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Panna National Park, nestled in the Vindhya ranges of Madhya Pradesh, is a gem renowned for its dramatic landscapes and remarkable wildlife. The park stretches along the pristine Ken River, whose deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil pools carve through a mosaic of teak forests and scrublands, creating breathtaking scenery. Early morning and late afternoon jeep safaris reveal the park’s dynamic ecosystem at its most active, offering nature lovers an unforgettable experience.
Panna is celebrated for its successful tiger reintroduction program, which has brought the Majestic Bengal Tiger back to these forests. Patient visitors might be rewarded with the thrilling sight of a tiger moving gracefully through the underbrush or resting by the river. Leopards are another highlight, often seen along rocky ridges or slipping silently through the forest.
At A Glance
Nearest Airport
Khajuraho
Best Time to Visit
October to June
Forests
Tropical Dry Deciduous & Teak Forests
Activities
Wildlife, Culture, Birding, Night Safaris, Nature Trails, Waterfalls, Temple Visits
Minimum Recommended Stay
03 or 04 Days
The park’s diverse herbivore population includes Chital (Spotted Deer), Sambar Deer, Nilgai (Blue Bull), and the agile Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), commonly seen grazing in open meadows. Wild Boars and Jackals are frequent sightings, while Sloth Bears, with their shaggy coats and keen noses, forage for termites and fruits deeper in the jungle. The Ken River itself is a lifeline to the park, attracting Mugger Crocodiles and hosting an impressive range of birdlife: from Bar-Headed Geese and Vultures to iridescent Kingfishers, making Panna a paradise for both wildlife enthusiasts and birders.
A key cultural dimension to any visit here is nearby Khajuraho, just 30 km from the park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its exquisite temples adorned with intricate sculptures that celebrate life, spirituality, and art in astonishing detail. Combining Panna’s wilderness with Khajuraho’s rich heritage offers a truly rounded experience of the region.
HAPPY HATHI TIP
Panna may be a bit tricky to reach, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. With so much to offer, you will need 4-5 days including travel to truly do it justice.
It pairs beautifully as an extension to Bandhavgarh and is fast emerging as one of Central India’s top spots for tiger sightings.
Happy Hathi Recommends
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Head out on a night drive: After sunset, Panna reveals its secret side, Porcupines waddling by, Owls with eerie precision, and the elusive Civet’s eyes glowing in the dark. Few ever witness this magic.
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Watch for Vultures on the cliffs: Spotting endangered vultures nesting on Panna’s cliffs is raw and humbling. Watch them glide above the gorges, wings wide against the sky, stays with you long after you’ve left .
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Add a morning at Khajuraho: Trust us, these temples are worth lingering over. Visit early for their serene energy, wandering among ancient sculptures after days in the wild is a beautiful way to end your journey.
Suggested Itineraries
Ken River & Gorges: Wilderness Restored in Panna
4 nights, 5 days
After 2009’s loss, tigers were reintroduced and have since seen a growing population, making Panna a symbol of ecological restoration.
eopards, sloth bears, Indian wolf, chinkara, nilgai, sambar and a host of smaller cats and fauna inhabit this mosaic of forests, grasslands, and riverine edges.
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Central Indian Wildlife Expedition
14 nights, 15 days
Go on jeep safaris in Kanha
Spot tigers in Bandhavgarh
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Heart of Central India: Satpura Wilderness
6 nights, 7 days
Experience jeep safaris, walking safaris, and canoe/boat rides—each giving you a different face of the forest.
Look for tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, sambar, dholes, and the Indian giant squirrel among forest and river habitats.
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The Hidden Gem of Central India
7 nights, 8 days
Explore Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, a lesser-known yet biodiverse forest.
Chances to spot tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and sloth bears.
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Jungle Book Trails: Pench Unveiled
6 nights, 7 days
Home to Bengal tigers, leopards, dholes, gaur, sambar and chital, which make for exhilarating safari sightings.
Over 210 bird species including Malabar pied hornbill, crested serpent eagle, Indian roller, migratory waterfowl and forest birds.
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Kanha
4 nights, 5 days
Morning and evening jeep safaris in Kanha
Spot tigers and Barasingha Deer
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Throne of the Tiger: Bandhavgarh’s Wild Majesty
4 nights, 5 days
Bandhavgarh has one of the highest Bengal tiger populations in India; zones like Tala, Magdhi, and Khitauli regularly produce sightings of legendary tigers like Spotty, Dotty, Kajri, and others.
From the open grasslands and meadows of Tala, through the lush meadows of Chakradhara, to steep ridges and thick sal forests—each zone offers its own mood, trails, and wildlife chances
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India’s Dry-Deciduous Royalty
7 nights, 8 days
Home to one of Maharashtra’s densest tiger populations, offering consistently high chances of sightings across core and buffer zones.
Alongside tigers, you may encounter leopards, dholes, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, and wild dogs amid diverse terrain
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Taj, Tigers & Temples
11 nights, 12 days
Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal
Go on thrilling safaris in Ranthambore
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Tigers & Golden Triangle
12 nights, 13 days
Witness the Taj Mahal at sunrise
Go on safaris in Ranthambore
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