Pench National Park
Last visit: April 10, 2023
Pench National Park is a remarkable wildlife sanctuary that straddles the border between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra in central India. Named after the Pench River that flows through its heart, the park is a vast mosaic of dry deciduous forests, rolling meadows, and meandering streams. It is one of the finest tiger reserves in India, celebrated for its healthy population of Bengal tigers and a stunning variety of other wildlife. The park's picturesque landscapes, which are said to have inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, offer an immersive jungle experience unlike any other.
While tigers are the park’s biggest draw, Pench is teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Leopards, dhole (Asiatic wild dogs), sloth bears, and herds of chital (spotted deer) roam the forest, while the tree canopies come alive with birds such as Indian rollers, Malabar pied hornbills, and grey-headed fish eagles. Morning and evening safaris through the park provide thrilling wildlife encounters, with knowledgeable guides helping visitors track elusive predators and discover the rich biodiversity that makes Pench a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.