Pench Tiger Reserve, straddling the border between Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh in India, is a vibrant ecosystem celebrated for inspiring Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, the reserve is a critical habitat for numerous species, including the majestic Bengal tiger.
1,180 km2
Dry Decidious Forest with Teak Vegetation
Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Nilgai, Gaur, Jackal, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer
Red-vented Bulbul, White-throated Kingfisher, Spotted Dove, Black Drongo
Pench National Park, spanning 1200 sq. km across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The Totladoh Dam on the Pench River, built from 1973 to 1988, was the first interstate project between these states, submerging 72 sq. km, with 54 sq. km in the park. The core zone of Pench National Park has three entry gates: Turia, Karmajhiri, and Jamtara. The Maharashtra side, designated a Tiger Reserve in 1999, covers 257 sq. km and features gates like Sillari and Khursapar, among others.
Exploring Pench feels like stepping into the pages of “The Jungle Book.” The dense teak, Mahua, and bamboo forests evoke the world Rudyard Kipling described, though he never visited these jungles. Kipling’s vivid imagination, fueled by correspondence with British officers familiar with the area, brought this landscape to life.
Established in 1975 and declared a tiger reserve in 1992, Pench Tiger Reserve includes Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park, Pench Mowgli Sanctuary, and surrounding buffer zones. The park is rich in wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, various deer species, wild dogs, and over 210 bird species. Pench offers an enchanting experience for nature lovers and bird watchers alike, with its diverse flora and fauna and stunning landscapes.
When you book with Into The Wild, our packages usually include the following (can vary based on individual client requirements):
Our packages do not include the following, unless separately requested for:
The nearest airport is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, Maharashtra, approximately 130 kilometers away. From the airport, we can organize an air-conditioned vehicle to transport our guests to their hotel near the park, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by road.
The closest major railway station is also in Nagpur, well-connected to various cities across India. Upon arrival at Nagpur Railway Station, an air-conditioned vehicle can be organized for our guests to cover the remaining distance to the hotel at Pench Tiger Reserve.
This is an indicative itinerary of your wildlife adventure and can be personalized as per your requirements. Reach out to us for a customized tour package.
The name "Pench" is derived from the Pench River, which flows through the reserve and divides it into two halves. The river is central to the park's ecosystem and has supported human settlements in the region for centuries, as evidenced by ancient ruins and relics found within the park.
At Into The Wild, we believe in providing our guests with only the finest luxury accommodations. To ensure this, our dedicated team personally visits each property, staying there to experience every detail firsthand. This commitment to quality guarantees that the accommodations we recommend meet our stringent standards for comfort, luxury, and service.
Our founder, Akshay Gurnani, alongside a robust network of seasoned professionals, meticulously evaluates each location, from its amenities to the surrounding natural beauty. This hands-on approach reassures our customers that they will enjoy an unparalleled stay, immersing themselves in the tranquility and splendor of nature without sacrificing any comfort.
We take pride in offering a curated selection of properties that promise not only a luxurious retreat but also an unforgettable journey into the wild.
We are also constantly seeking to expand our list of accommodation partners, ensuring that our customers have a diverse array of options to choose from. By continually adding new hotels & resorts, we can offer fresh and unique experiences tailored to the preferences and desires of our guests.
The best time to visit Pench Tiger Reserve is from October to June. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the seasons:
Winter (October to February): This is the most pleasant time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 25°C (41°F to 77°F). The cool weather is ideal for safaris, and the lush landscape makes for beautiful scenery.
Summer (March to June): Despite the heat, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 45°C (77°F to 113°F), summer is excellent for wildlife sightings. As water sources dry up, animals, including tigers, are more frequently seen near waterholes. Early morning and late afternoon safaris are the best during this season to avoid the peak heat.
The park remains closed during the monsoon season (July to September) due to heavy rainfall and maintenance activities, so planning your visit between October and June ensures the best experience at Pench Tiger Reserve.
Pench Tiger Reserve is divided into several zones, each accessible through specific gates. The main zones and their respective gates are:
1. Turia Zone:
Turia Gate: The most popular and frequented gate, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings, including tigers and other animals.
2. Karmajhiri Zone:
Karmajhiri Gate: Known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife, this gate provides access to another prime area of the reserve.
3. Jhamtara Zone:
Jhamtara Gate: Offers a more secluded safari experience with good chances of spotting wildlife in a tranquil setting.
4. Sillari Zone:
Sillari Gate: Located on the Maharashtra side of the reserve, this gate is popular for its picturesque landscapes and rich biodiversity.
5. Rukhad Zone:
Rukhad Gate: Known for its lush greenery and varied wildlife, providing a unique safari experience.
5. Wolf Sanctuary Zone:
Khursapar Gate: This zone is specifically known for its population of Indian wolves and other wildlife, offering a distinct experience.
