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Pench Tiger Reserve is full of diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes, with its namesake river providing a source of life to the spectacular flora and fauna that reside within the park’s boundary.

A stunning wildlife sanctuary in Central India that covers an area of 758 square kilometres dominated by hills, teak forests and valleys. Running north to south, the Pench River divides the park into almost equal halves, western and eastern, the Chhindwara and Seoni districts respectively, the latter being the Seonee Hills made famous as the haunt of Shere Khan in Kipling’s Jungle Book. The highest summit in the park, the hill of Kala Pahar, reaches 650 metres above sea level. The national park provides excellent opportunities for wildlife safaris and jungle walks, and it's often possible to go on a night safari in some of the buffer zones too.

Wildlife in Pench National Park

Pench’s dry deciduous forest of teak trees supports a rich variety of wildlife. In addition to the park’s famous tigers, leopard, dhole (Indian wild dog), gaur (Indian bison), sambar, chital (spotted deer), wild boar and sloth bear are all seen here. Rarer species include jungle cat and small Indian civet. The open habitat lends itself to wildlife viewing, but also offers striking and photogenic views of the area’s natural beauty.

Birds in Pench National Park

The bird watching is also first class, with dry-country species such as ashy-crowned sparrow-lark, yellow-wattled lapwing, chestnut-shouldered petronia and white-eyed buzzard all commonly seen. Other birds include Malabar pied hornbill, grey-headed fishing eagle, king vulture and Indian pitta.

There are also several other migratory birds including ruddy shelduck, Indian cuckoo, wood sandpiper, black stork and bluethroat.

How to get to Pench National Park

Pench is conveniently situated 95 kilometres by road from Nagpur (which is served by flights to/from Delhi and Mumbai) and 210 kilometres or around four and a half hours by road from Jabalpur (which is connected by rail and air to Delhi), and a three to four hour drive from Kanha, with which it is sometimes combined. The park opens from mid-October to April.

View suggested itineraries

Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: chital, nilgai, sambar, tiger, gaur
  • Where: Madhya Pradesh State, India

Wildlife trips

This wildlife location is featured in the following itineraries:

Tiger, Tiger

Journey into central India in search of the majestic Bengal tiger across Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks. These locations are some of the best places in the country to observe these unmistakable felines, and a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal provides the perfect culmination to any trip to the subcontinent. Find out more about Tiger, Tiger

  • Price (inc. flights): 16 days from £6,395
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
    • O
    • N
    • D

Jungles, Tigers & Taj

India is an ideal destination for families. Who hasn’t read The Jungle Book and not dreamed about coming across a tiger in its luxuriant jungle? Imagine seeing a sloth bear, bathing with an elephant, or canoeing down a jungle river? And, for a grand finale, there’s the majestic, unsurpassable Taj Mahal. Find out more about Jungles, Tigers & Taj

  • Price (inc. flights): 15 days from £3,695
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
    • O
    • N
    • D

Walking in the Steps of Sloth Bears

A gentle and rewarding walking safari in the land of sloth bears and wild dogs, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. For tiger fans, a visit to Pench at the end of the trip is a highlight, with almost guaranteed sightings from your safari vehicle. Find out more about Walking in the Steps of Sloth Bears

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £2,695
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
    • O
    • N
    • D

Birds & Tigers in Central India

Travelling from the Chambal River and the famed wetlands of Bharatpur, both bird hotspots, to the legendary Taj Mahal, and the central Indian national parks of Pench, Satpura and Tadoba, we search for exciting mammals and birds, including sloth bear, leopard, Asian wild dog, jungle cat and tiger. Find out more about Z) Birds & Tigers in Central India

  • Price (inc. flights): 17 days from £5,995
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • N
    • D
Suggested accommodation options are shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

Baghvan Lodge

Located at the edge of Pench National Park, this lodge has 12 bungalows, all of which offer a spacious bedroom and covered rooftop, perfect for romantic sleepouts. Breakfast and lunch are served on a sweeping shaded deck around the swimming pool and overlooking the nullah, a favourite route of Pench’s tigers. Find Out More about Baghvan Lodge

Jamtara Wilderness Camp

Situated in the rural village of Jamtara, close to Pench National Park, the Camp’s exclusive position gives easy access to the Park on both sides of the river. Each of the 12 luxury tented rooms overlooks the forest, immersing guests in the jungle experience, and there is also an option to sleep under the stars. Find Out More about Jamtara Wilderness Camp

Pench Tree Lodge

This exclusive lodge, situated on the outskirts of Pench National Park, features just six chalets perched amidst the trees in an undisturbed area of forest in the small village of Sarrahiri. Guests can enjoy treetop dining or a dip in the swimming pool between safaris and nature walks into the wildlife-rich park. Find Out More about Pench Tree Lodge

Tiger Corridor Pench

Tiger Corridor is a luxurious camp set in lush green forest, on the buffer zone of Pench National Park. Accommodation consists of 15 sumptuous cottages and eight well equipped air conditioned safari tents, all with en suite facilities, offering a real camping experience without compromising on comforts. Find Out More about Tiger Corridor Pench