How to Plan Panna National Park Tour
Panna National Park is considered to be a hidden gem, not known to many, in comparison to other wildlife destinations like Bandhavgarh, Satpura and Kanha. Located in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh, Panna National Park lies at a neighbouring location of Khajuraho, the renowned city of UNESCO World Heritage Site of Group of Monuments. A tour to Panna National Park incorporates thrilling wildlife safari in its dedicated zones along with mesmerising boating experience on the Ken River. Additionally, Panna being cradled in nature, there are a few nearby attractions including enchanting caves and waterfall, along with the Khajuraho Group of Monuments. Therefore, in order to plan a perfect trip to Panna National Park, to get the best of experiences, a thorough enlisting of all the necessary tasks is important in a chronological order. The planning begins with thorough research about the location of the national park, its flora and fauna, and several other details such as commute, ideal season, accommodation, activities and so on.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plan a perfect tour to Panna National Park:
1. Choose the Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Panna National Park is between October and March, during the cooler months of the year when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent. The monsoon season (July to September) often sees the national park closing due to heavy rainfall. Summer months (April to June) are also suitable for spotting wildlife, as animals gather around water bodies, but be prepared for high temperatures.
2. Search for Transportation to Panna National Park
The nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport, approximately 25 km from Panna. The closest railway station is Khajuraho Junction (22 km away). From Khajuraho, one can easily hire a taxi or book a private vehicle to reach the park. If driving, ensure you have a proper road map, as the park is well-connected by road to major cities like Jhansi and Bhopal.
3. Decide on the Safari Zones
When tourists start planning for Panna National Park quite in advance, they have the luxury to choose their preferred safari zone or choose multiple safaris in different zones. Panna National Park has 4 safari zones, namely Madla and Hinouta (core Zones) and Jinna and Akola (Buffer Zones). Safaris are conducted in morning and evening and jeeps are available in full and sharing basis.
4. Book the Safari in Advance
For a seamless experience, it’s essential to book your Panna jeep safari in advance. The park offers both morning and afternoon safari slots, with limited vehicle permits for each. Safaris can be booked online. It’s advisable to secure your spot at least a few weeks before your visit to ensure availability.
5. Choose Accommodation
For convenience, select accommodations that are close to your chosen entry gate for easy access to safaris and park activities. Panna National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. Insert your decided dates to check for availability in the hotels or resorts.
6. Plan the Safari Experience
Jeep Safari is the most popular way to explore Panna’s wildlife, including sightings of tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of birds. Opt for early morning or late afternoon safaris for the best chance of spotting wildlife. In addition to the jeep safari, Boat Safari on Ken River is also a unique offering, the boat safari provides a scenic view of the park’s landscape and a chance to spot crocodiles, water birds, and other aquatic wildlife.
7. Explore Nearby Attractions: Enhance the trip to Panna National Park by visiting nearby attractions. Some of the nearby destinations include -
• Pandav Falls and Caves: A beautiful waterfall with a historical significance located within the park.
• Ken Gharial Sanctuary: Adjacent to Panna, this sanctuary is home to the critically endangered Gharial, offering an excellent opportunity for reptile sightings.
• Khajuraho Temples: Just a short drive away, these UNESCO World Heritage temples are famous for their intricate sculptures and are a must-visit for cultural exploration.
8. Pack Wisely for Your Tour
Packing appropriately is the key to ensure a smooth and comfortable trip, especially to a wildlife destination like Panna National Park.
• Light, neutral-coloured clothing for safaris (avoid bright colours).
• Binoculars and a camera to enhance your wildlife viewing and photography experience..
• Comfortable walking shoes for nature walks and exploring the park.
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun, especially during summer months.
• Insect repellent for the evenings.
