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Panna National Park |
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Panna Tiger reserve, is the 4th Project Tiger reserve
situated in the Central Indian State of Madhya Pradesh. Panna Tiger
Reserve encompasses 543 square kilometres of varied habitats and
extends along the river Ken which flows north to join the Yamuna
River, a tributary of the mighty Ganges. The region, which is famous
for its diamonds, is also home to some of the best wildlife species
in India and thanks to the recent conservation efforts has now
become one of the premier National Parks in the country.
While, Tiger sighting is not very common in Panna National Park
now, there are other rare species such as Leopard and Wolf, that are
spotted here. Herds of Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Chinkara and Sambar
inhabit the reserve forming the principal prey species for the
Tigers and other big cats. The former hunting preserve of the Panna
family, the park comprises large tracts of riverine forest providing
perfect cover for both predators and prey. A Gharial sanctuary along
the river Ken near the spectacular Raneh Falls is an added
attraction where we may be lucky to see a number of these endangered
fish eating crocodiles basking on the muddy banks.
For keen birders, over 200 species of birds have been identified in
Panna Tiger Reserve and visitors are likely to encounter more than
100 species around the reserve to augment the mammal observations. A
good variety of birds of prey includes the Black-shouldered Kite,
Crested Serpent Eagle, White-eyed Buzzard, Shikra, and several
species of Vulture along with ofcourse the Malabar Pied Hornbill,
Black-headed Oriole, and a selection of flycatchers, babblers and
warblers .
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White-eyed Buzzard |
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Game rides in Panna National Park
Safaris in Panna National Park are conducted in Jeeps. Short
Elephant rides are available as well for Tiger Sighting in the park.
Visiting Panna National Park
Panna National Park is open from 16th October till 30th of June
every year. The best time to visit Panna national park would be from
November to March , as far as the weather is concerned . However,
serious wildlife enthusiasts would be happier visiting the Park
during the warmer months of October, April and May, since Tiger
Sightings are considered better during that time.
Getting to Panna
Panna is convienently located , about 35 kms / 1 hour away from
Khajuraho. Khajuraho has direct daily flights from Delhi and
Varanasi. A lot of tourists travel from Delhi to Jhansi (located 200
kms /4 hours) away using the Super fast train services from Delhi
and Agra .
