Pench National Park is in the Chhindwara & Seoni districts of Madhya Pradesh, India.

A Tigress in Pench National Park

The National Park got its name from the Pench River, which flows through the middle of the park. In 1977, the area was declared a sanctuary. In 1983. it was declared as a National Park. In 1992, it became Pench tiger reserve under Project Tiger, to save India’s National Animal, Royal Bengal Tigers. Thousands of spotted deer are found here in this Park.

The setting for “The Jungle Book” movie was this National Park. River rafting is a major sports activity in the park. Spread over 758 square kilometers in the southern reaches of the Satpura Ranges, the park is rich in flora and fauna. There are 40 royal Bengal tigers in this park alone. 210 Bird species are found here. 39 mammal species, 13 reptile species, and three amphibian species are found here.

Jungle Safari is famous here. Sitaghat, a spot on the banks of River Pench offers you an excellent view of rocks & artistic-looking trees, which are to be seen in the morning or evening. Bodhanala range inside the National Park is famous for Bird watching. The Watchtower at Raiyakassa gives a good view of the beautiful Pench River.

There is a 14-kilometer long elevated stretch of NH 44 passes through this tiger reserve. It was constructed to allow wild animals, especially the tigers, to have their natural corridor to be kept intact.

Collarwali, the Supermom Tiger

A 17-year-old Indian Tiger, nicknamed Collarwali, died on the 14th of Jan 2022 at the Tiger Reserve. This tiger is said to have given birth to 29 cubs (2008-2018).

She was also known as the “Mother of Pench”.

It is believed that Collarwali is the most photographed tiger in the world.

How Do I Go To Pench National Park?

Pench Turiya gate near Khawasa Border on NH 8 is the main try point to Pench National Park. The distance from Nagpur railway station to Pench Turiya gate is approximately 110 kilometers. Jabalpur is 200 kilometers away. Kanha National Park, Tadoba National Park, and Satpura National Park are at 190, 300, and 340 kilometers, respectively. Karmajhiri Gate is another entry gate to the National Park.

Nagpur airport is the nearest airport at 110 kilometers away. Jabalpur also has an airport 200 kilometers away. The nearest railway stations are Nagar and Jabalpur respectively.

What are the Timings of Pench National Park?

November to May is the ideal season to visit the Park. From July to September, the park is closed. The park Gates are opened at 6 a.m. and closed by 10:30 a.m., and in the afternoon, again opens at 3 p.m. and closes by 6 p.m.

Hotels Near Pench National Park

There are many hotels and resorts near the Pench Turiya Gate. Night stay is allowed to watch the beasts of the Jungle.