Panna National Park is situated in the Vindhyan Hills in the northern region of Madhya Pradesh. Characterised by dynamic dry deciduous forests, Panna stands out as a prominent and frequently visited wildlife destination in India, attracting numerous nature enthusiasts annually. Boasting extensive plateaus and gorges, it is often referred to as the land of enchanting waterfalls. The Panna Tiger Reserve spans across the Panna and Chhatarpur districts, showcasing a diverse array of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian gaur (bison), spotted deer, sambar deer, chital, and various antelope species. The park is also a habitat for numerous bird and reptile species. Although the tiger population faced extinction in 2009, the current count exceeds 85, including cubs.
Panna National Park comprises two core zones, Madla and Hinauta, and two buffer zones, Akola and Jinnah. Night safaris are conducted in the buffer zones, each offering unique experiences. For a chance to encounter diverse wildlife such as leopards, owls, foxes, and bears, the Jinnah Zone is recommended. With a few villages within its vicinity, it provides a buffer zone ambiance. On the other hand, the Akola Zone is ideal for those seeking tiger sightings, as the lantana plantation serves as a perfect hideout for these majestic creatures, establishing it as a favored territory for many tigers.
Night Safari at Panna National Park
Timing - The night safaris are operational from March to September from 6 pm to 9 pm.
The safari schedule at Panna National Park is determined by the park management, aligning with the sunrise and sunset times during specific months. This ensures that core zone safaris occur during daylight hours, concluding as sunlight diminishes to cease tourism activities in the core forest areas. Although you might wonder about night safaris, they are exclusively conducted in buffer zones, avoiding any intrusion into core zones. Moreover, the number of vehicles for night safaris is significantly lower than those for daytime safaris.
Panna Safari Booking for the night time spans both Jinna and Akola Zones, commencing after the conclusion of evening safari time slots. This unique experience allows you to witness the jungle transform under the radiance of stars and moonlight. Nighttime exploration unveils the habitats of nocturnal animals illuminated by the moon and stars, offering sightings of Bengal Tigers, Wolves, Indian Leopards, and the Rusty Spotted Wild Cat. Deer resting under the celestial canopy and the serene sounds of owls add to the tranquillity. Spotting fireflies and encountering nocturnal birds like the Oriental Scops Owl, Indian Nightjar, Savanna Nightjar, Grey Nightjar, Common Barn Owl, Brown Fish Owl, and Night Herons contribute to a remarkable nocturnal adventure.
While daytime offers glimpses of animals' beautiful eyes, the night unveils a mesmerizing yellow glow, especially when encountering the majestic Bengal tigers, creating an exhilarating experience.