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Panna National Park was established as a
National Reserve in 1981 and made part of Project Tiger in
1994. Panna National Park is one of the India’s youngest tiger
reserves in Madhya Pradesh. This park is spread over an area
of 542.67 square km and created from the hunting reserves of
the princely states of Panna, Chhatarpur and Bijawar. In 1975,
the North and South Panna Forest Divisions were declared as
the Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary. It comprises of the |
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upper Talgaon Plateau and the middle
Hinouta Plateau and is fed by the Ken river, which runs for
about 55 km within the sanctuary. The Dundwa Falls are located
on the Hinouta Plateau. The Pandav Falls are also located
within the reserve but can be approached from the Madla Gate.
Most of the safaris start from the Madla village, which is
located on the main highway, about 22 kms. from the Panna
town. Driving up from the Madla Gate, you follow the Ken river
south for a few miles and then pass through open grassland and
thick, closed canopy forests on the rocky Hinouta Plateau. The
other entrance to the park is from Hinouta, which falls on the
eastern side of the park, about 20 kms. away from the Madla
Gate.
Vegetation in the Panna National Park
The Panna National Park’s topography is a splendid mosaic of
plateaus, plunging gorges, vast expanses of teak forests and
savannah grasslands.
Wildlife Attractions in the Panna National Park
The Panna National Park is the home of various animals like
Tiger, Regal Gaur, Jungle Cat, Nilgai, Chital, Chinkara, Sloth
Bear, Deer, Jackal, Leopard and Wild Boar. Various species of
birds and crocodile can also be seen here.
Jungle Safari in the Panna National Park
The Panna National Park offers various exciting opportunities
to the wildlife lover. Morning and evening safaris and boat
ride in the Ken river to observe crocodiles and some beautiful
water birds are various facilities which are available to
tourists. Jeep safaris and elephant safaris run in the morning
and afternoon. The sunset is the best time to spot and
photograph waterfowl.
Best time to Visit the Panna National Park
The best time to visit the Panna National Park is from
November to March. This park is open from October to June.
How to reach Panna National Park
By Air:
The nearest airport is Khajuraho, which is situated about 26
kms. from Panna National Park. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways
operate daily flights to Khajuraho.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Jhansi, which is situated about
176 kms. from Panna National Park.
By Road:
The Panna National Park is connected with Bhopal by NH 86 (via
Chhatarpur) and by Gwalior with NH 75. It is also easily
connected with Jhansi, Chhatarpur, Satna and Khajuraho. |
