How to book Pench National Park Safari
Pench National Park Safari is an exhilarating experience for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Pench National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and the unique experience it offers to its visitors. The park covers an area of around 758 square kilometers and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, wild dogs, Indian bison, and various species of deer.
The Pench National Park Safari takes you on a thrilling journey through the park, where you can witness the majestic beasts in their natural habitat. The safari offers various options, including jeep and elephant safaris, where you can explore the park’s dense forests, grasslands, and water bodies. The park’s natural beauty is captivating, and the sound of the jungle and the chirping of the birds add to the overall experience. The trained guides accompanying the safari ensure your safety and offer insights into the park’s flora and fauna, making the experience educational and informative. A Pench National Park Safari is a must-visit destination for all wildlife enthusiasts, offering an unforgettable experience that is hard to match anywhere else.
Pench National Park Safari is a gateway to the mesmerizing world of wildlife that beckons you with its exotic flora and fauna. If you are looking for an escape from the humdrum of city life, Pench National Park Safari is your answer. Get ready to witness the magic of the jungle in this blog!
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Pench National Park Safari
Pench National Park Safari, located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park spans over an area of 758 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, wild dogs, Indian bison, and various species of deer. Here’s everything you need to know about planning a Pench National Park Safari:
Pench Safari Gates and Zones:
Pench National Park is divided into several zones, each with its unique topography, vegetation, and wildlife. The park has four gates for entry – Turia, Karmajhiri, Jhamtara, and Wolf Sanctuary. Let’s take a closer look at each gate and the zones they offer access to:
Pench Safari Core Zones
Turia Gate: The Turia Gate is the most popular entry point for visitors to Pench National Park. It provides easy access to the park’s core area and is located around 90 km from Nagpur. The Turia Gate provides entry to three zones – Turia, Bison Reserve, and Khursapar. The Turia zone is the most popular among visitors as it offers a higher chance of spotting tigers and other wildlife.
Karmajhiri Gate: The Karmajhiri Gate is located around 15 km from Seoni and provides access to the park’s buffer zone. The gate offers entry to the Karmajhiri zone, which is known for its lush green forests and grasslands. The zone is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, and various species of deer.
Jhamtara Gate: The Jhamtara Gate is located around 10 km from Khawasa and offers access to the park’s core area. The gate provides entry to two zones – Jhamtara and Rukhad. The Jhamtara zone is known for its dense forests and is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and wild dogs.
It is important to note that each zone has a limited number of vehicles allowed inside at a time, and visitors need to obtain permits to enter. The permits can be obtained online or from the park’s gate, subject to availability. The park authorities also reserve the right to close any zone or gate without prior notice for maintenance or other reasons. Visitors are advised to check the park’s official website or contact the authorities before planning their trip to avoid any inconvenience.
Pench Safari Buffer Zones
Buffer zones in Pench National Park Safari refer to the areas surrounding the park’s core area, which are meant to act as a buffer and provide additional protection to the park’s wildlife. These zones are also open to visitors and offer a glimpse into the park’s unique flora and fauna.
Rukhad Buffer Zone: The Rukhad Buffer Zone is located about 20 km from Nagpur and covers an area of around 140 sq. km. The zone is characterized by undulating terrain, dense forests, and grasslands. Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and various species of deer.
Khawasa Buffer Zone: The Khawasa Buffer Zone is located about 10 km from Seoni and covers an area of around 176 sq. km. The zone is characterized by hilly terrain, with patches of grasslands and bamboo thickets. Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including chital, sambar, barking deer, wild boar, and Indian gaur.
Khumbhpani Buffer Zone: The Khumbhpani Buffer Zone is located about 30 km from Nagpur and covers an area of around 189 sq. km. The zone is characterized by rocky outcrops, dense forests, and grasslands. Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and various species of deer.
Masurnala Buffer Zone: The Masurnala Buffer Zone is located about 10 km from Turia Gate and covers an area of around 86 sq. km. The zone is characterized by dense forests and bamboo thickets. Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including chital, sambar, barking deer, and wild boar.
Teliya Buffer Zone: Teliya buffer zone is located around 4 km from the Turia gate and covers an area of approximately 25 sq km. The zone is characterized by hilly terrain and is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and various species of deer. The zone is also rich in birdlife, and visitors can spot a variety of birds, including the Indian roller, kingfisher, and hornbill.
| Zone | Per day entry permits | Morning safari | Evening safari |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touria | 74 | 37 | 37 |
| Karmajhiri | 16 | 8 | 8 |
| Jhamtara | 9 | 5 | 4 |
| Teliya | 30 | 15 | 15 |
| Rukhad | 30 | 15 | 15 |
| Sillari | 54 | 27 | 27 |
| Khursapar | 36 | 18 | 18 |
| Chorbahuli | 14 | 7 | 7 |
It is important to note that the buffer zones are crucial in providing additional protection to the park’s wildlife, and visitors are advised to follow strict guidelines while inside the park. Smoking and carrying of plastic bags are prohibited inside the park, and visitors are also advised to maintain silence and not get off the vehicle during the safari.
