Why We Love Pench National Park
As the primary inspiration behind The Jungle Book, discover why Pench National Park is a top wildlife destination known for tigers, rich birdlife, and more.
From Himalayan alpine forests to dry central plains and lush coastal zones, India national parks offer a window into the country’s extraordinary biodiversity. With over 100 designated national parks across the country, they protect a wide range of habitats and species, including Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, Asiatic lions, and one-horned rhinoceroses. These protected areas are not only critical for conservation, but also offer travellers a chance to experience the wild side of India - whether through jeep safaris, guided treks, or birdwatching.
Among these, Pench National Park stands out for its mix of teak forests, open meadows, and rich wildlife. Straddling the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Pench is known for its healthy population of leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs, as well as being a significant tiger habitat, one of the major drawcards for visitors.
If an India tiger safari is on your bucket list, this local icon is the star attraction of Pench National Park and is one of the main reasons why tourists venture into this part Central India.
What is Pench National Park famous for?
Located in the heart of Central India, Pench National Park is a symbol of India’s rich natural and literary heritage. The park is a prime Bengal Tiger habitat, offering a diverse range of flora and fauna, which sets the vivid jungle scenes of characters like Mowgli, Bagheera, and Baloo in the classic tale of The Jungle Book. Although author Rudyard Kipling never visited Pench, his writing was heavily influenced by the accounts of British naturalist James Forsyth.
As one of India’s most scenic wilderness regions, Pench is a prime destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, particularly those looking for a less crowded India tiger safari. With fewer crowds than some of India’s better-known reserves, Pench offers an ideal balance of wilderness, comfort, and opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Although smaller in size than some of its contemporaries, like nearby Bandhavgarh National Park, the well-managed safari system of Pench National Park makes it accessible for those wanting a quiet but rewarding wildlife experience.
What wildlife can I see in Pench National Park?
Spanning dense forests, flowing rivers and open grasslands, Pench National Park is divided into two zones: Priyadarshini National Park and Mowgli Pench Sanctuary. Tourists from all around the globe choose Pench to enjoy a thrilling India tiger safari, peaceful nature walks and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
The star attraction of Pench National Park is the mighty Bengal tiger, but that doesn’t mean that the supporting cast isn’t worth mentioning. In addition to tigers, Pench has thriving populations of Chital, Jungle Cat, Wolf, Indian Leopards, Gaur (Indian bison), Four-horned Antelope, Sloth Bears, Indian wild dogs (dholes), and wolves, in addition to several species of deer, reptiles and insects.
Pench’s birdlife is equally impressive, with a colourful array of avian species including crow pheasant, peafowl, pintail, lesser whistling teal, Indian roller, wagtail, munia, blue kingfisher, crimson-breasted barbet, red-vented bulbul and many types of waterfowl. These vibrant birds add colour and melody to every safari experience.
Aside from tigers, other prey species in Pench National Park include the Indian wild dog, jungle cat, wild boar, chital, jackal, hyena, and wolf. Deer, rhesus macaque, langur (like the ones seen above), gaur, sambar, and bison can also be seen in the herd in the forest.
Where should I stay in Pench National Park?
With a mix of wilderness and comfort, Pench offers a range of stays to suit every kind of traveller. From stylish safari lodges to eco-conscious retreats, each property promises a unique way to experience the park’s incredible landscapes and wildlife.
Pench Tree Lodge
Pench Tree Lodge is a large estate of forty acres in the Karmajhiri area of Pench National Park. With only six tree houses and ten cottages, it has kept its ecological footprint to a minimum and offers a unique and intimate wilderness experience. With the elevated timber walkways, eco-sensitive architecture and warm hospitality, it was the first resort that supported conservation policy and sustainability within Pench
Jamtara Wilderness Camp
Inspired by a centuries-old Banyan Tree, Jamtara Wilderness Camp was built to provide the best of wilderness and sustainability. This eco-luxury camp features ten spacious safari tents with plush interiors, large mosquito-netted beds, and en suite bathrooms, all set beneath a canopy of trees. With its peaceful atmosphere and personalised service, the camp invites travellers to relive the magic of The Jungle Book in the very forests that inspired it.
