About Panna National Park
National Park is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, at
a distance of around 57 km from Khajuraho. The region, famous for its
diamond industry, is also home to some of the best wildlife species in India
and is one of the most famous Tiger Reserves in the country. The park is
known worldwide for its wild cats, including tigers as well as deer and
antelope. Due to its closeness to one of the best-known Indian tourist
attraction in India, Khajuraho, the park is recognized as an exciting
The climate of the region is tropical. Summers, somewhat scorching, are
when one has the maximum chances of encountering the exclusive wildlife of
this park. Winters are cold and comfortable and the temperature generally
remains under 25°C. Monsoon touches this region in July and continues
Wildlife Attractions in Panna National Park
Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), the king of the jungle, roams freely in
this secure, though a bit small habitat along with his fellow beings -
leopard (Panthera pardus), wild dog (Cuon alpinus), wolf (Canis lupus),
hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), caracal (Felus caracal) and other smaller cats.
Sloth bear has his most favourite home in the rock escarpments and
undisturbed vales. The wooded areas are dotted with sambar, the largest of
Indian deers, chital and chowsingha. One can easily see nilgai and chinkara
in most open areas in the grasslands, specially on the periphery.
The avifauna comprises more than 200 species, including a host of migratory
birds. One can see white necked stork, bareheaded goose, honey Buuzzard,
King vulture, Blossom headed Parakeet, Paradise flycatcher, Slaty headed
Scimitar babbler to name a few.
Variety of snakes, including the python and other reptiles are found here.
Dry and hot climate, in union with shallow Vindhyan soils has given rise to
dry Teak and dry mixed forest. The dominating vegetation type is
miscellaneous dry deciduous forest inter spread with grassland areas. Other
major forest types are riverines, open grasslands, open woodlands with tall
grasses and thorny woodlands. The characteristic floral species of this area
include tree species such as Tectona grandis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca
indica, Buchnania latifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Anogeissus pendula,
Lannea coromandelica, Bosswelia serrata etc.
There are no jeeps provided by the authorities, so you will have to rent
your own jeep for a safari into the park. An hour long boat ride offered by
the park authorities is a good option to catch a glimpse of water predators
and other animals around the lake. Elephant safari is one of your best bets
to spot a striped beast up close. A major attraction is the night safari at
Gangau offered by the Ken River Lodge. Safari Timings are 6:30 to 10:30 AM &
2:30 to 5:30 PM.
Panna is famous for its diamond mining industry and this makes it an
interesting place to visit. Pandav falls is also a major attraction with its
lake that is fed by a waterfall. Another major attraction of this region is
the Rajgarh Palace, a magnificent piece of architecture overlooking the
How to get there
By Air :
The nearest airport is Khajuraho. Jet Airways
flies from Delhi (10:40) to Khajuraho via Varanasi. To reach Khajuraho from
other major cities, fly to Varanasi and catch a connecting flight from
there. Indian Airlines flies Delhi-Varanasi daily at 11:40 and
Mumbai-Varanasi daily at 8:00.
By Rail :
Satna, at a distance of around 90 km, is the
nearest railway station. It is a major railway hub and is connected to many
places in central and western India. Daily trains connecting Delhi to Satna
include the Mahakoshal Exp. (16:25) & NDLS Rewa Exp. (23:45), while
daily trains from Mumbai are Kamayani Exp. (12:40), Mahanagari Exp. (00:10),
Rajendra Ngr. Exp (23:40), Kolkata Mail (21:25), LTT RJPB Exp. (22:10) &
Gorakhpur Exp. (6:35). Other important trains include Sanghamitra Exp. (from
Bangalore, 6:57, Tue & Thu) & Varanasi Exp. (from Chennai, 17:30,
By Bus :
The nearest bus stand is Panna connected to
Khajuraho and many other places in Madhya Pradesh by a good road network.
Madla, at a distance of around 24 km south west of Khajuraho, is a good
transport centre. One can get buses and other road transport modes from here
to the Panna National Park. To reach by road from Delhi, take the NH2 to
Agra, NH3 to Gwalior, NH75 to Panna via Jhansi, Bamitha and Madla.
Distances from Major Cities
37 km (SE)
580 km (SE)
176 km (SE)
Travel Tips/Important Information
- Most safaris into the park start from the Madla village. The entrance
on the eastern side is from Hindouta, located at an approachable
distance from the Panna diamond mines.
- Park charges Entry Fee : Rs. 40 (Indians) & Rs. 500 (foreigners,
including morning and afternoon safaris), Jeep rental : Rs. 1500/half
day, Camera : Rs. 40 (still) & Rs. 200 (video), Guide : Rs.
100/vehicle, Private vehicle entry : Rs. 150, Boat Ride : Rs. 150
(Indians, 1-5 pax) & Rs. 150/person (foreigners), Elephant safari :
Rs. 100 (Indians) & Rs. 600 (foreigners), Night Safari : Rs.
1800/jeep (including entry fees).
- Park timings are 6:30 to 10:30 AM & 2:30 to 5:30 PM.
- If you can stand the heat, it is recommended to visit the park during
summer months as it is the best time to spot animals.
- Check on the timings and reach half an hour early before park gates
open to complete the required formalities.
- Follow the rules of the park and do not venture into restricted
- Do not try and feed the animals and avoid wearing flashy colors that
could attract the wild animals.
- Do not litter, carry all the garbage outside the park and dispose off
in a suitable area.
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Resorts in Panna
|Ken River Lodge, on
the banks of Ken River, offers an ideal mix of nature, activities and
relaxation that add up to a rejuvenating holiday. Situated at short
distances from Khajuraho and Panna National Park, Ken River Lodge offers
a unique blend of traditional hospitality along with modern facilities.