The Pench National Park is located in Southern Madhya Pradesh in India, about 70 km from the city of Nagpur. Spread over an area of 275 km². 90% of area is in the neighbouring state of Madhya Pradesh rest 10% in Maharashtra. The vegetation here is typical of the southern tropical deciduous forest. The best time to visit the park is between February and April. The common animals which can be seen are the gaur, sambhars, blue bulls, macaque, langur, wild boar, bears and wild dogs and the Park is well-known for its deers and leopards. A few Tigers and civets can also be spotted sometimes.
Pench national park is situated to the south of satpura hills. It is named so after the name of the river Pench which flows through this area. This is the 19th project tiger reserve in India and was declared so in 1992.It has tropical moist deciduous forest. The prey concentration is highest along the banks of the river Pench. The Pench national park has a count of 8 tigers (as in 1998) and 7 panthers (as in 1998).This national park is rich with chitals i.e. axis or more commonly spotted deer. There are 10 villages in the national park - 1 inside the park (Fulzari) and 9 on the periphery. A high vigilance level has kept the park away from poaching. Not that the park is free of poaching but it has a very good control over the poaching. Even unnecessary felling and illegal felling of trees is also controlled by timely patrolling. Group patrolling is also carried out here. The nearby villagers also help a lot in patrolling. This has paid dividends and the park is flourishing. This park is also a paradise for bird watchers as a lot of species; around 270 of them can be sighted here.
The Park is open to The Park is open to visitors between 6 AM to 10:30AM in the morning and 3 PM to 6 PM in the evening. The park remains closed during the months of July, August and September. It can be accessed by road as well as railway. The nearest rail-head is at Ramtek and a bus can be taken for the next 35 km to the Park. Other important natural forests in Maharashtra like the Nagzira Sanctuary and the Navegaon National Park are also close to Pench. The name of Pench National Park was changed to "Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park" in November 2002 Similarly the name of Pench Sanctuary has been changed to "Mowgli Pench Sanctuary".
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 has its extent mingling with the tropical dry deciduous teak. The area is crisscrossed by a number of streams and 'nallahs' most of which are seasonal. Though the Pench River dries up in April end, a number of water pools are found which serve as water holes for the wild animals. The Pench Reservoir at the center of the park is the only major water source during the pinch period.
In Pench, Cheetal, Sambar, nilgai 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 the Park. Packs up to 15 of wild dog can be seen near Chhedia, Jamtara, Bodanala and Pyorthadi areas of the Reserve. Herds of gaur can be spotted near streams and bamboo patches commonly in summer months. Sloth beers occupy hilly, rocky out crops and favor mahul bel infested forest. Chnkara is present in very small numbers and is found in open areas around Turia, Telia and Dudhgaon villages.
Langoors are very common in Pench, whereas the Rhesus monkeys may be seen occasionally Langoors are very common in Pench, whereas the Rhesus monkeys may be seen occasionally on the fringes. Pench boasts of, more than 210 species of birds that include several migratory ones also. Commonly seen are Peafowl, Red jungle fowl, Crow pheasant, Crimson breasted barbet, Redvented bulbul, Racket tailed drongo, Magpie robin and lesser whistling teal.
| S.No. | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| i | 1977 | Declared Pench Sanctuary (449.392 sq km) |
| ii | 1983 | Declared Pench National Park (292.857 sq km) 118.473 sq km remained as sanctuary and 38.062 excluded from umbrella of PA |
| iii | 1992 | Included in Project Tiger |
| iv | 1995 | Management of Sanctuary was handed over to Pench Tiger Reserve |
| v | 1998 | The Pench Sanctuary was finally notified by vide the Govt. of M.P. Forest Department's Notification no. F.15-65-96-X-2 Bhopal dated 21-8-1998. |
| vi | 2002 | National Park was renamed as "Indira Priyadarshinig Pench National Park" and Sanctuary was named as "Pench Mowgli Sanctuary" |
| vii | 2005 | Final notification as "Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park" vide notification dated 16.12.05 by MP Govt. no. F-15-11-05-x-02 |
| viii | 2007 | Areas of National Park and Sanctuary are declared as Core of Pench Tiger Reserve Reserve notified dated 24.12.2007 by MP Govt. no. F-15-31-2007-X-2. |
| ix | 2010 | The Buffer Zone of the tiger reserve has been notified F-15-8/2009/10-2 dated 05-10-2010 |
In the year 1977 an area of 449.392 sq. km. was declared Pench Sanctuary. Out of this, an area of 292.857 sq. km. was declared Pench National Park in the year 1983 and 118.473 sq.km. remained as Pench Sanctuary. In 1992 Govt. of India declared 757.85 sq. km. including the National Park and sanctuary, as the 19th Tiger Reserve of the country. The Pench National Park and Pench Sanctuary were renamed as Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park & Pench Mowgli Sanctuary in year 2002.
