Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India

Facts & Figure

Location: Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh, Central India
Area: 543 Square Kilometers
Nearest Town: Khajuraho, 57 Km Away
Best Time to Visit: January to May

About Panna National Park

Panna National Park is a famous national park located in Chhatarpur districts of central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The park covers an area of about 542 square kilometers. The region of this park is undulating and heavily wooded with many enchanting streams and gushing waterfalls. The park is a very popular destination for wildlife tourism in Madhya Pradesh among other wildlife sanctuaries and parks such as Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha Tiger Reserve. Panna National Park was given the Award of Excellence in the year of 2007 - the best maintained tourist friendly National Park of India by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

Major Attractions at Panna National Park

Major attractions at this park include its different species of flora, fauna, avifauna, and reptiles. Fauna at this park include dry teak forests, dry mixed forests, dry deciduous forest, grassland, riverines, open grasslands, open woodlands with tall grasses and thorny woodlands. Fauna at this park include tigers, leopards, wild dogs, wolves, hyenas, caracal, cats, sloth bear, nilgai, chinkara, etc. Avifauna species include more than 200 species of birds including a host of migratory birds. Bar-headed Goose, the Honey Buzzard, the King Vulture and the Blossom-headed Parakeet are major birds found at this park. Pandav falls is also a major attraction with its lake that is fed by a waterfall. Another major attraction of this region is the Rajgarh Palace, a magnificent piece of architecture overlooking the valley.

Access From Airport

The nearest airport is Khajuraho. Jet Airways flies from Delhi (10:40) to Khajuraho via Varanasi. To reach Khajuraho from other major cities, fly to Varanasi and catch a connecting flight from there. Indian Airlines flies Delhi-Varanasi daily at 11:40 and Mumbai-Varanasi daily at 8:00.



Access From Railways

Satna, at a distance of around 90 km, is the nearest railway station. It is a major railway hub and is connected to many places in central and western India. Daily trains connecting Delhi to Satna include the Mahakoshal Exp. (16:25) & NDLS Rewa Exp. (23:45), while daily trains from Mumbai are Kamayani Exp. (12:40), Mahanagari Exp. (00:10), Rajendra Ngr. Exp (23:40), Kolkata Mail (21:25), LTT RJPB Exp. (22:10) & Gorakhpur Exp. (6:35). Other important trains include Sanghamitra Exp. (from Bangalore, 6:57, Tue & Thu) & Varanasi Exp. (from Chennai, 17:30, Mon, Sat).



Access From Roadways

The nearest bus stand is Panna connected to Khajuraho and many other places in Madhya Pradesh by a good road network. Madla, at a distance of around 24 km south west of Khajuraho, is a good transport centre. One can get buses and other road transport modes from here to the Panna National Park. To reach by road from Delhi, take the NH2 to Agra, NH3 to Gwalior, NH75 to Panna via Jhansi, Bamitha and Madla.

Travel Tips For Visiting the National Park

Follow the rules, for e.g., do not walk around if you are not permitted to do so

• Do not disturb the animals during day time as most of the nocturnal animals sleep during day time.

• Do not try to irritate the animals or make them angry by teasing them.

• Wear clothes in shades of brown and green as they are less disturbing to the environment.

• Avoid wearing perfumes and do not smoke in restricted areas.

• Animals are extremely weary of the human voice. Don’t make noise, don’t play music and please don’t honk car horn.

• Take official guides along with you on the park trip.

• Do not smoke inside the park.

• Picking of plants and insects is strictly prohibited.

• Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend with the park surroundings.

• For the safety of the visitors, walking and hiking within the vicinity of the park is not allowed.

• Camping and picnicking is not allowed within the park.

• Carry plenty of water along with you.

• Carry Personal medication and insect repellent.

• Carry Binoculars, Cameras, film rolls and Flashlight along with books and other reading material.

• Do not use flash or intrusive photography.

• Don’t leave behind any litter and plastic bags are big hazards for animals.

• Comfortable walking shoes are appropriate than the fashionable ones.

• For winter travel heavy woolens are a must especially for open jeep safaris. Cottons are apt for summer months.

• Rain Gear is essential for the monsoons and the last

• Find about the habits of the animal you want to see to avoid disappointment.

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