Panna National Park Tourism And Travel Guide

Panna National Park is well known the world over for its beautiful birds, some amazing plant life and of course the diverse wildlife. There are some two hundred species of birds besides deer and nilgai or antelopes as well as tigers, leopards, wild boar, crocodiles and bear. Tourism in Panna National Park consists mainly of going on safaris and seeing the rich wildlife of the region. However, there is a lot more aside from seeing wildlife in the Park. A travel guide to Panna National Park is placed below for visitors to read.

By Road: 

You can take a cab from Bhopal with which Panna National Park is well connected. The distance of 372 km can be covered in around eight hours. Delhi is 751 km away and one will need around fourteen hours to cover this distance.

By Rail: 

You can take a train to Khajuraho or Satna but before doing that please check up the connectivity with your city and these two railheads. Jhansi is a major railhead and almost all cities are fairly well connected with it. At Khajuraho or Satna you will need a taxi to cover the short distance of 94 km from the former and 90 km from the latter. Jhansi is 176 km away from the Park and the drive will take almost 5 hr.

By Air: 

A flight to Khajuraho is most convenient since the airport at Khajuraho is only 27 km away from the Panna National Park. This airport is fairly well connected with most major cities in the country. 

Summer (March-June):

The summers are scorching hot in Panna. The temperature could climb to 45°C and no meaningful tours are feasible then. However, early summer time, say in March or April, could be good for viewing wild animals.

Monsoon (June-September):

It pours quite heavily in Panna National Park area during monsoon period. It is best to avoid the Park during this period.

Winter (October-February):

Undoubtedly this is the best time to visit Panna National Park. However, it can get to be bone chillingly cold in winter in Panna, though February and March are cool and pleasant. It is advisable to wear proper woollens in mid winter, when the temperature could plummet to 3°C especially out in the open.

Panna National Park: 

A visit to the Panna National Park is a must. Do take a few safaris, not only to see the wild animals, but also to see the amazing forest ecosystem from up close. There are more than 200 species of birds besides the tiger and leopard, bear, crocodiles and of course deer and antelope.

Pandava Falls and Caves: 

Visit the Pandava Falls and caves for a most exhilarating experience. The trip will be memorable not only for the Pandava caves but also for the falls and the small lake that has been formed that is teeming with fish. There are prehistoric stalactites and stalagmites and of course the fact that Azad used to meet his fellow revolutionaries here makes this place hallowed.

Ken Gharial Sanctuary:

Visitors to the Ken Gharial Sanctuary will be able to see the crocodiles as well as a fair number of chinkaras and chitals besides the wild boar and blue bull. This is a great place for nature buffs and photographers.

Kalinjar Fort:

Kalinjar Fort is a good visit because of the history that is attached to this place. There are temples going back to the 3^rd century while the famed Sher Shah died here in 1545 making this place relevant in history. Visit the Neelkanth Temple of Lord Shiva too and do not forget to take a close look at the caves and the sculptures.

Beni Sagar Lake:

If all the forts tire you out, do visit Beni Sagar Lake and have a picnic with friends and family. There are boating and angling facilities available here as well.

Dundhwa Falls:

The Dundhwa Falls, located inside the wildlife sanctuary in Panna is among the popular spots for tourists. Visit this place when you take your elephant ride or jeep safari.

Ajaigarh Fort:

The Ajaigarh Fort is close to the boundary of Khajuraho, famous for its ancient temples. Enjoy the beautiful view of Ken River when you visit the fort. There are some sculptures here too, besides a lake and the ruins of a Jain temple.

For eating out while at the Panna National Park count Khajuraho in as well since it is a stone’s throw away from the Park. The restaurants include Panna, which is a multi-cuisine place for all day dining. Then there is the Lalit Boulangerie for all kinds of quality bread, pastries, cookies and pies. For a fine evening visit Mahua-The Bar, the ideal place to unwind. Other places to eat include Raja’s Cafe where the grilled chicken breast stuffed with spinach is a gastronomic delight, Hotel Jhankar for Indian food and the Treehouse Lodge for homely and lip-smacking food.

Khajuraho, next door to Panna National Park is among the most sought after place for tourists, both domestic and foreign. There are some interesting things to buy here, especially during the February International Dance Festival, when handicraft items from all over the country are sold at the site where the Festival is held. Popular local products include statue pictures and wooden statues as well as precious stones and ornaments.