Panna National Park, one of India’s most scenic and ecologically significant tiger reserves, is a popular wildlife destination for travellers who love nature, forests, and rare wildlife. The park is located in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh, about 380 kilometres from Bhopal and around 25 kilometres from Khajuraho.
The state of Madhya Pradesh in central India is home to this forested wildlife reserve, which lies along the banks of the Ken River. Panna National Park is especially well known for its successful tiger conservation programs, along with its dramatic landscapes of waterfalls, deep gorges, plateaus, and dense forests.
Zones such as Madla, Harsa, Hinouta, and Akola are home to a wide variety of wildlife including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wolves, and crocodiles. The park is well connected by road and is easily accessible from major cities and nearby tourist hubs like Khajuraho
The nearest railway station is Khajuraho (approx. 25 km) from Panna National Park. Khajuraho is connected to cities like Delhi, Jhansi, Kanpur, and Varanasi.
Another major railhead is Satna (about 90 km), which has good connectivity with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bhopal. From both Khajuraho and Satna, taxis are easily available to reach the park.
Panna is well connected by road to nearby cities such as Khajuraho, Satna, Chhatarpur, Jhansi, and Bhopal. Regular buses and private taxis operate on these routes.
The closest airport is Khajuraho Airport (approx. 25 km), which has flights from Delhi and Varanasi.
Other nearby airports include Khajuraho and Jabalpur (around 250 km), which connect to major Indian cities.
Panna National Park features a unique mix of tropical dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and riverine ecosystems. The vegetation includes Teak, Kardhai, Tendu, Mahua, Salai, and bamboo forests. Along the Ken River, you’ll find lush riverine plants and grasslands known as chaurs.
The park is home to more than 1,000 plant species, including trees, shrubs, climbers, medicinal herbs, and grasses.
Panna is famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers, reintroduced through one of India’s most successful conservation efforts. Other major animals include:
The Ken River supports aquatic life such as:
The park is also rich in birdlife, with over 200 species of birds, including vultures, kingfishers, eagles, and water birds.
Panna National Park is perfect for wildlife lovers, photographers, families, and adventure seekers. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a nature retreat, here are some exciting activities you can enjoy:
Panna offers thrilling safari experiences through its forest zones.
The Jeep Safari is the most popular way to explore Panna National Park. Conducted in open 4×4 vehicles with trained guides and drivers, this safari takes visitors deep into the forest in search of wildlife. You may spot:
It is ideal for wildlife photography and close observation of animals in their natural habitat.
In certain seasons, visitors can enjoy a boat safari on the Ken River, where you can see crocodiles, birds, and scenic river landscapes. This is a calm and unique way to experience Panna’s aquatic ecosystem.