- Best Time to Visit Panna National Park
Winter is also the most ideal time to indulge in bird sightseeing in Panna National Park as a large population of birds migrate here during the season.
Panna National Park: A Jewel of Birdlife Beyond the Tigers
Panna is known to be rich in avifauna as well as for the royal bengal tiger safari. It is one of the best parks for bird watchers. When one starts their morning in dead silence and enters the park to birds chirping everywhere, you know you’re going to have a good day sighting the color wings. Asian Paradise Flycatcher (also the State Bird of Madhya Pradesh), one of the most pristine looking birds, is most commonly found in Panna. However, the park is not only made of pretty birds. The Vulture has made its presence known in Panna too. Amidst the beautiful gorges of Panna Reserve, these vultures have made the best nesting and roosting areas for themselves. Some cliffs might be more populated than the others, with more than a 100 vultures cawing together.
Panna National Park, nestled amidst the Vindhya foothills in Madhya Pradesh, India, is often overshadowed by its tiger-centric reputation. However, for bird enthusiasts, Panna offers a hidden gem teeming with avian diversity. This park boasts over 200 resident and migratory bird species, making it a haven for birders seeking a unique and rewarding experience.
A Canvas Painted with Feathers
Panna’s diverse landscape, encompassing rocky terrains, dry deciduous forests, and the meandering Ken River, provides a perfect habitat for a variety of birds. Soaring above the rocky cliffs are resident vultures – a sight both awe-inspiring and ecologically significant. Look out for the majestic Long-billed Vulture, a critically endangered species, or the scavenging Indian Vulture and White-rumped Vulture circling on thermals.
The park’s dry deciduous forests offer a sanctuary for a colorful cast of characters. Keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant Asian Paradise Flycatcher, the state bird of Madhya Pradesh, flitting amongst the branches with its stunning blue plumage. The elusive Rufous-bellied Woodpecker might be spotted hammering away at a tree trunk, while the shy Brown Fish Owl emerges at dusk to hunt for prey.
A Haven by the Ken River
The lifeblood of Panna, the Ken River, attracts a plethora of water birds. Watch patiently as the stately Grey Heron stalks its prey in the shallows, or spot the shy Little Grebe disappearing beneath the water’s surface with a plop. Winter transforms the river into a haven for migratory birds. Flocks of migratory ducks like the Bar-headed Goose, known for its incredible long-distance migrations, and the Lesser Whistling Teal paint the water with their vibrant plumage.
Panna’s grasslands, interspersed with the forests, become a stage for resident ground birds. Here, you might encounter the stately Grey Francolin, its reddish-brown plumage offering perfect camouflage amongst the tall grasses. The shy Junglefowl, the wild ancestor of our domesticated chicken, might be spotted scurrying for food amongst the undergrowth. Don’t miss the flamboyant display of the Indian Peafowl, its tail feathers a dazzling display of iridescent colors.
Highlight Species - Panna National Park
- Rufous Woodpecker
- Himalayan Vulture
- Chestnut-bellied Sandgrousr
- Eurasian Thicknee
- Rlittle Ringed Plover
- Blossom Headed Parakeet
- Bar-headed Goose
- Oriental Honey Buzzard
- White-necked Stork
- Great Cormorant
- Great Thicknee
- India Scimiter Babbler
- White-necked Stork
- Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark
- Yellow-crowned Woodpecker
- Spangaled Drongo
- Golden-fronted Leafbird
- Common Iora
- Tawny-bellied Babbler
- Indian Paradise Flycatcher
- White-rumped Vulture
- Grey Francolin
- Painted Spurfowl
- Little Grebe
- Common Sandpiper
- Indian Courser
- River Tern
- Black-winged Kite
- Brown Fish Owl
- Indian Grey Hornbill
Types of Safaris in Panna National Park
Jeep Safaris, Walking Safaris and Boat Safaris : Best experienced through jeep, walking safari and Boat Safari. A memorable ride on Ken River helps the tourists witness the beauty of the Panna National Park by keeping a sharp eye on the migratory birds and amphibians. Even though the boat safari can be enjoyed at any time of the day, it is highly recommended to go for the dusk safari with an expert naturalist in tow.
How to reach Panna National Park
By Air : Nearest airport to Panna National Park is Khajuraho (45 km).The airport is well connected to major cities in the country like New Delhi and Mumbai.
By Train : The nearest railway stations to the park are Satna and Khajuraho which are directly linked to major towns in the country like Bhopal, Jabalpur and Delhi. The distance between Panna to Satna and Khajuraho is only about 70 km and 45 km respectively.
By Road : Pench is connected to major towns in Madhya Pradesh, that can be travelled to by air or by train.
1. Khajuraho: At metre distance of 45 km is just around an hour drive from the park.
2. Satna: At metre distance of 70 km is just around an hour and a half drive from the park.
3. Jabalpur: At metre distance of 210 km is around 05-hour drive from the park.
4. Bhopal: At metre distance of 450 km is around 08-hour drive from the park.
