Pench National Park

Pench Overview

Pench National Park, nestled in the lower southern reaches of the Satpura range, straddles the border between the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, India. Officially declared a national park in 1975 and later established as a tiger reserve in 1992 under Project Tiger, Pench spans an area of approximately 758 square kilometers (about 293 square miles), with the park area covering around 292.85 square kilometers in Madhya Pradesh alone. This sprawling natural habitat is named after the Pench River, which meanders through the park from north to south, dividing it into almost equal western and eastern halves, and serving as a lifeline for the park’s ecosystems.

Pench National Park is immortalized as the setting of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, “The Jungle Book,” which draws inspiration from the rich wildlife and verdant forests of this area. The park’s landscape is characterized by lush teak forests, scattered with small meadows, dense canopies, and several streams that add to the park’s biodiversity, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The park boasts a significant population of Bengal tigers, making it one of India’s premier tiger reserves. Besides tigers, Pench is home to a variety of wildlife including leopards, wild dogs (dholes), Indian wolves, gaur (Indian bison), sambar, chital (spotted deer), and more than 285 species of resident and migratory birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Pench National Park offers visitors the chance to explore its rich biodiversity through jeep safaris, elephant rides, and nature walks. The safaris provide an excellent opportunity to witness the majestic Bengal tiger in its natural habitat, along with a plethora of other wildlife species. The park’s commitment to conservation and its role in protecting India’s wildlife heritage make it an essential visit for those looking to experience the beauty and diversity of India’s natural landscapes.