Each zone in Pench Tiger Reserve offers a unique experience, and it’s advisable to book your safaris in advance to ensure access to your preferred zone and gate.
For Indian citizens, any of the following identity proofs is acceptable:
i. Voter Photo identity card issued by Election Commission of India
ii. Passport PAN Card issued by Income Tax Department
iii. Driving License issued by RTO
iv. Photo identity card having serial number issued by Central/State Government
v. Aadhaar Card
For foreigners, only passport is accepted as ID Proof.
When preparing for a trip to Pench Tiger Reserve, it’s essential to pack the following items for a comfortable and enjoyable experience:
Clothing:
Summer Months:
– Lightweight, long-sleeved t-shirts/shirts and pants for protection against insects, sunburn and thorny vegetation.
– Cap/Floppy Hat with a brim to shield your face from the sun
Winter Months:
– Warm, layered clothing (thermal innerwear, fleece jackets, sweaters) to combat chilly mornings and evenings
– Thermal socks
– Gloves, scarf and beanie to protect against cold winds
– Face buff for protection from dust
Shop our exclusive Into The Wild dust buffs crafted from breathable bamboo fibre → Shop Now
Personal Gear:
– Sunscreen with a high SPF
– Sunglasses with UV protection
– Neutral-coloured clothing (grey, brown, green). Avoid bright colours such as red, orange, blue, white, etc.
– Sports shoes or any comfortable, closed footwear for safaris
– Insect repellent
– Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit
– A lightweight, comfortable backpack to carry essentials during safaris
– Binoculars for wildlife viewing
– DSLR Camera, a telephoto lens along with extra batteries
– Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries (incase of night safari)
Additionally for winter months:
– Hand warmers for added comfort during early morning safaris.
– Lip balm and moisturiser to prevent dryness due to cold weather
Documents and Essentials:
– Valid identification such as PAN, Aadhar or Driver’s licence
– Cash (Rs. 100/200/500 denominations) for souvenirs, tips, and contingencies
Snacks and Water:
– The hotel will provide water bottles in insulated boxes. Consider carrying effervescent tablets such as Fast&Up for additional hydration.
– Energy bars, nuts, dried fruits or other non-perishable snacks for quick energy during safaris
Personal Hygiene Items:
– Hand sanitizer or wet wipes for cleaning hands
– Tissues or toilet paper
– Biodegradable soap
Optional Items:
– Portable charger or power bank for recharging electronics
– Travel pillow for comfort during long drives
– Travel umbrella for sun or rain protection
– Portable or collapsible water bottle
| Pench Tiger Reserve Safari Timings | ||
| Time Period | Morning Safari | Evening Safari |
| October | 6:00am to 11:00am | 3:00pm to 6:00pm |
| November | 6:00am to 11:00am | 3:00pm to 6:00pm |
| December | 6:00am to 11:00am | 3:00pm to 6:00pm |
| January | 6:00am to 11:00am | 3:00pm to 6:00pm |
| February | 6:00am to 11:00am | 3:00 pm to 6:00pm |
| March | 6:00am to 11:00am | 3:00pm to 6:00pm |
| April | 6:00am to 11:00am | 3:00pm to 6:00pm |
| May | 6:00am to 11:00am | 3:00pm to 6:00pm |
| June | 6:00am to 11:00am | 3:00pm to 6:00pm |
| July | Closed | Closed |
| August | Closed | Closed |
| September | Closed | Closed |
Always try to reach the gate, along with the safari permits and valid IDs, at least 30 minutes before the gate opening.
The park management holds the right to change the safari timings as per their discretion, hence it’s advisable to always check the timing closer to your travel dates.
Pench Tiger Reserve is approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Nagpur. The journey by road typically takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The reserve is easily accessible via NH44, making it a convenient destination for travelers from Nagpur.
Our team is happy to organize an air-conditioned Innova Crysta with luggage carrier to transfer you from the airport/railway station to the park premises or your hotel.
Pench Tiger Reserve experiences a tropical climate with distinct seasons:
1. Summer (March to June): Temperatures can range from 25°C to 45°C (77°F to 113°F). The peak summer months (April to June) can be quite hot, with the highest temperatures occurring in May.
2. Monsoon (July to September): The reserve receives moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. Temperatures during this period range from 22°C to 35°C (72°F to 95°F). The park remains lush and green, but certain areas may be less accessible due to rain.
3. Winter (October to February): Winters are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 25°C (41°F to 77°F). This is the best time to visit the reserve, as the weather is cool and comfortable for safaris and wildlife viewing.
You have to be crazy about adventure tours to build a theme that displays the tours so elegantly that a person browsing the tours on site literally falls in love with place even before booking the tour.
This has been one of the best travel tours I have had a chance to experience in my life time. I am totally and utterly amazed by this tour. I wish I had taken a better camera with me, but thankfully the tour operator provided his spare one that worked just fine.