Pench National Park
Teak forest split by the Pench river across two states, the landscape behind Kipling's Jungle Book and home of the famous tigress Collarwali.
- Established
- 1983 (MP national park) · 1992 (tiger reserve)
- Area
- About 292 km² (MP national park)
- Districts
- Seoni & Chhindwara (MP); Nagpur (Maharashtra)
- Safari zones
- Turia · Karmajhiri · Jamtara (MP); Sillari · Khursapar (Maharashtra)
- Season
- October to June
- Nearest airport
- Nagpur (about 2 hours)
How the park came to be
The Pench river flows north to south through the park, dividing it into a western and eastern half and also forming the border between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The MP side was a sanctuary from 1977, a national park from 1983 and a tiger reserve from 1992. Maharashtra's Pench Tiger Reserve sits on the other bank.
Kipling set much of The Jungle Book in the Seoni forests here. In more recent times the tigress Collarwali (T15) became famous for raising 29 cubs, among the most recorded for any wild tigress.
FloraForest & landscape
Southern tropical dry deciduous forest dominated by teak, with mahua, saja, bija and bamboo, and open grassland where deer gather. The forest turns bare and golden in summer, making animals easier to see.
FaunaWildlife you can see
- Bengal tiger
- Leopard
- Dhole (wild dog)
- Sloth bear
- Gaur
- Sambar
- Chital
- Nilgai
- Four-horned antelope
- Wild boar
- Jungle cat
- Indian wolf
Birds: Over 300 species, including the crested serpent eagle, Indian pitta, Malabar pied hornbill and migratory waterbirds at the Totladoh reservoir.
Things to do
The most popular zone, with frequent tiger sightings.
Quieter zones with good leopard and dhole chances.
Look for leopards, civets and owls after dark.
Birding and scenery where the river is dammed.
Travel tips
- Fly into Nagpur and drive about 2 hours
- Combine with Kanha or Tadoba
- April–May is hot but best for sightings near water