bulbuls, minivets, orioles, wagtails, munias, mynas, waterfowls, and blue
kingfishers. The Pench River and water streams that weave through the area, along with
nallahs and ravines provide the perfect habitat for the water birds of this region. This
is also the hunting ground for crocodiles and turtles.
Access
The nearest railhead is Seoni which is only 30 kms away from Pench National Park. Nagpur
is only 92 kms and a two-hour drive from Pench. Nagpur is very well connected and one can
reach Nagpur either by air or train from Delhi, Mumbai and other places in India. Pench is
190 kms from Jabalpur station.
Best time to
visit
If you want to catch sight of tigers and other wildlife, plan your visit to the park
during the summer months, as this is the time the animals come out in search of
waterholes. Winters months maybe may more comfortable, but it is very
difficult to view much wildlife during this season. The Pench National Park is open to
visitors from early November to end June each year and closed during the rainy season
(July- October).
Accommodation
The Pench Jungle Camp is a good place to stay and provides canvas tents and A/c
rooms.The Jungle Camp also offers facilities like billiards room, badminton courts,
wildlife research centre and a multi cuisine restaurant. The other accommodation facility
is Bagh Van Lodge located just five minutes away from the entrance of the Pench National
Park. It has cottage-type accommodation and also has a main dining and lounge area.
For more information contact:
Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
4th Floor, Gangorti Complex, T.T. Nagar, Bhopal - 462 003.
Tel.: (0755) 277 8383, 277 4343, Fax: (0755) 277 4289, 277 2384
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