Panna National Park: The Pride of Madhya Pradesh (2024)
Located in the Panna and Chahatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, Panna National Park is one of India’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. The park is one of the most well-maintained national parks in India, and that is why it was awarded as the “best-maintained park” in 2007 by the Government of India. As the park area is around 542 square kilometers, tourists can’t explore the entirety of the park in one trip. Most wildlife lovers visit this park multiple times in their lives to explore it to the fullest. Apart from being a national park, this wildlife sanctuary is also a tiger reserve. In 1994, Panna national park was named as a tiger reserve. One of the main reasons why so many travelers visit Panna national park is the presence of a large number of Royal Bengal Tigers over there. That is the reason why this park was declared a tiger reserve.
Apart from the presence of large varieties of wild animals and birds, the location of the park is also pretty beautiful. As the beautiful Vindhayan mountain ranges surround the park, the scenic beauty of the park’s site is quite wonderful. Waterfalls surround the entire region of the tiger reserve. That is why so many people prefer to explore the park by participating in elephant safari. If you are planning to visit Panna national park, you must be prepared. That is why this blog will be quite handy for you. Over here, you will get to know about the important information regarding the park. Without all the necessary facts, you will not plan a successful trip to Panna national park. That is why it will be better for you if you bookmark this blog for future references.
How To Reach Panna National Park?
There are different ways through which you will be able to reach the Panna national park. We have mentioned every one of the important ideas in the following section. 
By Road: As the park is located only 25 km away from Khajuraho and 70 km from Satna, you will be able to reach there quite easily by availing public transport. The nearest bus stand from Panna national park is located in Panna town. You will also find buses or rented cars from major cities in Madhya Pradesh, like Jhansi. You will reach the Panna national park from Jhansi within three hours.
By Rail: The nearest railway station from Panna national park is located in Satna. As mentioned earlier, the distance between Satna and Panna is only 70 km, so you will be able to reach the park from the station within 2 hours. You can also travel to Panna from Jhansi railway station if you are traveling from Indian cities like Delhi, Chennai or Mumbai. If you are going from Kolkata or Ranchi, Satna will be more compatible with you.
By Air: There is no airport in the Panna district of Madhya Pradesh, but the nearest domestic airport is located in Khajuraho. You will be able to reach the park within half an hour from Khajuraho airport. Even though the airport is not connected to all the major cities in India, but it is related to cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Zones of Panna National Park
Like all other national parks in India, Panna is also divided into different zones. Tourists are not allowed to explore all the zones in the park. Panna is divided into three primary zones, namely- Morhurli, Tadoba, and Kolsa. You will be able to explore all of the said zones by participating in safaris. But there are three other important zones in the park which every tourist must know. They are given in the following part of this section.
Madla
Madla is an important region of Panna national park because it is the most popular entrance of the park. You will be able to book vehicles and hire guides quite easily from this gate if you have not made bookings. Most herbivorous animals are visible in this zone of the park.
River Ken
If you are determined to spot wild animals on your trip to Panna national park, River Ken is the best spot for you. The chances of seeing wild animals are quite high in this region. In case you are planning on taking part in the boat safari, you will have to reach this zone. The entire area surrounding river Ken is also quite important to spot endangered species of birds. 
Hinouta
Hinouta is the best part of the forest to spot Royal Bengal Tiger and wild cats. As the terrain of this zone is pretty rocky, most wild animals visit Hinouta quite often. Hinouta is also an entrance to the park.
Safaris Available In Panna National Park And Their Timings And Costs
To explore Panna national park, you will be able to choose from three different categories of Safaris, namely Jeep, Elephant, and boat safaris. Read the following part of this section to know all the crucial details regarding the safaris.
Jeep Safari
The most efficient way to explore any national park is by participating in jeep safari. Jeep safaris allow you to explore the gorgeous beauty of the park and let you witness wild animals without any danger. In Panna national park also jeep safari is the best way to explore the area. Most people who spotted tigers were in a jeep while exploring the park. In case you are a photographer or are interested in photography, traveling in a vehicle will let you click pictures without any hindrance.
Timings: There are two different safari timings for the summer and winter season.
Summer (March to June)
Morning- 5.30 am to 9.30 am.
Evening- 3.30 pm to 6 pm.
Winter (October to February)
Morning- 7 am to 10.30 am.
Evening- 2 pm to 5.30 pm.
Costs: To rent an entire jeep, you will have to pay INR 1500. Or else, you can rent individual seats in the automobile where the cost is INR 250 per head. For participating in a jeep safari, it is compulsory to hire a guide. A guide would cost you INR 360 for a trip.
Elephant Safari
Elephant safari is one of the interesting activities that you could take part in while exploring Panna national park. Even though you will not be able to cover many areas by availing elephant safari, it is a unique experience. Many people have claimed to witness tigers while exploring the forest on an elephant. 
Timings: Morning- 6.30 am to 10.30 am
Evening- 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm.
Costs: Elephant safari is comparatively cheaper than any other safaris in Panna national park. You will have to pay around INR 200 per head for participating in the elephant safari.
Boat Safari
Panna national park is blessed to be surrounded by the beautiful River Ken. Ken is a tributary of the Yamuna river, and it covers the majority of the forest. That is why taking a boat ride in this river will allow you to explore the woods quickly. You will be able to witness beautiful birds and exotic species of reptiles while participating in this safari.
Timings: Morning- 7 am to 9 am.
Evening- 4 pm to 5 pm.