Saj In The Forest
A contemporary eco-resort, Saj in the Forest is located near the Turia gate of Pench National Park. Accommodation includes spacious cottages with private sit-outs, allowing guests to enjoy the sounds of the wild in quiet seclusion. With an emphasis on sustainability and local materials, the resort also offers hearty regional meals, a swimming pool, and guided nature walks, making it a fitting base for both relaxation and exploration before or after safari drives.
Baghvan Taj Safari
Inspired by the bungalow-style homes of 1950s India, Baghvan Taj Safari is a charming lodge that blends luxury with nature. Featuring twelve spacious bungalows with vintage décor and private rooftop machans for stargazing, guests can unwind in open-to-air bathrooms, savour regional cuisine and enjoy the sophistication and care synonymous with the Taj name with immersive wildlife experiences.
Although access to this part of remote Central India requires some forethought, curious travellers are often rewarded with the incredible accommodation available in Pench National Park, including Pench Tree Lodge above.
What should I expect from a trip to Pench National Park?
Lincoln Harris, Founder and Managing Director of India Unbound, has spent decades exploring the countryside and national parks of India. According to him, Pench is one of the better national parks to unwind in nature.
“Central India is all about tiger reserves, where conservation is the primary focus. As such, the parks are governed by Project Tiger, and administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority in India (NTCA). Thanks to extensive efforts over time, the tiger population has greatly improved. The national parks of Central India are some of the best places to view the big cat in its natural habitat, away from the crowds of more visited destinations. Pench has incredible accommodation options and is a smaller reserve, making it ideal for wildlife safaris and actually relaxing during your time in India.”
When is the best time of the year to visit Pench?
The best time to visit Pench National Park is from October to June, when the park is open to visitors and wildlife activity is at its peak. The early part of the season, from October to January, offers cooler temperatures and a landscape still green from the monsoon. This makes for comfortable safari conditions and excellent opportunities for birdwatching, as migratory species also arrive during this period.
From February to April, the weather begins to warm, and water sources start to shrink, drawing wildlife out into more visible areas. As is the case in many India national parks, this is widely regarded as the best window for spotting tigers and other big mammals.
While May and June can be very hot, the dry conditions make animals even easier to spot around the few remaining waterholes, rewarding those who can tolerate the heat. Pench National Park remains closed during the monsoon, from July to mid-October, due to heavy rains and conservation measures.
The landscape of Pench National Park is a mix of dry deciduous forest, open meadows, and seasonal streams, creating a classic central Indian jungle setting and a variety of options for wildlife safaris.
How many days should I stay in Pench National Park?
A stay of two to three nights in Pench National Park strikes a good balance between exploration and relaxation. This duration allows for multiple safari drives, ideally one in the morning and one in the late afternoon each day, giving you ample chances to encounter a variety of wildlife.
Tigers are, of course, the star attraction, but Pench is also home to leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, jackals, spotted deer, and over 250 species of birds. With different zones offering varying terrain and vegetation, more game drives increase your chances of seeing a wider range of species and behaviours.
For those interested in wildlife photography or seeking a more in-depth experience, a four-night stay may be ideal, especially during the peak sighting months between February and April. This provides enough time not only for game drives but also for nature walks, time at the lodge, and perhaps a village visit to understand the local context around the park.
Many travellers also choose to combine Pench with nearby reserves such as Kanha, Bandhavgarh, or Satpura, creating a well-rounded itinerary for many India wildlife tours. Whether you're a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, a few unhurried days in Pench will allow you to appreciate the richness and rhythm of the forest.
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Our personalised itineraries make it easy to include Pench National Park in India wildlife tours, celebrated for its majestic tigers, vibrant birdlife and captivating forest landscapes.
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