Leaves  don't  rustle!  Water  doesn't trickle! Grasses stop to move! Even the wind pauses to hold its breath  and  watch the drama unfold! Then all of a sudden the Jungle springs to life!  Langurs  groan. Branches of trees begin to swing under their  springing  jumps. Fleeting  hooves  rustle the grass.  Heavy  bodies  splash the water. Spotted Deers let out the alarm call.  Let   it   be   known - the  King  is  here - "Hail,  the  King!"  Lesser creatures  flee.  The King sweeps a gaze over his Kingdom Period. Utter silence. The show begins.
 

INTRODUCTION

Only recently  in  1992  Pench  has  been included under the umbrella of Project Tiger as the 19th Project  Tiger  Reserve. A total of 758 sq. kms, of  this  Southern  Indian   tropical  moist  deciduous  forest  mixed  with tropical  dry  deciduous  teak  bearing  forests  and dry mixed deciduous forest  encompasses  the  Seoni  and  Chhindwara  districts  of  Madhya Pradesh. The core area is 293 sq. kms. It is named after the Pench river and borders  the  contiguous forest tracts of Maharashtra namely Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru National Park.

The India Eco-development project was started in Pench Tiger reserve in 1996-97  with  the  aid  from  World Bank.  Under this project 99 villages around the tiger reserve have been identified in order to develop their own resources,  so  that their dependency on the project area is mitigated. In return, they will co-operate and participate in protection of Tiger.

The National Park is  a part of the lndo-Malayan realm floristically and is a     member  of   the  oriental   region   according     to    bio-geographic classification   of   the   Wildlife Institute of India. With the three types of forest  a diversity of fauna abound within this natural system. 39 species of  mammals,  13  species  of reptiles, 3 species of amphibians and over 210 varieties of birds have  already been listed. There are 25 tigers under this  umbrella  of  the  forest.  The  area  is  crises-crossed by a number of streams and nallahs most  of  which  are seasonal. Though the Pench river dries up in  April inside  the  Park  there  are  several  natural  water holes for the wild animals.

There are two villages in the core area and assistance has been provided for   the   relocation  of both.  A   special  eco-development plan is under formulation to ensure that the biotic pressures of the villages in the buffer are contained.

The  area  has been declared a Project Tiger reserve only recently and it is too early to  assess  or review. It will be the third Project Tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh the  only state in India to have so many. This park is different,  located  in  the  AVSM  (Aravali,  Vindhyanchal,  Satpura  and Maikal Ranges)  belt,  this  teak  forest  is  a  different  and  a   pleasant surprise to the normal and scenic parks of Kanha and Bandhavgarh. The tracks  are  smoother,  the  trees  are  thicker  with  dense undergrowth, perhaps  one  reason why the herbivore population here is more larger in size  compared  to  Kanha  and Bandhavgarh. There is a distinct silence here.  You  feel you are the King, when suddenly your driver halts seeing the  Pugmarks  of  the actual King of the area. A Tiger has just crossed, he shows  them  to  you,  and  suddenly an  alarm  call  from  one of the denizens  of  the  forest. You,  your  driver,  your  naturalist  are all alert. Looking  in  the  direction  of  the call, eye balls much bigger than usual, heart  pounding  at  120 beats  a minute.  Ears as big as of an Elephant, you  want  to  see  the  true King of Pench. The drama, unfolds, and you are in Pench, the true and original Kipling Country.

GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE

Pench  National  park,  nestling  in  the  lower  southern   reaches of the satpuda  hills  is  named  after Pench river, meandering through the park from north  to  south. It  is  located on the southern boundary of Madhya Pradesh,    bordering    Maharashtra,    in   the  districts  of  Seoni   and Chhindwara.

The  undulating  terrain  of  Pench  is  covered  with  small  hills and well stocked  teak  and  mixed  forest.  The  main  flora  being Teak (Tectona grandis) ,  Saja  (Terminalia  tomentosa), Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium), Lendia,  Haldu,  Dhaora, Aonla, Amaltas etc. The ground is covered with a  number  of  grasses,  bushes,  herbs  &  shrubs. Dazzling white Kullu trees scattered around singly in the forest is conspicuous among various hues of  green. The old plantations of Teak & Bamboo add orderly vistas in the otherwise general wilderness.

