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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 national park is also home to the illusive Royal Bengal Tiger and the
equally shy leopard.
The bird life 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 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 Park is open from 1st October
till 30th of June every year.
Game rides in Pench National Park
Game rides in Pench National Park are conducted in Jeeps. Short Elephant rides
are available as well for Tiger Sighting.
Visiting Pench
The National Park is open from 1st 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.
