PANNA NATIONAL PARK
Overview
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Location & Size: Spanning ~543 km² across Panna and Chhatarpur districts, located in the Vindhya Range and along the Ken River
Established: Declared wildlife sanctuary in 1981, became a National Park in 1994, and a Tiger Reserve in 1997
Awards: Honored with the Ministry of Tourism’s “Best Maintained National Park of India” in 2007
Wildlife Highlights
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Tigers: Poaching nearly wiped out the population in 2009, but reintroduction efforts have led to recovery; estimates report up to 80 tigers .
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Other Mammals: Leopards, dholes, wolves, sloth bears, chital, sambar, nilgai, chinkara, porcupine, and more
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Birdlife: Over 200 species—eagles, vulture species, kingfishers, grey hornbills, bar-headed geese
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Reptiles: Crocodiles (gharial and mugger) thrive along the Ken River .
Safari & Activities
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Jeep Safaris: Core areas (Madla, Hinouta) and buffer zones (Akola, Jinna); limited vehicles per shift .
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Boat Safaris: Along Ken River—excellent for crocodile and kingfisher sightings
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Night Safaris & Walks: Night/Guerilla safaris available; guided nature walks and interpretation centre tours .
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Waterfall Visits: Trek to Pandav Falls and Raneh Falls for scenic and spiritual appeal .
Best Time to Visit & Timing
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Season: October–June; winter (Nov–Feb) cool and pleasant, summer (Mar–Jun) raises tiger sighting chances near water
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Monsoon: Park closed mid‑June–Sept, but buffer zones and waterfalls are open and lush
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Safari Timing:
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Morning: ~06:00–11:30
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Evening: ~15:00–18:00
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Night: post‑evening safari in specific zones
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Entry & Pricing
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Jeep Safari Costs: For Indians ~₹1 500–2 000 pp (core), ~₹8 000–9 000 full jeep; Foreigners ~₹2 500–3 000 pp (core), ~₹12 000–14 000 full jeep .
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Booking: Online recommended via the official MP Forest site or gate, up to 120 days in advance
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Limits: Maximum ~20 jeeps per shift in core zones, plus mandatory ID and guide .
Conservation & Character
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Renowned Comeback: Tiger reintroduction regarded as a conservation success—now home to about 60–80 wild tigers
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Genetic Strength: New tigers show genetic diversity from multiple relocation sources, including a notable male, “P243”, weighing 228 kg
How to Reach & Stay
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Air: Khajuraho Airport ~25 km away; flights from major cities .
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Train: Satna (~70 km), Khajuraho station nearby; connected by road via bus/taxi
Road: Well-connected by road; base options include Panna town, Madla-zone lodges, or Khajuraho.
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Accomodation: Range from forest rest houses to lodges near Madla and Khajuraho.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Why Visit | Thriving tiger reserve, fewer crowds, waterway safaris, scenic waterfalls |
| Best Time | Nov–Feb (cool), Mar–Jun (wildlife hotspots near water) |
| Core Zones | Madla, Hinouta (jeep safari) + buffer zones (Akola, Jinna) |
| Activities | Jeep/boat/night safaris, nature walks, waterfall visits |
| Booking Tips | Reserve online in advance, carry ID, book safari + lodge early |
If you’d like help with safari booking, lodge recommendations, or planning a side trip to the Khajuraho temples

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