Madhya Pradesh, where tourism prevails at its best, is a patchwork of cultural, historical, and natural wonders. From the ancient sites of Khajuraho temples to the wild beauty of the neighouring forests, the state offers an unmatched blend of heritage and nature. Panna National Park, in the Chhatarpur district, is a hidden haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Located within the Vindhya mountain ranges, Panna National Park remains one of the hidden gems of Madhya Pradesh’s natural heritage. Spanning over 542.67 sq km, the park is home to various flora and fauna, making it a perfect destination for anyone seeking to explore a calm and quiet wildlife destination. Panna serves as a short gateway from the nearby areas, mostly for weekend escapes. Due to its convenient location and easy accessibility, tourists prefer to visit the park. However, they undergo certain curiosity. Let’s discover and address them to make the Panna tour a more interesting one.
Which Zone is Best for Safari in Panna?
Panna National Park is divided into four safari zones: Madhla, Hinouta, Akola, and Jinna. A frequently asked question from most tourists, especially from the first-timers, "Which zone to choose for the best safari experience?" or "On which zones tiger sighting is fully guaranteed?" The answer can be found by examining the characteristics of Panna’s forest. The wildlife in the park, including its tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and other animals, roams freely across all zones. This means no single zone offers a guaranteed sighting of specific animals. The unpredictable behavior of wildlife is what makes a safari in Panna and other national parks as well so thrilling and special.
All zones in Panna National Park offer equal chances of spotting wildlife. Secondly, the choice of zone largely depends on availability and personal preferences, as each zone has a different landscape. Securing a jeep safari in your preferred zone is possible only by booking Panna’s online safari tickets in advance. Spotting a tiger is purely a matter of luck, be it Panna National Park or any other wildlife destination. However, patience is the key, and following the instructions and tips of the guide and driver accompanying you on the safari drive makes your experience a fruitful one.
Frequently Sighted Animals in Panna
Panna National Park is home to a wide variety of animals and birds. Apart from the star attraction, the iconic Bengal tiger, visitors frequently spot chousingha, sambar deer, chital, leopards, wild dogs, wolves, hyenas, etc. Tourists coming to Panna for the purpose of birdwatching usually treat their eyes with paradise flycatchers, white-necked storks, honey buzzards, bar-headed geese, and a few more. Reptiles such as crocodiles can often be seen basking along the banks of the Ken River, which flows through Panna. You can even enjoy a boat ride on the Ken River.
Suitable Months to Visit Panna National Park
The best time to visit Panna for a wildlife safari is during the winter (October to February) and summer (March to June) seasons. Winter offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for a comfortable safari experience. The cool mornings and evenings during this season are perfect for embarking on safaris, boating as well as neighbouring exploration. During the summer, the dry vegetation significantly increases the chances of sightings. Though the heat can be intense, summer safaris often reward visitors with exceptional wildlife encounters, especially with tigers and other large mammals.
