The Pench National Park is named after the river pench which divides the park into two. The Pench River flows from north to the south of the park and it forms the lifeline of the park. The Pench River forms the boundary to Maharashtra and the districts of Seoni and Chindwara of Madhya Pradesh. .

Though the Pench River dries up in April end, a number of water pools locally known as ‘dohs’ are found which serve as water holes for the wild animals. . The Pench Reservoir at the center of the park is the only major water source during the pinch period.

The Pench National park was notified in the year 1983.The total park area is 292.85sq.km and the area of the Tiger Reserve is 757.85 sq. km. The area is crisscrossed by a number of streams and ‘nallahs’ most of which are seasonal. The Sanctuary area is 118.31sq.km and the other forest area is 346.89 sq.km.

In the year 1992 it became the 19th Tiger Reserve of India.The area of the present Tiger Reserve has a magnificent history as its natural wealth and richness is mentioned in Ain-i-Akabari.

The first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Pench is the all time classic “Jungle Book” written by Rudyard Kipling. Several natural history books like R. A. Strendale’s ‘Seonee - Camp life in Satpura Hills,’ Forsyth’s ‘Highlands of Central India’ and Dunbar Brander’s ‘Wild Animals of Central India’ explicitly present the detailed panorama of nature’s abundance in this tract. Strendale’s semi-autobiographical ‘Seonee’ was the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.

As a prey concentration is high along the Pench River, tiger usually inhabits frequents this belt. Leopards though generally operate in the peripheral areas but are occasionally seen in the deep forest also. Jungle cats are commonly seen. Leopard cats, small Indian civets and palm civets are common but seen rarely.

In Pench, Cheetal, Sambar, nilgai are commonly seen grazing on the open sites on roadsides and banks of river & reservoir. Jackals can be seen in search of food anywhere in the Park. Packs up to 15 of wild dog can be seen near Chhedia, Jamtara, Bodanala and Pyorthadi areas of the Reserve. Herds of gaur can be spotted near streams and bamboo patches commonly in summer months. Sloth beers occupy hilly, rocky out crops and favour mahul bel infested forest. Chnkara is present in very small numbers and is found in open areas around Turia, Telia and Dudhgaon villages.

Langoors are very common in Pench, whereas the Rhesus monkeys may be seen occasionally on the fringes. Pench boasts of more than 210 species of birds that include several migratory ones also. Commonly seen are Peafowl, Red jungle fowl, Crow pheasant, Crimson breasted barbet, Redvented bulbul, Racket tailed drongo, Magpie robin and lesser whistling teal.

Seasons to visit Pench National Park and their temperatures

The hottest period during the year is between April and June, while the coldest months are end November to beginning February.

The ideal time for visiting the park is between November and February for excellent weather and in April - June for the best chances of seeing tigers and other animals close to the water bodies.

The park receives an average annual rainfall of 1300mm mainly during the months of July and August, when the park is shut to visitors.

October to January- Cold 16* to 3* C

February to March- Cool 16* C to 26* C

April to June- 26 * to 42* C

Pench National Park Rules
•    Visitors shall not carry or play Transistors, Tape Recorders, blow horn or use any other sound producing instrument.
•    The Tiger Reserve is a no-smoking zone and no lighted fires can be carried inside
•    Overtaking is strictly prohibited.
•    All firearms are strictly prohibited inside the reserve.
•    Authorized Guides are compulsory with each vehicle.
•    The reserve is open only between sunrise and sunset with an afternoon break.
•    Do not get down from your vehicles except at designated places.
•    Alcoholic Food materials are not allowed inside the reserve.
•    Do not throw anything especially polythene and other litter inside the reserve.
•    No Pets are allowed inside the Park.
•    Obey all park Rules and Regulations while inside.
•    Any violation of these rules may result in prosecution under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972

What to wear?

The clothes that you are supposed to carry to Pench would largely depend on the weather in which you are traveling. The summers are extremely hot with temperatures reaching 47 degrees. From April to June you can expect a very hot and humid climate over here. In summers take you lightest of clothes preferably cottons and a cap and dark glasses.

During winters the weather is completely opposite from November to February. The morning drives are freezing cold and you are expected to carry with your self sweaters, mufflers and gloves to protect your self from the biting cold.

Try to avoid bright colors and keep it to earthy hues like browns, greens and khakis.

Tags: National Park, Pench, Pench National Park