Panna National Park
Panna National Park is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya
Pradesh, at a distance of around 57 km from Khajuraho. The region,
famous for its diamond industry, is also home to some of the best
wildlife species in India and is one of the most famous Tiger Reserves
in the country. The park is known worldwide for its wild cats, including
tigers as well as deer and antelope. Due to its closeness to one of
the best-known Indian tourist attraction in India, Khajuraho, the
park is recognized as an exciting stop-over destination.
The climate of the region is tropical. Summers, somewhat scorching,
are when one has the maximum chances of encountering the exclusive
wildlife of this park. Winters are cold and comfortable and the temperature
generally remains under 25°C. Monsoon touches this region in July
and continues till mid-September.
Wildlife Attractions in Panna National Park
Mammals
Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), the king of the jungle, roams freely
in this secure, though a bit small habitat along with his fellow beings
- leopard (Panthera pardus), wild dog (Cuon alpinus), wolf (Canis
lupus), hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), caracal (Felus caracal) and other
smaller cats. Sloth bear has his most favourite home in the rock escarpments
and undisturbed vales. The wooded areas are dotted with sambar, the
largest of Indian deers, chital and chowsingha. One can easily see
nilgai and chinkara in most open areas in the grasslands, specially
on the periphery.
Avifauna
The avifauna comprises more than 200 species, including a host of
migratory birds. One can see white necked stork, bareheaded goose,
honey Buuzzard, King vulture, Blossom headed Parakeet, Paradise flycatcher,
Slaty headed Scimitar babbler to name a few.
Reptiles
Variety of snakes, including the python and other reptiles are found
here.
Flora Attractions
Dry and hot climate, in union with shallow Vindhyan soils has given
rise to dry Teak and dry mixed forest. The dominating vegetation type
is miscellaneous dry deciduous forest inter spread with grassland
areas. Other major forest types are riverines, open grasslands, open
woodlands with tall grasses and thorny woodlands. The characteristic
floral species of this area include tree species such as Tectona grandis,
Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca indica, Buchnania latifolia, Anogeissus
latifolia, Anogeissus pendula, Lannea coromandelica, Bosswelia serrata
etc.
Safaris
There are no jeeps provided by the authorities, so you will have to
rent your own jeep for a safari into the park. An hour long boat ride
offered by the park authorities is a good option to catch a glimpse
of water predators and other animals around the lake. Elephant safari
is one of your best bets to spot a striped beast up close. A major
attraction is the night safari at Gangau offered by the Ken River
Lodge. Safari Timings are 6:30 to 10:30 AM & 2:30 to 5:30 PM.
Other Attractions
Panna is famous for its diamond mining industry and this makes it
an interesting place to visit. Pandav falls is also a major attraction
with its lake that is fed by a waterfall. Another major attraction
of this region is the Rajgarh Palace, a magnificent piece of architecture
overlooking the valley.
How to get there
By Air :The nearest airport is Khajuraho. Jet Airways flies from Delhi
(10:40) to Khajuraho via Varanasi. To reach Khajuraho from other major
cities, fly to Varanasi and catch a connecting flight from there.
Indian Airlines flies Delhi-Varanasi daily at 11:40 and Mumbai-Varanasi
daily at 8:00.
By Rail :Satna, at a distance of around 90 km, is the nearest railway
station. It is a major railway hub and is connected to many places
in central and western India. Daily trains connecting Delhi to Satna
include the Mahakoshal Exp. (16:25) & NDLS Rewa Exp. (23:45),
while daily trains from Mumbai are Kamayani Exp. (12:40), Mahanagari
Exp. (00:10), Rajendra Ngr. Exp (23:40), Kolkata Mail (21:25), LTT
RJPB Exp. (22:10) & Gorakhpur Exp. (6:35). Other important trains
include Sanghamitra Exp. (from Bangalore, 6:57, Tue & Thu) &
Varanasi Exp. (from Chennai, 17:30, Mon, Sat).
By Bus :The nearest bus stand is Panna connected to Khajuraho and
many other places in Madhya Pradesh by a good road network. Madla,
at a distance of around 24 km south west of Khajuraho, is a good transport
centre. One can get buses and other road transport modes from here
to the Panna National Park. To reach by road from Delhi, take the
NH2 to Agra, NH3 to Gwalior, NH75 to Panna via Jhansi, Bamitha and
Madla.
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