Pench Safari Booking and Timing
Booking a Pench National Park Safari is a straightforward process, and visitors can book their safari online or from their resort or at the park’s gate, subject to availability.
Pench National Park Safari operates two safari timings – morning and afternoon. The morning safari usually starts at 6:30 AM and lasts until 11:00 AM, while the afternoon safari begins at 2:30 PM and ends at 6:00 PM. It is important to note that the park is closed during monsoon season (July to September) and is open from October to June.
Here are the steps to book a Pench National Park Safari.
Online Booking: Visitors can book their safari online by visiting the official website of Pench National Park or the Madhya Pradesh State Forest Department website. Visitors need to create an account, select the preferred safari zone, date, and time, and make the payment using a credit card, debit card, or net banking. After successful booking, visitors will receive an e-permit, which they need to carry during the safari.
P.S. will suggest to book atleast 40-50 days in advance as the slots get booked faster.
a. Visit the official website of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department
https://forest.mponline.gov.in/index.aspx
b. Click on the “Jungle Safari Booking” option and select “Pench Tiger Reserve” from the list of national parks.
c. Select the preferred safari type (Jeep or Canter) and the safari zone (core area or buffer zone).
d. Choose the date and time slot for the safari.
e. Enter the required personal and contact information and make the payment online.
f. The booking confirmation will be sent to the email ID provided during the booking process.
Booking at the Park’s Gate: Visitors can also book their safari at the park’s gate, subject to availability. The gates for Pench National Park are located at Turia, Karmajhiri, Jhamtara, and Buffer Zones. Visitors need to arrive at the gate at least an hour before the safari’s scheduled time and make the payment in cash or card. It is advisable to check the availability of the safari before reaching the park’s gate.
a. Visit the park’s gate and enquire about the availability of safari slots.
b. Fill out the required forms and provide the necessary personal information.
c. Pay the fees for the safari in cash or through card payment.
d. The booking confirmation will be provided in the form of a receipt.
The Pench National Park Safari timings vary according to the season. In general, the park is open for safaris from October to June. The timings for the core area safari are as follows:
Morning Safari: 6:00 am to 10:00 am
Afternoon Safari: 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm
The timings for the buffer zone safari may vary, and visitors are advised to confirm the same while booking the safari.
It is recommended to book the safari in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid any last-minute hassles. Also, visitors are advised to carry a valid identity proof and follow the park’s rules and regulations during the safari to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Pench Safari Guides
All visitors are required to take a trained guide with them during the safari. The guides are knowledgeable about the park’s flora and fauna and offer insights into the behavior and habitat of the animals. They also ensure the safety of visitors and follow strict guidelines to avoid any disturbance to the wildlife.
There are two types of guides available for the Pench National Park Safari:
a) Park Guide: These are trained guides provided by the park authorities, who have in-depth knowledge about the park’s history, geography, and wildlife.
b) Private Guide: Visitors can also hire private guides who are authorized by the park authorities and have a good knowledge of the park’s wildlife and geography.
Most of the park guides and private guides are proficient in Hindi and English, and some may also speak other regional languages.
The fees for hiring a guide vary depending on whether the visitor chooses a park guide or a private guide. The park guide fee is included in the safari fee, whereas the private guide fee is separate and can be negotiated with the guide. The guide fees are included in your safari packages. 600/480 INR is the actual cost for the guide. Once you arrive at the gate, you will be given a dedicated guide who will come along with you on the safari.
Pench Safari Options
Pench National Park Safari offers two options for exploring the park – Jeep and Elephant Safaris. The Jeep safari is a popular choice among visitors as it allows them to cover more ground and offers a better chance of spotting wildlife. The Elephant Safari, on the other hand, is a unique experience that provides a closer encounter with the animals. However, the Elephant Safari is subject to availability and is not always available.
Another option is a Canter Safari, a type of wildlife safari that is conducted in open-air safari vehicles, known as canters. Canter safaris are a popular way to explore the wilderness of national parks and wildlife reserves in India, including the Pench National Park.
A canter is a large open-air vehicle that can accommodate up to 20 passengers at a time. These vehicles have an elevated seating arrangement that offers an unobstructed view of the surrounding wilderness, making them ideal for wildlife photography and bird watching.
