Lush, vibrant green woodlands, deep ravines, wide plateaus, and flowing waterfalls welcome you into their depths. Panna, like most Indian wildlife reserves, started as a hunting reserve enjoyed by the Maharaja of Panna. Later, in 1981, the national park and Gangau Sanctuary were designated as wildlife sanctuaries. Fifth in the Madhya Pradesh state in central India, Panna National Park is the country's 22nd Tiger Reserve. Other wildlife sanctuaries, including Ken Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary, were added in 1994 when the park was upgraded to become a Panna Tiger Reserve. The Pandavas were said to have spent a considerable amount of time in the Panna Forest during their exile, according to the Mahabharata.

Location of Panna Tiger Reserve

The Panna Tiger Reserve, also known as the Panna National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh's Panna and Chhatarpur districts. The broad and rocky River Ken, which flows through the Vindhya range in Madhya Pradesh into the Ganges, marks the boundaries of the 540 square kilometre park. The world heritage site known for its sculptures, Khajuraho, is just 57 kilometres away. The Ken River, which runs through the centre of the reserve, not only contributes to the calm, peaceful atmosphere but also forges several magnificent waterfalls on its way to the valley beneath. The river is rich in life, from crocodiles that lounge on its sandy banks to white-necked birds and kingfishers catching fish in its waters. There are many historical sites located within the reserve. You can see remnants of human civilization from the Neolithic period here.

Key Attraction of Panna Tiger Reserve

Tigers are making their return after being reintroduced at Panna Tiger Reserve from different Madhya Pradesh reserves in 2009; there are now reported to be more than 35 tigers here. While on Panna Tiger Safari, there is a decent chance of spotting leopards, sloth bears, or tigers, but this park truly shines when it comes to birdlife, with over 200 species of waterbirds that are difficult to spot in other parks.

Apart from tigers, Panna National Park is Famous For local and migratory bird species, including an abundance of paradise flycatchers and the majority of water birds. Nilgai, chinkara, sambar, and chital, as well as more elusive species like the sloth bear, wolves, tiger, leopard, and lesser cats, live in the park's dense forest cover. The river is home to both India's crocodiles and the fish-eating gharial.

There are many kinds of unusual plants to be found in the Panna National Park. The national park boasts natural grandeur alongside being an oasis for wildlife lovers. Beautiful gorges and captivating waterfalls are a visual delight. Your trip will be wonderful if you go boating in the Ken River.

Like Sariska, Panna had completely lost its tiger population to poaching a few years ago. All tigers were wiped out one by one while park officials insisted it hadn't happened. Tigers were relocated to Panna from Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench in 2009. The effort was successful when female T1 had four cubs, of whom two survived, in 2010. Currently, there are over 50 tigers, making this a successful case study of tiger reintroduction.

Tiger Safari in Panna Tiger Reserve

Jeep safari in Panna National Park is an exciting experience. A variety of unusual creatures and plants can be seen as you travel across undulating terrain and dense deciduous forests. The jeep travels through stunning canyons and thick teak trees. The richness of the flora and wildlife is amazing to observe. Apart from Tigers, you can catch the sight of exotic animals like spotted deer or chital, black bucks, Indian gazelles, or panthers. 

There are two rounds of the Panna National Park Safari—one in the morning and one in the evening. Sixty-three jeeps are permitted to enter the park at one time, and a maximum of six visitors are allowed per vehicle. For a closer look at aquatic creatures while on a safari, you can also choose to boat on the Ken River.

Quick Facts

Area: 1645.08 sq km

Longitude: 80.1700° E

Latitude: 24.2700° N

Best time to Visit: December to March

Nearest Airport: Khajuraho

Nearest Railway Station: Khajuraho (25 km), Satna (90km), Katni (150 km)

Park Opening: 1st Oct to 30th June

Weekly off: Wednesday evening

Contact Tigerwalah to Book a Tiger Safari in Panna Tiger Reserve

Experience the Panna safari trips with expert guides with Tigerwalah. All of our tour leaders and naturalists are extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the jungle and its legends. They will travel with you on all of your tiger safari adventures and make your journey insightful and safe! Book your Panna National Park Safari with your friends and family at the most affordable package rates!