Pench Tiger Reserve is one of the most famous and beautiful wildlife destinations in India. It is located in the southern part of the Satpura Hills, across the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It is named after the Pench River, which flows through the reserve and divides it into two parts. Pench Tiger Reserve is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the majestic tiger, which is the main attraction of the reserve.
Pench Tiger Reserve was established in 1977 as a wildlife sanctuary and later declared as a national park in 1983. In 1992, it became a part of the Project Tiger network and was designated as a tiger reserve.
Pench Tiger Reserve covers an area of 741.41 sq km, out of which 411.33 sq km is the core area and 768.3 sq km is the buffer zone. The core area consists of the Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park and the Mowgli Pench Wildlife Sanctuary. The buffer zone comprises reserve forests, protected forests, and revenue lands.
Why Pench Tiger Reserve is famous?
Pench Tiger Reserve is famous for its diverse and dense forests, which include teak, bamboo, sal, mahua, and other mixed deciduous trees. The reserve also has grasslands, hills, valleys, and water bodies that create a scenic landscape. The Pench River and its tributaries provide water and habitat for many aquatic animals and birds. The reserve also has several historical and cultural sites, such as the Kala Pahad Fort, the Chhindimatta Temple, and the Totladoh Dam.
What to See Pench Tiger Reserve?
Pench Tiger Reserve is a paradise for wildlife lovers and photographers, as it offers a chance to witness and capture the amazing wildlife of central India.
The reserve has more than 1200 species of plants, 285 species of birds, 50 species of fishes, 10 species of amphibians, 30 species of reptiles, 45 species of butterflies, and 54 species of mammals.
Prominent animals that can be seen in the reserve are tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, jackals, hyenas, wolves, foxes, jungle cats, civets, mongooses, gaur, sambar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar, langur, rhesus macaque, porcupine, pangolin, honey badger, and flying squirrel.
Need to Know About Safari in Pench Tiger Reserve
The best way to explore and enjoy the wildlife of Pench Tiger Reserve is by taking a safari in an open jeep or a bus. The safari is conducted by the forest department or authorized operators with trained guides and drivers.
The safari takes you through different zones and routes of the reserve that offer different sightings and experiences. The safari timings vary according to the season and weather conditions. The safari fee includes the vehicle charge, guide charge, driver charge, permit fee, and entry fee.
Safari timings for Pench Tiger Reserve
Morning Safari: From October to February: 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM; From March to June: 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Evening Safari: From October to February: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM; From March to June: 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Night Safari: From October to June: 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Safari fees for Pench Tiger Reserve
For Indians: INR 1500 per person for jeep safari; INR 120 per person for bus safari; INR 250 per person for night safari.
For Foreigners: INR 2500 per person for jeep safari; INR 1200 per person for bus safari; INR 500 per person for night safari.
Pench Tiger Reserve is one of the best places to visit in India for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. It offers a thrilling and memorable experience that will make you fall in love with the wilderness.
