Situated in the central Indian state of
Madhya Pradesh at a distance of around 57 km from Khajuraho is the Panna
National Park. The region, which is famous for its diamonds, is also home to
some of the best wildlife species in India and is one of the better Tiger
Reserves in the country. The park is known worldwide for its wild cats,
including tigers as well as deer and antelope. Due to its closeness to one
of the best-known Indian tourist attraction in India, Khajuraho, the park
has the potential of becoming a major tourist attraction.
Geographical Details:
- Longitude - 80.14° E
- Latitude- 24.44° N
- Altitudinal range - 20 - 538 m
- Average Rainfall-1225 mm
- Nov to Jan-cold 3°C
- Feb to March-cool 16°C to 26°C
- April to June- hot upto 42°C
Tiger Population:
- 1979 - 36
- 1984 - 49
- 1989 - 37
- 1993 - 25
- 1995 - 22
- 2001 - 21
On a wild trail !!
Mammals:
Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), the king of the jungle, roams freely in
this secure, though a bit small habitat alongwith his fellow beings -
leopard (Panthera pardus), wild dog (Cuon alpinus), wolf (Canis lupus),
hyaena (Hyaena hyaena) and caracal (Felus caracal) and smaller cats. Sloth
bear has his most favourite home in the rock escarpments and undisturbed
vales. The wooded areas are dotted with sambar the largest of Indian deers,
chital and chowsingha. One can easily see nilgai and chinkara in most open
areas in the grasslands, specially on the periphery.
Avifauna:
The avifauna comprises more than 200 species, including a host of migratory
birds. One can see white necked stork, barheaded goose, honey Buuzzard, King
vulture, Blossom headed Parakeet, Paradise flycatcher, Slaty headed Scimitar
babbler to name a few.
Reptiles:
Varieties of snakes, including the python and other reptiles are found
here.
Flora:
Dry and hot climate, in union with shallow Vindhyan soils has given rise to
dry Teak and dry mixed forest. The dominating vegetation type is
miscellaneous dry deciduous forest inter spread with grassland areas. Other
major forest types are riverines, open grasslands, open woodlands with tall
grasses and thorny woodlands. The characteristic floral species of this area
include tree species such as Tectona grandis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca
indica, Buchnania latifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Anogeissus pendula,
Lannea coromandelica, Bosswelia serrata etc.
Best time to visit:
The climate of this region is tropical. Summers are too hot and very
uncomfortable, though this is the time when one has the maximum chances of
encountering the exclusive wildlife of this park. Winters are cold and
comfortable and the temperature generally remains under 25°C. Monsoon
touches this region in July and continues till mid-September.
Arrival Information:
By Rail: Satna, at a distance of around 90 km, is the
nearest railway station. It is a major railway hub and is connected to many
places in central and western India, the most important of them being Mumbai
at a distance of 1,540 km.
By Air: The nearest airport is at Khajuraho at a distance
of around 57 km from the Panna National Park. There are daily Alliance Air
flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Varanasi from Khajuraho.
By Road: The park is well connected with the other parts
of the region by a good network of roads. Distances of some important places
in India from the Panna National Park are Khajuraho 57 km, Bhopal 727
km,Delhi 889 km, Chennai 1761, and Calcutta 1040 km.
Accommodation:
Ken River Lodge is 2 km from the Panna National Park. Swiss cottage tents
with attached toilets and showers give you all the modern amenities along
with the thrill of staying in a tent. There are 10 tents. Jungle visits are
organized in the morning and evening by boats and jeeps. Pugdundee treks can
also be organized for the keen birders.
