Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Panna National Park is one of the twenty second Tiger Reserve of India 5th National Parks of the Indian state Madhya Pradesh. This tiger reserve is situated in the Vindhyan Ranges only 25 kilometer from Khajuraho Before 1947 this national park serves as the shooting reserve (Shikargarh). After independence the shooting reserve was transformed and declared as wildlife sanctuary by the name of Gangau Sanctuary in the year 1971. Later in the year of 1981, the former shooting reserve of Panna, Chattarpur and Bijawar states was notified as Panna National Park.

Panna was given the Award of Excellence in 2007 as the best maintained national park of India by the Ministry of Tourism of India. It was also designated as Biosphere Reserve on 25 August 2011. In the year of 2009, the tiger population in the park was diminishing by poaching. But later, some important measures were taken to increase the tiger population in the reserve.

The famous Panna National Park is sprawl over an area of Panna Tehsil of Panna District, Chattarpur and Bijawar tehsils of Chattarpur district. Entire Panna National Park is spread along a length of near about 50 kilometers on either bank of Ken River.

History at a Glance

Panna National Park was originally created in the year of 1981. The park got the status of a Project Tiger Reserve by the Government of India in 1994. The major national of the state consist of areas from the former Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary established in 1975.

The location of this national park is important as it is situated at a point where the continuity of the forest area, which begins from Cape Comorin in the South, and beyond this great Gangetic Plains, could be seen. The Ken River, which flows through the tiger reserve from South to North, is home for some of the species like Gharial and Mugger, and other aquatic fauna. And Ken is one of the sixteen perennial rivers of Madhya Pradesh and is truly the life line of the tiger reserve.

Quick Facts of the Panna National Park

Total area - 1645 Square Kilometers
Core area - 542 Square Kilometers
Buffer area – 1002 Square Kilometers
Panna (Gangau) Sanctuary – 45 Square Kilometers

Highlights – Panna National Park

Panna Tiger Reserve is situated at just 25 kilometer from Khajuraho - merely half an hour drive
Spotting Tiger inside the national park fully depends on the luck but regular sightings are reported
Entry Gates – Madla and Hinauta
Cheetal, Sambar, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chowsingha, Langoor, Wild boar and Jackal are frequently sighted
Other important attractions include Gorges and falls along the course of the Ken River
The dynamic dry deciduous forest changes color from lush green in monsoon to desolate dry grey in summer
Apart from wildlife lovers, Panna receives visitors who exclusively visit the famous Pandav Fall
Approx eight species of vultures and crocodiles are found in Ken River

How to Reach Panna National Park?

Airport located in Khajuraho is the nearest airport to Panna National Park. There are regular flights to Khajuraho from Delhi via Varanasi. Daily flights are available from Varanasi. Once you reach Khajuraho airport, many public/private transport are available to reach Panna.

Jhansi railway station is the nearest railheads if you are travelling from Delhi, Mumbai or Chennai. For those tourists travelling from Varanasi or Kolkata, Satna would be the nearest railheads. From Nagpur – Katni would be the nearest one. From railway station you need to hire private taxi/cab in order to reach Panna National Park.

Panna has its own state government owned bus terminal. The state has very good network of road and thus buses and cab can be hired from any surrounding cities or states to reach Panna National Park. There are direct buses to the park from Khajuraho. State government owned buses are available from Agra, Gwalior, Delhi, Jhansi, Bamitha and others.

What is the Best Time to Visit Panna National Park?

The month of November to May is the most suitable time to visit Panna National Park. Summer season is not considered suitable time to visit the park as the towns are excruciatingly hot, and the temperatures rise to about 45 degrees Celcius. Winter season is comparatively cooler and more pleasant. The month of March is especially recommended to visit this place.

Beautiful Places to Visit in and Around Panna National Park

Pandava Falls and Caves:
Pandava cave is located within the territory of the Panna National Park has great historical significance. As the name suggests this is the place where the Pandavas sought haven during their exile. This is one of the popular spot for the mythology enthusiasts. Pandava fall is located on Panna road; these falls are about 34 kilometer away from Khajuraho and 7 kilometer from Madla. Together they make an excellent scenic spot for the tourists. This beautiful location is definitely going to leave you awe, with the serene ambiance, the deep lake and the lush green environs making it a perfect setting for your perfect vacation.

Diamond Mines :
The diamond mine located in Madhya Pradesh is Asia’s biggest and only active mine. Due to presence of huge diamond mine it is also known as treasure land. If you are exploring Panna National Park; a tour to Panna Diamond mine will definitely answer all the mystery about diamond farming. Popular Majhagaon diamond mine is spread over an area of 50 kilometer belt, starting from the Paharikhera North-East to Majhgawan South-West with breadth of around 30 kilometers. It is 55 kilometer from Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh and located in interior of the Panna district.

Raneh Falls and the Ken Crocodile Sanctuary :
Ken Crocodile Sanctuary is a very popular tourism spot near Panna National park and Khajuraho temple. It is situated on the confluence of Ken River and Khudar River and sprawl over an area of 45 square kilometers. It is geographical location is in north-east of Khajuraho and north of Panna National Park. The Raneh Falls are formed when the Ken river falls from the canyons of the Rewa Plateau about 20 kolometer from Khajuraho. The Ken Crocodile sanctuary is in the vicinity of the Raneh Falls itself.

National Museum :
Established in the year of 1988, National Museum has remarkable collection of icons and coins.

Mahamati Prannathji Mandir :
Mahamati Prannathji Temple is an important pilgrimage spot for Pranamis community and attracts large number of devotees during Sharada Purnima. It is said that Mahamati Prannathji lived at the site for 11 years after which he took samadhi inside one of the domes of this temple. The temple was constructed in 1692 and has Muslim and Hindu architectural styles in its domes and lotus formations. The temple is divided into six parts namely Shri Gummatji, Shri Bangalaji, Shri Sadguru Mandir, Shri Baijurajji Mandir, Shri Chopada Mandir and Shri Khijada Mandir.