The  flow  of  Pench  river  stops  in  December,  what remains are a few scenic  and  serene pools in  the river  bed.  There  are  a   few perennial springs  and  tanks.  At  the  southern  boundary of park, the Pench river has been  dammed  for  Pench  hydroelectic  project  at Totladoh. At the maximum capacity the reservoir submerges 54 sq kms of the park area. This  had been the loss of best valley forest, which was once referred by Sir  Rudyard  Kipling   in   his   book   named "Jungle Book".  This  large reservoir  of Pench with sporadic islands attract a number of winter birds from north.

Area :

• Longitudes 79 07' 45" E to 79 22' 30" E

• Latitudes 21 37' N to 21 50' 30" N

• Altitude 425-630M (M.S.L)

 Average Temperature

• Minimum 4 C (December)

• Maximum 42 C (May)

FLORA IN PENCH NATIONAL PARK

Some of the common kinds of flora found at the Pench National Park include moyan, mahua, mokha, skiras, tendu, bija, achar, garari, aonla, ghont, baranga, Aonla, Khair, Bhirra, palas, skiras and kihamali. There is also a sparse population of bamboos in some valleys and near the water banks. The flora in Pench National park also includes some rare varieties of herbs with medicinal properties. There are bright white Kullu trees that are spread singly within the forest area and look a pleasant contrast in the verdant greens. The wilderness of the Flora in Pench National park is somehow structured with old plantations of Teak and Bamboo.

SEASONS

The Pench National park experiences a tropical kind of a climate and there are drastic variations in the climatic conditions In Pench. It has hot summers and cold winters. Early July experiences heavy rainfall and the rainy season continues for the next two months. The average rainfall annually is around 1300 mm in the months of July and August during when the national park is shut down. It is the winters which are the most comfortable months though it is not the best time for any exclusive wildlife viewing. The minimum and maximum temperatures recorded in Pench National Park are 4 ° C and 40.5° C respectively. The winters also experiences chilly wintry winds that lowers the winter climate

• October to January- Cold -16° C to 3° C

• February to March- Cool- 16° C to 26° C

• April to June-           Hot - 26° C to 42° C

MAJOR WILDLIFE ATTRACTIONS OF PENCH

The Pench National Park is very rich in fauna and a number of endangered species have made it their habitat. There are around 25 tigers under this umbrella of the Park. 39 species of mammals, 13 species of reptiles, 3 species of amphibians and over 210 varieties of birds have already been listed

Cheetal, Sambar, Neelgai are commonly seen grazing on the open sites on roadsides and banks of river & reservoir. Jackals can be seen in search of food anywhere in park. Packs of wild dogs can also be seen occasionally. Herds of Gaur can be spotted near streams and bamboo patches, more common during summer months.

Langurs are very common.Whereas Rhesus monkeys may be seen occasionally on the fringes. There are around 25 Tigers and 30 Leopards they are a shy lot and can be seen on roads and near water pools of river during summer months. Pench boasts of more than 210 species of birds including several migratory ones. Commonly seen are Pea fowl, Red jungle fowl, Crow pheasant, Crimson breasted barbet, Red vented bulbul, Racket tailed drongo, Magpie robin, Lesser whistling teal.

As a prey concentration is high along the Pench River, tiger usually inhabits frequents this belt. Leopard, though generally operates in the peripheral areas but are occasionally seen in the deep forest also. Jungle cats are commonly seen. Leopard cats, small Indian civets and palm civets are common but seen rarely.

BIRDS IN PENCH NATIONAL PARK

The different birds at the Pench National park include barbets, bulbuls, minivets, orioles, wagtails, Indian rollers and munias. The Pench National Park also is the home to a large number of migratory birds and ducks of various varieties. One can also spot birds such as the Crested Serpent Eagle, painted francolin, Changeable hawk Eagle, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Collared Scops Owl and other species like White-eyed Buzzard, Mottled Wood Owl, and jungle Owlet. The water birds, seen more profoundly during the winter time include waterfowls, blue kingfishers, Indian Skimmers and others. In fact the Pench National park is considered one of the best winter refuges for the water birds.

PARK ENTRY EXCURTION TIMINGS AND FEES

Park Timings
The Pench National Park is open to the visitors from October 01st to June 30th each year and closed during the rainy seasons (July- Sept.).

