Overview
Pench National Park, located on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is one of India’s most famous wildlife reserves. Named after the Pench River that flows through it, this park is known for its lush forests, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Pench is often referred to as the “The Land of Shere Khan”, thanks to Rudyard Kipling’s famous book The Jungle Book, which was inspired by the park’s surroundings. The park is part of the Pench Tiger Reserve and is known for its thriving population of Bengal tigers.
Spread over an area of 758 square kilometers, Pench is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, wild boars, deer, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 200 species of birds. The park’s landscape consists of dense forests, grasslands, and meadows, making it an excellent location for wildlife photography and nature walks.
This 4-day trip to Pench National Park provides you with an unforgettable opportunity to enjoy morning and evening safaris, wildlife spotting, birdwatching, and relaxation in the heart of one of India’s most captivating jungles.
Included/Excluded
- Accommodation: 3 nights in a wildlife resort or a forest lodge near Pench National Park.
- Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the resort.
- Safari Rides: Multiple jeep safaris (morning and evening) inside Pench National Park with a knowledgeable naturalist guide.
- Transportation: Private or shared transportation from Nagpur to Pench (approximately 2-3 hours by road).
- International Flights: Airfare to and from India is not included.
- Personal Expenses: Shopping, tips, laundry, and personal items.
- Meals Outside Itinerary: Any meals or snacks not included in the itinerary.
- Travel Insurance: Health or travel insurance is not included.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival at Pench & Check-in
- Arrival: Arrive at Nagpur (the nearest major city), and drive to Pench National Park (approximately 2-3 hours by road).
- Check-in: Upon arrival, check-in at your resort or forest lodge near the park. Settle in and relax in the tranquil surroundings.
- Evening Safari: After check-in, enjoy an evening safari (usually around 3-4 PM). The evening safari gives you the chance to see wildlife as they come out to forage for food.
- Return & Dinner: After the safari, return to your lodge or resort for dinner.
- Overnight: Stay overnight at your resort near Pench.
Day 2: Morning & Afternoon Safari in Pench
- Morning Safari: Begin your day early with a morning safari (usually around 5:30-6:00 AM). Early mornings are the best time to catch sight of the park's famous Bengal tigers and other wildlife such as leopards, deer, and wild boar.
- The Teliya Zone and Karma Zone are popular safari zones known for tiger sightings.
- Return & Breakfast: After the safari, return to the resort for breakfast.
- Relaxation: Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the resort, taking a nature walk, or enjoying the amenities available.
- Afternoon Safari: After lunch, head out for another afternoon safari (around 2:30-3:00 PM). This safari is a great opportunity to spot more wildlife, especially in the park’s grasslands and waterholes.
- Return & Dinner: Return to the lodge for dinner.
- Overnight: Stay overnight at the resort.
Day 3: Explore Pench’s Wildlife & Birdwatching
- Morning Safari: After breakfast, head out for another morning safari in different zones of the park. The Sillari Zone is also renowned for tiger sightings, and you may catch a glimpse of other animals, including wild dogs (dhole), jackals, and various species of deer.
- Birdwatching: Pench National Park is a haven for birdwatchers with over 250 species of birds. After the safari, take some time to observe the park's rich birdlife, including eagles, hornbills, and peafowls.
- Lunch & Relax: Return to the resort for lunch and enjoy some downtime.
- Afternoon Safari: After lunch, go on an afternoon safari for more wildlife sightings and enjoy the serene natural beauty of the park.
- Overnight: Return to the resort for dinner and relaxation
Day 4: Final Safari & Departure
- Morning Safari: For your last day, embark on an early morning safari to explore new zones or revisit your favorite spots. The park’s early mornings are filled with animal activity, and it’s an excellent opportunity for photography.
- Breakfast: After the safari, return to the resort for breakfast and check-out.
- Drive Back to Nagpur: Begin your drive back to Nagpur (approximately 2-3 hours by road).
- Departure: Depending on your schedule, either head to the Nagpur Airport for your onward flight or continue your journey to another destination.