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Tiger at Pench |
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Pench Tiger Reserve, located in the Central Indian state of
Madhya Pradesh, is the 19th Project Tiger Reserve and has been one
of the best-kept secrets among wildlife enthusiasts who have long
been acquainted with and bedazzled by its immensely varied flora and
fauna. No wonder the area providing a backdrop for it's animal
character dominated by fairly open canopy of mixed forest,
predominantly teak, with open grassy patches, the park with its
undulating land boasts the highest density of herbivores in any
Indian park. The population of cheetal, or spotted deer, is
particularly high and there is also abundance of sambar and nilgai
in Pench National Park. Visitor cannot fail to be amazed by the
mighty gaur or Indian bison, which shares its home with such diverse
creatures as wild boar, sloth bear, dhole, and mongoose and jungle
cat. As its name implies, the Pench Tiger reserve is also home to
the illusive Royal Bengal Tiger and the equally shy leopard.
The bird life in Pench National Park has been described by visitors
as some of the best in India and among the 250 or so species are
malabar pied hombills, painted stork, long-tailed shrikes,
kingfishers, blue jays and birds of paradise as well as crested
serpent eagles, changeable hawk eagles and vultures. The picturesque
Pench River, which winds it’s way through the park, is a magnet
for all birds, particularly during the winter migration when the
area teems with visitor including Brahmini ducks and batheaded
geese. Lying on the southern slopes of the satpura ranges, the Pench
tiger reserve covers just over 757 sq kms and is two hours by road
from Nagpur. While still known locally as Pench National Park, it’s
name was changed in November 2002 to Indira Priyadarshni Pench
National Park in honour of the Late Prime Minister of India, Indira
Gandhi. The Pench National Park is open from 16th October till 30th
of June every year.
Game rides in Pench National Park
Safaris in Pench National Park are conducted in Jeeps. Short
Elephant rides are available as well for Tiger Sighting.
Visiting Pench
The Pench National Park is open from 16th October till 30th of June
every year. The best time to visit Pench would be from November to
March, as far as the weather is concerned. However, serious wildlife
enthusiasts would be happier visiting the Pench during the warmer
months of October, April and May, since Tiger Sightings are
considered better during that time.
Getting to Pench
Pench is convienently located, just 90 kms/2 hours away from Nagpur
Airport. Nagpur has direct daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai.
Also, Pench is about 160 kms from Kanha National Park.
