- Best Time to Visit Pench National Park
The best time to visit Pench is from October to March, when the climate is conducive for tigers and birdwatching alike.
Pench National Park: A Birder's Paradise in the Heart of India
Pench National Park, another park famous for tiger safaris in India derived its name from the river ‘Pench’. It lies in Seoni and Chindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling comes to life in these forests. All characters in the book like ‘Sher Khan’ a vengeful Tiger, ‘Bagheera’, ‘Baloo’, the funny honey eating bear and pack of wolfs too, family of the main protagonist ‘Mowgli’ can be found in the jungle. The character of Mowgli was inspired by the real incident of a boy found by William Henry Sleeman in the year 1831, who was reported to be raised by a pack of wolf in the village of satavadi close to the hills in Seoni.
Nestled amidst the lush Satpura mountain range in Madhya Pradesh, Pench National Park, however, offers far more than just tiger safaris. This diverse ecosystem, immortalized by Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book,” is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 285 resident and migratory bird species. With its mosaic of habitats – from dense teak forests and bamboo groves to meandering rivers and sparkling lakes – Pench National Park caters to a vibrant avian community, making it a prime birding destination in Central India.
A Chorus of Colors in the Canopy
Pench’s verdant forests provide a sanctuary for a dazzling array of resident birds. Keen birders might spot the elusive Indian Pitta, a flash of emerald green flitting amongst the undergrowth. The vibrant Malabar Pied Hornbill, with its oversized casque and raucous calls, is a frequent visitor. Keep your ears tuned for the melodious songs of the Grey-headed Shrike and the Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, their presence adding to the symphony of the forest.
Soaring above the dense canopy are birds of prey like the majestic Crested Serpent Eagle, with its distinctive wing shape, and the powerful Bonelli’s Eagle, its sharp gaze scanning the landscape for prey. Don’t miss the acrobatic antics of the acrobatic Shikra, adept at weaving through the trees in pursuit of smaller birds.
A Haven for Waterfowl and Wetland Specialists
The park’s network of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs provides a vital habitat for waterfowl and wetland birds. Watch 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 these water bodies into a haven for migratory birds. Flocks of migratory ducks like the Brahmini Duck and the Lesser Whistling Teal paint the water with their vibrant plumage. Keep an eye out for the majestic Bar-headed Goose, a winter visitor from the Himalayas known for its long-distance migrations.
Open Fields: A Stage for Ground Birds
Pench National Park’s open grasslands become a stage for a different cast of avian characters. Here, you might encounter the stately Grey Francolin, its reddish-brown plumage offering perfect camouflage amongst the tall grasses. Watch as the flamboyant Indian Peafowl struts its stuff, its tail feathers a dazzling display of iridescent colors. Don’t miss the shy Junglefowl, the wild ancestor of our domesticated chicken, scurrying for food amongst the undergrowth.
Highlight Species in Pench National Park
- Mottled Wood Owl
- River Tern
- Emrald Dove
- Yellow-footed Green Pegion
- Spot-billed Duck
- Eurasian Spoonbill
- Asian Openbill Stork
- Common Hoopoe
- Red-naped Ibis
- Black Stork
- Orange-headed Thrush
- Lesser Whistling Duck
- Jacobin Cuckoo
- Red Avadavat
- Painted Francolin
- Spangaled Drongo
- Common Iora
- Golden-fronted Leafbird
- Tawny-bellied Babbler
- Indian Paradise Flycatcher
- Scarlet Minivet
- Malabar Pied Hornbill
- Shikra
- Red-headed Vulture
- Peregrine Falcon
- Black-Hooded Orile
- Purple Sunbird
- Grey-bellied Cuckoo
- Rudy Shelduck
- Painted Spurfowl
Types of Safaris in Pench 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.
By Air : Pench is a jungle, naturally not having an air strip. However, it is well connected to cities in Madhya Pradesh, that do. Nagpur – 100 kms and Jabalpur – 200 kms from the park, are well connected by air with major cities in the country, i.e. New Delhi and Mumbai.
By Train : Reaching Pench by Train is simple too. Trains to Nagpur Railway Station – 100 km and Jabalpur Railway Station – 190 km from the park, run from major cities in the country, like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata etc. One can drive to Pench National Park post this point.
By Road : Pench is connected to major towns in Madhya Pradesh, that can be travelled to by air or by train.
1. Nagpur: At a mere distance of 100 kms, Nagour is just a 02 hour drive from the Park.
2. Jabalpur: At a mere distance of 200 kms, Jabalpur is just a 04-04.5 hour drive from the Park.