Statement of Area :| Core Area | 411.330 Sq. km. |
| Area of Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park | 292.857 Sq. km. |
| Area of Pench Mowgli Sanctuary | 118.473 Sq. km. |
| Buffer area | 768.302 Sq. km. |
| Total Area of Pench Tiger Reserve | 1179.632 Sq. km |
The Pench hydroelectric dam straddles the Maharashtra - Madhya Pradesh boundary. The dam, constructed during 1973 to 1988 has resulted in the submergence of about 72 sq. Km area out of which 54 sq km is in Pench National Park M.P & the rest in Maharashtra.
Floristically, this Tiger Reserve is a part of Indo-Malaya realm, whereas Zoo-geographically, it is a member of the oriental region. According to the biogeographic classification of the Wildlife Institute of India (Rodgers and Panwar 1988), it lies in the Zone- 6E Deccan Peninsula Central Highland
(i) Flora : The undulating topography supports mosaic of vegetation ranging from moist, sheltered valleys to open, dry deciduous forest. Over 1200 species of plants have been recorded from the area. This includes several rare and endangered plants as well as plants of ethno-botanical importance.
(ii) Forest Type :
The forests in Pench tiger reserve are classified into three types:
(iii) Fauna : The area is dominated by fairly open canopy mixed forests with considerable shrub cover and open grassy patches. This high habitat heterogeneity favors high population of Chital, Sambar, Wild boar & Blue bull. Another factor is the availability of doob grass (Cynodon daxctylon) during the late winter and early summer months in the drawdown area, which provides highly nutritious forage to the herbivores. Pench tiger reserve has of the highest density of herbivores (90.3 animals per square kilometer) and the second highest prey base biomass in India after Nagarhole (6013 Kg per square kilometer). The area supports large number of Gaur (Indian Bison), Sambar, Barking deer, Chousingha, Chinkara and Wild boar. The key predator is the Tiger followed by Leopard, Wild Dog and Wolf. Other animals include Jackal, Fox, Palm civet, Small Indian civet, Jungle cat, Common mongoose, Small Indian mongoose, Ruddy mongoose, Hyena, Porcupine, Ratel. There are over 325 species of resident and migratory birds including the Malabar Pied hornbill, Indian Pitta, Osprey, Grey-headed fishing eagle, White eyed buzzard, 6 species of vultures etc. In winter thousands of migratory waterfowl including Brahminy duck, Pintail duck, barheaded geese, Coots, Pochards, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard etc visit the tanks and reservoir within the park. Pench Tiger Reserve is also among the best area for bird watching. The other fauna present include 50 species of fishes, 13 amphibians, 37 reptiles, 105 butterflies, 100 Moths, 20 spiders, 35 dragon and damsel fly and numerous other insects.
Census Year 2002 to 2015| Species | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger | 50 | 55 | 57 | 55 | *27-39 | *65 (53-78) | **23 | - | **36 | **43 | **38 |
| Panther | 32 | 39 | 39 | 41 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Bison | 686 | 775 | 735 | 727 | - | 635 | 2013 | 1875 | 1321 | 1240 | 1326 |
| Sambhar | 2399 | 2628 | 2835 | 2844 | - | 3577 | 4209 | 6167 | 5612 | 4758 | 5765 |
| Spotted deer | 11372 | 14548 | 14850 | 15389 | - | 30841 | 49249 | 69260 | 51914 | 36862 | 59330 |
| Blue bull | 1709 | 1986 | 2143 | 2170 | - | 1005 | 1958 | 2847 | 2134 | 1253 | 2012 |
| Barking deer | 417 | 353 | 199 | 202 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Wild boar | 2994 | 3107 | 3289 | 3374 | - | 5431 | 6638 | 10328 | 4430 | 3658 | 7355 |
| Wild dog | 239 | 364 | 273 | 366 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Chousingha | - | - | 159 | 154 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
* Figures for 2006 and 2010 are for the Pench landscape that includes Pench Maharashtra
** 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 Tiger figures are minimum number of tigers found in the Core Area during yearly camera trap exercise
The major attraction of the park is the jungle safari. In a Jeep drive round the park one can see a variety of animals and birds, especially large herds of chital. The various points in the park worth a visit are as follows:
Alikatta : A relocated village site that is now the main elephant camp of the park. The grassland or maidan here has numerous herds of chital and the submergence around the southern and western sides of the village affords splendid scenery.
