About Pench
Pench National Park, nestled in the southern reaches of the Satpura Range, straddles the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Named after the Pench River that flows through its heart, this pristine wilderness spans 758 sq km with a core zone of 299 sq km.
Believed to be the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book", Pench offers a captivating landscape of hills, valleys, and tropical dry deciduous forests dominated by teak trees. The rich biodiversity and stunning scenery make it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Diverse Ecosystem
Tropical dry deciduous forests with teak as the dominant species
Pench River
The lifeline of the park, creating unique habitats
Jungle Book
Inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's timeless classic
History & Heritage
The Jungle Book Inspiration
Pench is widely believed to be the setting for Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book". The park's diverse landscapes mirror the vivid descriptions in Kipling's masterpiece, with the Pench River thought to be the inspiration for the "Waingunga" river.
Conservation Legacy
Declared a sanctuary in 1977 and upgraded to National Park in 1983. In 1992, Pench became the 19th tiger reserve under Project Tiger, playing a crucial role in India's tiger conservation efforts.
UNESCO Recognition
In 2011, Pench received international recognition when included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, acknowledging its global significance in biodiversity conservation.
Indigenous Communities
The region has been home to indigenous communities like the Gonds for centuries. Their deep knowledge of local flora and fauna continues to contribute to the conservation ethos of the region.
Safari Zones
Core
Core Zones
The core zones offer pristine wildlife experiences with high chances of tiger sightings.
Buffer
Buffer Zones
Buffer zones provide additional habitat with unique safari experiences and fewer crowds.
Core
Core Zones
Known for high tiger density and diverse wildlife populations.
Buffer
Buffer Zones
Offer excellent wildlife viewing with different landscapes and habitats.
Safari Pricing
Maharashtra
| Visitor Type | Weekdays | Weekends |
|---|---|---|
| Indian | ₹7200 | ₹7700 |
| Foreigner | ₹8000 | ₹8500 |
Same pricing for both Core and Buffer zones
Madhya Pradesh
| Zone Type | Visitor Type | Weekdays | Weekends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Indian | ₹8500 | ₹9200 |
| Foreigner | ₹12000 | ₹13000 | |
| Buffer | Indian | ₹7200 | ₹7500 |
| Foreigner | ₹8000 | ₹8300 |
Different pricing for Core and Buffer zones
Wildlife
Apex Predator
Royal Bengal Tiger
The majestic crown jewel of Pench with a thriving population
Elusive Cat
Leopard
Graceful predator often spotted resting on tree branches
Herbivore Giant
Indian Gaur
The mighty bison, largest bovine in the world
Shaggy Coated
Sloth Bear
Often seen foraging for fruits and termites
National Bird
Indian Peafowl
The national bird, commonly seen throughout the park
Pack Hunter
Wild Dog
Highly social and efficient hunters
Booking Guidelines
Advance Booking
- Book up to 120 days in advance
- Online booking through official portal
- Same-day bookings not guaranteed
- Full payment required at booking
Visitor Requirements
- Valid photo ID mandatory
- Foreigners need passport
- Children under 5 free
- Max 6 visitors per jeep
Cancellation Policy
- 7 days prior: 75% refund
- 3-7 days prior: 50% refund
- Less than 72 hours: No refund
- Park closure: Full refund
Important Notes
- Bookings non-transferable
- Report 30 minutes before safari
- Management may modify schedules
- Peak season charges may apply
Booking Procedure
Select Date & Zone
Choose your preferred safari date, time (morning/evening), and the zone you wish to explore.
Enter Visitor Details
Fill in required details for all visitors including name, age, gender, and ID proof number.
Make Payment
Proceed to payment using available online options. Booking confirmed after successful payment.
Receive Confirmation
Get confirmation email with booking details and unique booking ID. Save for future reference.
Report at Entry Gate
On safari day, report at designated gate 30 minutes before scheduled time with ID and confirmation.
Visitor Information
Park Timings
Morning: 6:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Evening: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Timings may vary seasonally
Best Time to Visit
October to June
Park closed during monsoon (July-September)
Entry Fees
Indians: ₹1500/jeep
Foreigners: ₹3000/jeep
Includes guide fees
How to Reach
Air: Nagpur (88 km)
Rail: Seoni (30 km)
Road: Well connected
Important Guidelines
- Obtain necessary permits before entering
- Wear earth-colored clothing
- Maintain silence during safari
- Do not litter - carry waste back
- Do not exit the vehicle
- Maintain safe distance from wildlife
- No flash photography
- Follow guide instructions