 

Tariff per person per day per vehicle

                                                      (No tourist is allowed inside park without guide)
                                                        elephants are available at Alikatta for tourists

PHOTOGTAPHY STILL AND VIDEO CAMERA

Still Camera – No Charges

Video Camera – Rs. 200 / safari

Sure you love the jungle, but while exploring our furry friends there are a few things to be kept in mind. Here is a comprehensive list of Do’s and Don’ts while visiting & enjoying a jungle excursion.

 Do’s

• Dress Right

Try to wear clothes that cover your legs and arms fully as there is no telling what kind of wild plants and insects you may come in contact with, leading to severe allergies. It is also a good idea to wear layers in the jungle instead of relying on one item of clothing.

 • Blend In

It won’t help if you wear polka dots, trinkets and jarring colors in the jungle. The idea is to blend in with the natural environment and avoid attracting undue attention. This also intimidates and keeps the animals away.

• Composure Helps

Be calm at all times in the jungle as this helps to relax the animals as well. Keep your excitement and enthusiasm under wraps.

• Keep the Right Company

Stick to your jungle guide and group at all times.

• Travel Light

Take only what you need to the jungle. Some jungle expeditions are weary and the extra equipment like tripods, munchies and the like will not only create a ruckus but also tire you out soon.

• Protective Gear

Sunglasses, sunscreens and sunhats protect you from the harsh rays of the Sun and prevent sunburns. It is also wise to wear comfortable and covered shoes with socks instead of floaters and other footwear that exposes the foot.

• Extra Protection

In case you are allergic to animal fur or dust, please carry your medication with you.

• Photographer’s Delight

Be prepared with a good camera and stock up on extra film before embarking on the expedition. Also, consult the jungle guide before taking pictures or shooting videos.

• Must Have

Insect and mosquito repellant creams, antiseptic creams, band-aids, water bottle, first aid kit, small torch, personal hygiene products, raincoats and the like.

Don’ts

• No Feeding

One cannot predict how the animals will behave once you feed them and stop. Also, it changes the eating habits of the creatures of the jungle.

• No Littering

The jungle is home to several wild animals and it is best not to leave any litter behind, especially plastic.

• Ignorance Hinders

Do not be ignorant or lax if you observe irresponsible behavior on part of the staff or visitors do report the authorities as soon as possible.

• Too Close for Comfort

In an attempt to observe animals better, do not get too close. You will either scare them away or invite retaliation. Also, do not try to make friends with the wild animals in the jungle.

• Conversations

 The jungle is not the place for hearty conversations and discussions. Keep conversation restricted in the safari/expedition and avoid talking in a loud tone.

• No Souvenirs

Please Do not prance about collecting samples of stones, leaves and bird feathers in the jungle.

• Child Menace

It is not wise to bring infants and small children in the jungle as they often find it hard to retain calm thereby scaring away the shy animals.

• Foolish Photography

Do not create a ruckus while taking pictures and shooting videos. Keep the flash mode off and you will do everybody a favor.

• Fire Alert

Avoid using and leaving behind any combustible substances in the jungle.

• Cell phone Hazard

Do not carry cell phones in the jungle or keep them switched off during the course of the safari. Sounds such as those of cell phones will only annoy our furry friends.

• Do not Disturb

Remember that you are in the jungle to explore it and observe the animals in their natural habitat. Do not disturb or aggravate them by throwing stones and trying to grab their attention.

HOW TO REACH

The Pench National park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most easily reachable wildlife parks in India. Located in the southern borders of Madhya Pradesh and the borders of Maharashtra, this wildlife park is visited by a large number of tourists and wildlife enthusiasts throughout the year.

How to Reach Pench National Park by Road

Pench National Park is situated in the Seoni District of Southern Madhya Pradesh and runs in continuation with Pench National Park in Maharashtra. It is situated 80 Kms from Nagpur. (2 hours of drive) and is well connected by an all weather metalloid road network to other important places in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The nearest railhead of Nagpur (80 Kms.) serves as a comfortable air and railhead.

Main Entrance Gate at Turia is 12 kms from Khawasa. Khawasa lies on Nagpur Jabalpur NH-7 just on border of Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra. Khawasa is 80 kms from Nagpur and 190 kms from Jabalpur end.

While at Khawasa a small little village on the Nagpur Jabalpur National Highway 7, you will see a board that says Pench National Park 12kms, take this metalloid road thru the beautiful teak forest. You will pass a couple of small village on the way. Finally you reach Village Avarghani, directions to Pench are clear, and you move towards the Turia gate, which is about 1.5 kms from this village. Get into an open Jeep, and after your formalities at the gate enter the Park. YOU WILL BE A HIT.

