PANNA (MP)

Panna

Panna Madhya Pradesh 

Panna Tiger Reserve is just 25 km from Khajuraho-a mere half an hour drive. Tiger sighting is always a matter of chance but regular sightings are reported. Cheetal, Sambar, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chowsingha, Langoor, Wildboar and Jackal, are frequently sighted. Gorges and falls along the course of the Ken river in the Reserve are beholding. Dynamic dry deciduous forest undergoes dramatic change from lush green in monsoon to dry grey in summer. Relics of Gondwana period (rule of the tribal people of Central India) are scattered all over the Reserve. Besides the wildlife watchers (around 12000 annually), Panna gets visitors (around 20000 annually) who exclusively visit the famous Pandav Fall. 

PANNA NATIONAL PARK 

Extending over 543 km, spread along the banks of the River Ken, the park's topography is a magnificent one of deep gorges, tranquil valley and dense teak forests. During the monsoons, the park is a lush green haven with cascading waterfalls. The park's area includes the former shooting reserves of the erstwhile royal state of Panna and Chhattarpur and the jungles today harbour many species of wildlife. The tiger can be glimpsed here, along with other rare species such as the Leopard, Wolf and Gharial. Herds of Blue Bulls, Chinkaras and Sambars are a common sight. The Wild Boar, the Sloth Bear, the Cheetal, the Chowsingha, the Indian Fox, the Porcupine, and a host of lesser fauna are also seen. A separate sanctuary for Gharial has been set up. 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 a memorable one. 

AJAYGARH FORT 

36 km from Panna. An old fort, built at a height of 688 metres, it was the capital of the Chandelas during their decline. Chhatrasal gave it to his son Shri Jagat Raj in 1731. 

NACHNA 

40 km from Panna, Nachna was a famous city of the Nagvakataka and Gupta empire. It is known for the Chaturmukha Mahadev temple named after the colossal four faced lingam which is still enshrined inside. 

How to Reach 

By Air The nearest airport is Khajuraho (25 km), connected with Delhi & Agra. 

By Train Jhansi (180 km) for those travelling from Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai.

Satna (90 km) for those travelling from Delhi, Kolkata and Varanasi

Katni (150 km) for those travelling from Mumbai, Chennai and Nagpur. 

By Road Reserve does not have any transport facility for the visitors. Four wheel drive petrol vehicles are best for wildlife watching and going around the reserve. Rough terrain, un-medalled roads, steep inclines are difficult for other vehicles. Private vehicles can be hired at Khajuraho/ Panna. 

Best Season December to March.