Panna National Park is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, at a distance of around 57 km from Khajuraho. It was created in 1981 and was declared a Project Tiger Reserve by Government of India in 1994.The region, famous for its diamond industry, is also home to some of the best wildlife species in India and is one of the most famous 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 is recognized as an exciting stop-over destination.
Tiger sighting is always a matter of chance but regular sightings of animals like Leopard, Wolf and Gharial. Herds of Blue Bulls, Chinkaras and Sambars are a common sight.
The park can probably boast of the highest density of the Paradise Fly-Catchers. This rich avian and faunal life combined with its picturesque scenery make a visit to the Park memorable.
The avifauna comprises more than 200 species, including a host of migratory birds. One can see white necked stork, bareheaded goose, honey Buuzzard, King vulture, Blossom headed Parakeet, Paradise flycatcher, Slaty headed Scimitar babbler to name a few.
Till few years back, Panna Wildlife Sanctuary was popular by the name of Panna Tiger Reserve and attracted wildlife lovers from all over the world. But with the disappearance of Tiger population from Panna National Park, it becomes is struggling to maintain its identity. But now authorities of Panna National Park have made up their mind to promote it as a National Park having rare species of Vultures. So picture of Vulture/s give a new face to Panna National Park. Presence of 6 rare species of vultures in Panna forest are being promoted to give some reason to wildlife lovers for visiting it.
About 1700 Vultures have been counted in Panna National Park.
The Ken river , which flows through the Reserve from south to north, is home for Gharial and Mugger, and other aquatic fauna and is one of the least polluted rivers and a tributary of Yamuna. It is one of the sixteen perennial rivers of Madhya Pradesh and is truly the life line of the Reserve. Ken offers some of the most spectacular scenery to the visitor while it meanders for some 55 km through the reserve.
Nearby resorts, offer a variety of nature excursions. Morning and evening walks in the lap of nature are truly wonderful experiences.
We saw the national Bird in its full beauty. Doing a beautiful dance to woo the Pehen during the rains.
And of course we too got drenched in those rains.
There are no jeeps provided by the park authorities, so you will have to rent your own jeep for a safari into the park. Mostly the resorts around the park have their own jeeps which can be hired for the Safari. There are two timings for the Safari - Morning and Evening. We experienced both of them and both were equally nice and interesting.
Overall, Panna National park is a must visit for nature and animal lovers!
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