 

Buses and jeeps can be taken to the Pench National Park from the bus stand which is at Seoni.. Seoni is linked to all places in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra by a good network of Roadways. Pench on the Nagpur- Jabalpur highway is accessible by local transport options such as taxis. If you plan to take the bus from Nagpur, you will have to get down at Suktara or Khawasa.

How to Reach Pench National Park by Rail

The Seoni Railway Station is about 30 kms from the Pench National Park. It is the nearest railhead to Pench and has regular trains running in and out, connecting the place to Mumbai and other places.

How to Reach Pench National Park by Air

The Sonegaon airport in Nagpur is 93 kms from the Pench National park. There are regular flights connecting Nagpur to all other major cities in India

TRANSPORT IN PENCH NATIONAL PARK

The Pench National park is located at the borders of the two states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and is one of the ideal wildlife sanctuaries in India, for the wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is the 19th Tiger reserve in India and the most accessible of all of them.

The visitors at pench national park can go through the park in their own cars or safari jeeps, with the help of a forest guide from the main gate. However, for those staying at the wildlife resorts, it is best to take the safari jeeps that are specially designed for wildlife viewing. 

Wildlife enthusiasts can also take an elephant safari guided by the mahaouts, from Alikata. These safaris through the forests heighten the chances wildlife viewing in the natural habitats whereas the cars and jeeps with the sound of the engines can frighten the animals.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN PENCH NATIONAL PARK

Sitaghat : This spot is arguably the prettiest location in all of Pench National Park. As the winding track comes to a dead end, it brings you to the bank of the river Pench dotted with rocks and artistic looking trees. In the summer months, bushes with white flowers run all along the bank. To see these flowers in full bloom, it is a must to visit the spot in the morning hours, as they close by early evening. If patient, it appears to be an excellent spot for wildlife viewing. The only problem being you are totally exposed, and animals being as vary of humans as they intelligently are, chances are they will shy away before you even know they are around. The evening has a charm of its own here with the light of the low sun painting an amazing scenery with contrasting shadows and highlights. It is a good spot for bird lovers. Make sure you have your binoculars with you.


Alikatta : The Alikatta area appears to be the hub around which the park is planned. All tracks seem to wind their way in different directions only to all end at Alikatta. It is a fascinating expanse of grassland (when it isn't submerged under water!), where it is possible to come across any of the animals found in the park. It is one of the few places left in the country where every evening one gets to see the amazing spectacle of grazing herds consisting of thousands of spotted deer. Where there are deer, there will be predators. So keep your eyes open here. It is also the location from where the elephant rides commence. 

Chhindimatta Road : This road that branches off and leads to the huge Pench reservoir is an absolutely must see while visiting the park. While a majority of the rest of the park is quite flat, this section is full of ups and downs over rocky hills and through excellent forest. Although not very high, the rockly cliffs beside the track seem like excellent places to come across a handsome leopard to make it a perfect picture. It is also an excellent area for spotting buzzards, eagles and hawks.


Bodhanala range : This area is worth seeing for its variety of topography. It goes from sloppy hills, to bamboo forest, to a large pond close to the edge of the park. Although one cannot see too many animals in this area, he will be fascinated by the number of bird species he would see here. Similar to the Chhindimatta Road, it is an excellent area for raptors. Maybe even better. The small reservoir is an excellent location to spot water birds. Your jeep driver will most probably stop here to check with the outpost for news of tiger sightings, giving you a good opportunity to stretch those legs and to do some duck and cormorant sighting.


Raiyakassa : This is the location of a watchtower built by the park authorities. The roof of this cement watchtower provides and excellent view of the river pench. The park authorities also offer visitors the choice of spending a night at this watchtower. The facilities are extremely basic but any night spent on that roof would be embedded in the visitor's memory forever for sure. It is quite common to spot Bison coming down to the river here. On occasions, a tiger too can be spotted from this spot.


Doob Road : This track running close to the edge of the water bodies is an excellent area for spotting all varieties of animals. After the monsoon season however, most of it is submerged under water until the water levels once again recede. During the rest of the year, it is quite common to come across huge herds of deer and bison, while driving along this track. Leopards have also been seen in this area.

 

Kalapahad : The Kalapahad area comes up on the main track leading in from the entrance at The Pench Jungle Camp.