Panna National Park

A long walk in the vast and unexplored Namdapha National Park....visit Arunachal Pradesh.

Panna National Park is located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and is in close proximity with Khajuraho, one of the major tourist attractions of India. The park is a home to some of the best wildlife species in India and is a well known Tiger Reserves of the country. The climate of the park is tropical which gives the visitors the maximum chance to encounter the exclusive wildlife existing in the park. Known worldwide for its wild cats, including tigers as well as deer and antelope, the park proves to be an exciting stop-over destination.

Flora & Fauna
Dry and hot climate of the place has given rise to the dry Teak and dry mixed forest. The major vegetation type is the miscellaneous dry deciduous forest. Other forest types are: riverines, open grasslands, open woodlands with tall grasses and thorny woodlands. The characteristic floral species of this area include tree species such as Tectona grandis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca indica, Buchnania latifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Anogeissus pendula, Lannea coromandelica, Bosswelia serrata etc.

Tiger, leopard, wild dog , wolf, hyaena, caracal and other smaller cats are found in the park. Sloth bear has his most favourite home here in the park. The wooded areas are dotted with sambar, the largest of Indian deers, chital and chowsingha. One can easily see nilgai and chinkara in most open areas in the grasslands, specially on the periphery.
Avifauna
The avifauna comprises more than 200 species, including a host of migratory birds. One can see white necked stork, bareheaded goose, honey Buuzzard, King vulture, Blossom headed Parakeet, Paradise flycatcher, Slaty headed Scimitar babbler to name a few.

Straight Stuff
Location – Chattarpur, Madhya Pradesh
Total Area – 543 sq.km
Declared As – A National Park in 1981
Visiting Season – January to May
Baits – Tiger, Chinkara, Sambar and Chital
Entry Fee – Rs. 40 Indians, Rs. 500 foreigners

Accommodation
Tree houses, resorts and lodges are available in plenty in the vicinity of the Panna National Park. To mention a few are -

• Ken River lodge
• Lawania Jungle Resort

How To Roll In
By Air :The nearest airport is Khajuraho. To reach Khajuraho from other major cities, fly to Varanasi and catch a connecting flight from there.
By Rail :Satna, at a distance of around 90 km, is the nearest railway station. It is a major railway hub and is connected to many places in central and western India.
By Bus :The nearest bus stand is Panna connected to Khajuraho and many other places in Madhya Pradesh by a good road network. Madla, at a distance of around 24 km south west of Khajuraho, is a good transport centre. One can get buses and other road transport modes from here to the Panna National Park.