A hunting preserve of Maharajahs of Panna the little paradise is home to incredible biodiversity in the Vindhyan Ranges. It is the northernmost region of broadleaf forests where the tiger rules supreme.
The Ken River forms the natural boundary of the core and is home to the mugger crocodile and numerous species of fish. The gharial an extremely endangered reptile is also found here albeit its status is precarious. Boating on Ken can be a romantic experience. Ken Gharial and Panna sanctuaries are contiguous to the tiger reserve.
The charismatic terrain is characterized by presence of an undulating country comprising of hills and deep valleys. Extensive plateaus and gorges, grasslands, open woodlands and rivulets with waterfalls create an enchanting landscape.
The area is dominated by teak and kardhai which form a biodiversity rich floral wealth. Though rich in wildlife the tigers here remain under constant threat after having been poached to extinction by organized gang of poachers and corrupt forest officials. The big cats have been rehabilitated successful and are now back to recovery.
On a tiger safari besides the big cats, caracal and jungle cat can also be seen. Indian wolf, dholes, hyena, sloth bear, Indian gazelle, and Nilgai are better seen here than anywhere else. Other animals seen are the common spotted deer, four horned antelope, wild boar, rhesus macaque, langur and the nocturnal Indian fox.
Panna National Park is also home to large number of avian species including the Himalayan vulture and bar headed geese migrants from North. The tiger reserve boasts of more than two hundred species of birds. A good number of butterflies and other insect species can be observed here on a game drive and on foot in the surroundings of the resorts.
Panna is just twenty kilometers from the famous Khajuraho temples and lies adjacent to famous diamond mines which constitute an ecological threat. Nevertheless the greatest threat arises from the plan to interlink river Betwa with Ken which will inundate thousands of acres to tiger land.
Come Join TheTigerSafari Company to explore the enchanting land of Panna!
Core Area: 542.66 sq km
Buffer: 1002.42 sq km
Winters: Cold 5 deg C to 13 deg C
Summers: Hot 45 deg C peak
Best Season: October to June. Park is closed during the months of monsoon July to September. Carry warm clothing in winters and light khaki all over.
Tourism: Infrastructure well developed. Banking services weak. Carry cash. Khajuraho township contains an airport, shopping facilities and number of hotels and resorts.
Safaris: Permits booked in advance. Timing – morning and evening. Carry binoculars, bird books etc.
How to Reach?
Panna is just 25km from Khajuraho Airport. It is 90 km from Satna Railhead and 130 km from Katni Railhead. Distance to Bandhavgarh National Park is 185 km. It is 216 km from the nearest big town with an airport called Jabalpur.