Compared to jeep safaris, canter safaris are more affordable, making them a popular choice among budget-conscious travelers. However, since the vehicle accommodates multiple passengers, visitors may not have the same level of flexibility and personalized attention as they would in a jeep safari.
Pench Safari Cost
The cost of a Pench National Park Safari varies depending on various factors such as the type of vehicle, the zone chosen, and the season. Here is a breakdown of the estimated costs for a Pench Safari:
1.Vehicle Type:
a) Jeep Safari: The cost of a jeep safari in Pench National Park ranges from INR 7500 to INR 8500 per vehicle for the core zone and INR 45000 to INR 6500 for the buffer zone. A jeep can accommodate up to six passengers.
b) Canter Safari: The cost of a canter safari in Pench National Park ranges from INR 1500 to INR 2000 per person for the core zone and INR 800 to INR 1000 for the buffer zone. A canter can accommodate up to 20 passengers.
c) Elephant Safari: This safari is permitted only on the Maharashtra side of Pench. The ticket costs INR 1,000 per person. The total capacity of an elephant safari is 4 members apart from a Mahout and a guide. The guide charges are separate. The duration of this safari is for an hour and can be best enjoyed from October to February. This mode of safari is one of the best and few tourist’s first choice. (Elephant Safari in Pench is Temporarily Closed)
2. Zone:
a) Core Zone: The cost of a safari in the core zone is higher than that of the buffer zone as it offers a higher chance of spotting tigers and other wildlife.
b) Buffer Zone: The cost of a safari in the buffer zone is relatively lower than that of the core zone.
3. Season: The cost of a safari during peak season (October to June) is higher than that of the off-season (July to September) due to the increased demand for safaris.
Booking prices for the packages:
| Full Jeep (Indian) | Week Days – INR 7500 | Weekends – INR 8500 |
| Full Jeep (Foreigner) | Week Days – INR 12000 | Weekends – INR 18000 |
| Single Seat (Indian) | Week Days – INR 2000 | Weekends – INR 2300 |
| Single Seat (Foreigner) | Week Days – INR 3000 | Weekends – INR 4000 |
Safari at Pench is categorized into the following types :
- Normal safari: Jeep safari accommodating a maximum of 6 people is available in morning and evening shifts. Though usually, entire jeeps are booked, sometimes, single-seat booking is also available.
- Tatkal safari: These safaris are available in premium zones. Since this safari is available only against the cancellation of pre-booked safaris, there is no fixed number of vehicles. The quota opens at 17:00 hours every day for the next day morning and evening safaris. The cost of this safari is more than normal or prebooked safaris.
- Premium safari: This safari is available for the entire day, allowing you to explore all zones of Pench National Park in a day. However, the cost of the premium safari is high as these are not restricted to a specific zone. Premium safari will give you full privilege to visit in your desirable zones.
- Night safari: is a unique and thrilling experience that allows visitors to explore the Pench National Park after sunset. This safari is available exclusively in the Wolf Sanctuary zone, which includes the Rukhad and Khawasa areas. The night safari usually takes place between 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, although the timings may vary. The entry fee for a jeep (which can accommodate up to six people) is approximately INR 9500, which includes the vehicle, permit, and guide fees. However, it's important to note that only three vehicles are allowed to enter the zone for the night safari.
Pench Safari Rules
There are several rules and regulations that visitors must follow while participating in a safari at Pench National Park. These rules are in place to ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife, as well as to preserve the park’s natural habitat. Some of the most important rules for safari at Pench National Park are:
Visitors must obtain the necessary permits and pay the relevant fees before entering the park.
Visitors must follow the designated routes and stay on the designated trails during the safari.
Visitors must stay inside the vehicle at all times during the safari and avoid making any loud noises that may disturb the wildlife.
Smoking, consuming alcohol, and littering are strictly prohibited in the park.
Visitors must follow the instructions of their guides at all times during the safari.
Feeding or attempting to feed any animals in the park is strictly prohibited.
Visitors are not allowed to carry firearms or any other weapons inside the park.
Visitors must not carry any plastics, and food packets should be disposed of in the designated areas only.
Visitors must not disturb any vegetation or damage any natural resources during the safari.
Visitors must not try to chase or provoke any animals in the park.
A Pench National Park Safari is an excellent opportunity to explore the natural beauty of central India and witness its diverse wildlife. The park’s pristine forests, grasslands, and water bodies, coupled with the majestic beasts and the chirping of birds, create an immersive and unforgettable experience. The safari is well-organized, and the trained guides ensure your safety while offering insights into the park’s flora and fauna. A visit to Pench National Park should be on the bucket list of all nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, as it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is sure to leave an indelible impression on your mind.