Pyorthadi : An abandoned village site that is partly submerged. The submergence attracts huge herds of chital and other animals. The submergence is open only after December.
Chindimatta : A small hillock on the edge of the submergence, this is the main base of the boating facilities in the park.
Karmajhiri: This is a forest village outside the northern gate of the park. The accommodation facilities of the park are located here.
Bodanala: The Bodanala irrigation tank on the park boundary is a picturesque water body that attracts animals as well as numerous birds during winter.
Chhedia : The second relocated village in the park, now a fine grass land.
The park has elephants that are used to track and show tigers to the tourists. An elephant ride into the forests is an enchanting experience.
The large Pench reservoir within the park with its numerous islands provides a magical setting for boating. Motorboats and Paddleboats are available for the tourists at Chhindimatta
For tourists who want to experience nature close at hand, nature trails are the best option. Nature trails have been identified outside the park and numerous flora and fauna can be encountered in their natural surroundings. Trained guides can be hired for nature trails at the park gates at Turia and Karmajhiri.
(a) Entry Fees for Tourism Activities, Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
| Rate Chart of Tourism Activities in Pench Tiger Reserve, M. P. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Purpose of Entry | Fee (in Rs.) | ||
| 1 | Viewing wildlife by vehicles (Per round) | |||
| A | Light vehicle, Upto 8 persons (6 Tourists+1Guide+1Driver) | 1,500/- | ||
| B | Mini bus, per tourist, per round (Bus Facility by MP Tourism Development corporation) | 510/- Per person | ||
| 2. | Fees for Guides (G-2)Excursion in vehicle per round | 360/- | ||
| 3. | Photography by tourists - Video / Still camera | free | ||
| 4. | Elephant ride 1 hour. (To be booked one day in advance) | 1000/- per person | ||
| 5. | Filming and Photography | |||
| No. of days | Indian educational / research institute | Other | ||
| a. | 1st Seven days | 10,000 | 40,000 | |
| b. | 8th to 15th days | 7,500 | 30,000 | |
| c | Next 16th days | 5,000 | 20,000 | |
Field Director
Pench Tiger Reserve, M.P.
Vehicle / Guide Availabilities :
There are around 94 private gypsies registered at Turia gate.
List of registered gypsies and their contact mobile numbers at Turia Entry Gate
04 private gypsies are registered at Karmajhiri gate.
List of registered gypsies and their contact mobile numbers at Karmajhri Entry Gate
Registered Park Guides are also available at Turia, Karmajiri & Jamtara Gates.
List of registered Park Guides {Turia/Karmajhi/Jamtara Gate}.
NOTE :- It is responsibility of the tourist(s) to arrange vehicle (s) for their Park Safari.
| Month | Date | Morning | Evening | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Time | Exit time | Entry Time | Exit time | ||||
| October | 01 - 31 | 6.00 | 11.00 | 3.00 | 6.00 | ||
| November | 01 - 30 | 6.15 | 11.00 | 3.00 | 5.45 | ||
| December | 01 - 31 | 6.30 | 11.00 | 3.00 | 5.30 | ||
| January | 01 - 31 | 6.45 | 11.00 | 3.00 | 5.45 | ||
| February | 01 - 28/29 | 6.30 | 11.00 | 3.00 | 6.15 | ||
| March | 01 - 31 | 6.15 | 11.00 | 3.00 | 6.30 | ||
| April | 01 - 30; | 5.45 | 11.00 | 4.00 | 6.45 | ||
| May | 01 - 31 | 5.30 | 11.00 | 4.00 | 7.00 | ||
| June | 01 - 30 | 5.30 | 11.00 | 4.00 | 7.00 | ||
| July | 01-31 | Park close | |||||
| August | 01-31 | Park close | |||||
| September | 01-30 | Park close | |||||
Note :
1. Entry & exit timings have been fixed by PCCF(Wildlife) M.P.
2. The timings may be changed by the Park Management for management purposes.
3. Park is open for tourists from 1st of October to 30th of June.
4. Entry for park round is in the morning and in the evening Park remains closed for tourists in the afternoon of Wednesday.
ABIDE BY THESE RULES, NON OBEDIENCE WILL LEAD TO LEGAL ACTION
-: Order by : Field Director, Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh :-