Pench National Park
Madhya Pradesh
Pench National Park, located near Seoni and Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh, ranks among India’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. It gained global recognition through Rudyard Kipling’s 1894 classic The Jungle Book, which drew inspiration from this very landscape. The tale’s international acclaim brought the park into the spotlight during the 1970s, establishing it as a sought-after destination for nature lovers. Today, wildlife enthusiasts visit Pench in hopes of spotting Akela (the Indian Wolf), Raksha (the female Wolf), Baloo (the Sloth Bear), and Shere Khan (the Royal Bengal Tiger).
About Pench National Park
Pench National Park, situated in the heart of India, lies across the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh. Named after the pristine Pench River that flows through its core, the park stands as one of the most frequented wildlife sanctuaries in the country. It earned international recognition through its mention in Rudyard Kipling’s renowned 1894 classic, The Jungle Book. Kipling’s tale received global acclaim, helping Pench rise to prominence in the 1970s as both a premier Indian tourist destination and one of the world’s best-known national parks. Today, the park attracts countless wildlife enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of the real-life inspirations behind iconic characters like Shere Khan (the Royal Bengal Tiger), Baloo the sloth bear, Akela the Indian wolf, and Raksha the female wolf.
Spanning a total area of 758 square kilometers—including its core zone—Pench National Park is among India’s largest protected areas. It offers rich biodiversity and thrilling wildlife encounters for visitors. Since its establishment as a wildlife sanctuary in 1965, Pench has been a vital refuge for an impressive array of animals, including the Royal Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, sloth bear, jackal, wild boar, gaur, wild dog, fox, striped hyena, Indian wolf, monkey, barking deer, four-horned antelope, peafowl, and many others. In 1975, it was declared a national park, and in 1992, it was officially designated as a tiger reserve—further solidifying its importance in India’s conservation landscape.
What To Know About Pench
- March – May
- October – February
- Flight: New Delhi – Nagpur
- Railway: New Delhi – Seoni OR New Delhi – Jabalpur
Wildlife in Pench National Park
The wildlife of Pench National Park is celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity and ecological richness. The park shelters several endangered species and plays a vital role in their conservation. According to the latest Tiger Census, Pench is home to approximately 25 tigers, along with 13 species of reptiles, 39 species of mammals, and 285 species of birds. Among these, mammals form the largest group, while amphibians and reptiles contribute to the park’s diverse fauna.
Frequently spotted herbivores include Indian bison (gaur), sambar, nilgai, cheetal (spotted deer), wild dogs, and wild pigs. The park also harbors a strong population of apex predators such as tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and Indian wolves—making it a prime destination for big cat sightings.
Other commonly seen wildlife species include the sloth bear, chousingha (four-horned antelope), chinkara (Indian gazelle), barking deer, jackal, fox, common palm civet, small Indian civet, jungle cat, striped hyena, porcupine, and many more—contributing to Pench’s status as one of India’s top wildlife reserves.
Mammals
Indian Bison, Sambar, Nilgai, Cheetal, Wild Dogs, and Wild Pigs are among the most regularly encountered species of flora and fauna. Tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and wolves are among the carnivores that can be found wandering the park.
Other frequent visitors to the park may see Sloth Bears, Chousinghas, Chinkaras, Barking Deer, Jackals, Foxes, Common Palm Civets, Small Indian Civets, Jungle Cats, Hyenas, Porcupines, and many more.
Birds
Pench National Park is a birdwatcher’s delight and is comparable to Bharatpur National Park in terms of the number of bird species. The park is home to approximately 285 species of birds, such as the White-eyed Buzzard, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Osprey, Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Sarus Crane, peafowl, red vented bulbul, crow pheasant, crimson breasted barbet, red jungle fowl, racket tailed drongo, magpie robin, whistling teal,
Reptiles
There are many species of reptiles found at Pench National Park – Snakes, Monitor Lizard etc.
What you will experience on this tour.
Nature Safari India, which has more than 30 years of experience in the wildlife safari industry and is an expert in tiger safari India tours, ensures that you will have an authentic and fulfilling safari experience on your next trip to India. Our tiger safari tours highlight the best of Indian wildlife along with hints of culture and Indian heritage.
These tours take place in some of the best national parks in the country for wildlife, such as Ranthambore National Park, Corbett National Park, or even Bandhavgarh National Park, and cover a variety of species and landscapes. Take a look at some of the top-rated tiger safari India excursions that we offer here.
Tour Inclusions
- Bed and breakfast accommodations are available in New Delhi and Agra.
- Accommodations include all meals and a safari in Pench, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh.
- Your Pench, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh admission and guide fees.
- Your entry fee and any tour guide fees for visiting monuments.
- There will be 6 exclusive jeep safaris offered in Pench.
- In Kanha, 5 exclusive jeep safaris will be offered.
- In Bandhavgarh, there will be 7 exclusive jeep safaris available.
- Assistance at the hotels and the airport.
- Every land transfer is done in a cool Toyota Innova or Crysta.
- Any taxes that are now applied.
Tour Exclusions
- Both domestic and international plane travel.
- Personal expenses like tips, cigarettes, alcohol, laundry, and phone calls.
- In national parks and monuments, there is a still and video camera fee.
- Travel Insurance
- Everything that isn't listed among the inclusions.
Enquire this tour
Other Wildlife Safari Tours in India to choose from
Pench National Park is in southern Madhya Pradesh. 60% of the National Park’s trees are teak, with the remaining 40% being mixed woodland.Collarwali, a tiger who gave birth to 29 pups, brought the…