Costs: The boat ride is pretty cheap. You will have to pay only INR 150 per head for a trip.
The Perfect Time To Visit Panna National Park
Madhya Pradesh is such a state in India, which is pretty hot throughout the year. Especially in the summers, the climate becomes unbearable. But if you want to witness wild animals like tigers or leopards, summer is the best time to visit Panna national park as the animals come out to drink water during the summer season. The chances of witnessing wild animals are much more between March to May in Panna national park.
Otherwise, if you want to explore the park comfortably, try visiting Panna national park between October to February during the winters. The climate will be much more bearable at that time. Remember the park is closed from June to September during the monsoons.
Flora and Fauna Visible In Panna National Park
Dry deciduous trees cover the entirety of Panna national park. That is why most of the trees in the forests are dry teak trees. Other trees are also present in the national park, including Kadhai, bamboo, Boswellia, and others. You will also get to see trees like bel, Sajal, Mahua, Salai, and others when you visit the forest.
People mainly visit Panna national park for the abundance of wild animals living there. You already know that Panna national park is home to Royal Bengal tigers, but the park is home to many different wild animals. Some of them are sloth bear, leopard, hyena, wild dog, chital, chinkara, wild cat caracal, and others.
There are more than 200 species of exotic birds living in the forest. Some of the most important and uncommon ones are Paradise Flycatcher, Pond Heron, Slaty-headed Parakeet, Pipit, Honey Buzzard, and others. The park is also home to a large number of fishes and different species of reptiles.
Best Places To Stay Near Panna National Park
Even though people love to experience the wilderness of forests while visiting Panna national park, but there are resorts located over there that are extremely luxurious. In the following part of this blog, we will provide you the information about the top resorts situated close to Panna National Park.
Ken River Lodge
Ken River Lodge is one of the most renowned resorts in Madhya Pradesh. As the resort is spread over 50 acres, you will be able to enjoy the area surrounding the lodge. The location of the establishment is right by the gorgeous Ken river. You will be quite stunned by the scenic beauty of the resort. As the property is located quite close to Panna national park, you will be able to take part in many interesting activities while staying over there. The resort allows its guests to participate in the boat, jeep safari, bird watching, camping in reserve forest, hiking along nature trails, and many more. 
The entire property has 11 different luxurious cottages, all of which are gorgeous and well-maintained. As the property comes with a tree-top restaurant, you will enjoy fantastic meals while staying over there.
Address: Panna National Park, Village Madla, 1/2 Km from Madla Police Station, Panna, Madhya Pradesh 488001.
Website: http://kenriverlodge.com/.
Phone Number: 011 4014 6400.
Price of a cottage per night: INR 7000.
Panna Tiger Resort
The best place to enjoy the rustic beauty of Panna national park is in Panna Tiger Resort. As the property is located quite close to the river Ken, you will see the gorgeous scenic beauty surrounding the resort from any corner of the property. You will be able to choose from 12 cottages to stay at Panna tiger resort. All the cottages are extremely well-equipped and quite beautiful.
The restaurant of this resort is pretty well known. Most people participate in a wide array of activities while staying over there, including nature walks, boat rides, jungle safari, and others.
Address: Village Mandla, Panna, Madhya Pradesh.
Website: Not available.
Phone Number: Not available.
Price of a cottage per night: INR 6500.
Pashan Garh
Pashan Garh is one of the unique resorts located in Madhya Pradesh. This resort is situated at the top of a hill and has 12 different cottages with every modern amenity. The lodge offers you such amazing views of the Panna forest, that you will feel bad while leaving the property. All the cottages of this establishment are extremely luxurious and extravagant.
The resort has a swimming pool, gym, spa, and other facilities. If you stay over Pashan Garh, you will be able to participate in fun activities like nature trails, stargazing, jungle safaris, and others. The in-house restaurant of the property is also extremely famous for serving lip-smacking delicacies.
Address: Panna National Park Amanganj, Panna Khajuraho Rd, Panna, Madhya Pradesh 488001.
Website: https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/pashan-garh-panna-national-park/
Phone Number: 022 6601 1825.
Price of a cottage per night: INR 23000.
Places You Must Visit Near Panna National Park
The area surrounding Panna national park is extremely interesting. You already know that the park is located quite close to Khajuraho, but there are some other important sightseeing spots near Panna, which you must visit during your trip.
Raneh Falls
Located on the river Ken, Raneh waterfall is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Panna national park. You will be able to see a canyon that is formed due to the waterfalls. The best time to visit the waterfalls is during sunset or sunrise. You will fall in love with the view. As the waterfall is located only 19 km from Panna, you will be able to reach within half an hour.
Location: Raneh Falls Rd, Dhoguwan, Madhya Pradesh 471606. 
Ajaygarh Fort
Ajaygarh fort is a beautiful fort located around 33 km from Panna national park, which is pretty historically important. Throughout the fort, you will witness gorgeous carvings and sculptures made by the artisans of the Chandela kingdom. You will find cars to visit the fort quite easily from the park.
Location: Ajaygarh, Madhya Pradesh 488220.
Madla Village
Madla village is located quite close to Panna national park. One of the main entrances of the park is located in the town. In case you visit the park, do not forget to explore this village. You will get a glimpse into the life of the local people living there. The serene atmosphere of the town will make you forget your city life quite easily.
Location: Panna, Madhya Pradesh.
Panna national park is the pride of Madhya Pradesh as well as India. If you are planning on visiting there, we hope this travel guide will help you a lot. We wish you all the best for your trip and hope you have a safe journey!
