Pench National Park

Located in Seoni and Chhindwara districts of the central state of Madhya Pradesh, Pench National Park derives its name from a River called Pench which flows through the park. It flows from north to south and divides the park into two nearly equal western and eastern halves – the forested areas of Chhindwara and Seoni respectively. As the density of prey population is higher here, the Tigers are usually seen around the Pench River. It also serves as the major water source, desiccates or dries up in April end. Then, water pools known as ‘dohs’ serve as water suppliers for the fauna of the park, along with Pench Reservoir. Characterised by small ridges and hills having steep slopes, with a number of seasonal streams, carving the terrain into many folds and furrows, the general topography of Pench Tiger Reserve is mostly undulating. The topography becomes flatter close to the Pench River.

The Trip starts on Day 01 (Saturday) from Nagpur and ends on day 06 (Thursday) at Nagpur.

Special Guidelines to Book Game drives / Safaris

As per the latest guidelines issued by India wildlife authorities some changes have been made to book any game drive in the park. To reduce the pressure from the park, forest department have reduced the number of jeeps for these game drives, therefore, these drives needs to be booked & paid well in advance. These game drives once booked & paid are non refundable. In order to book these game drives names of all the clients are required along with their latest Passport details. No name change is permitted at later stage once its booked. The park official checks each client’s passport at the park gate while getting in for safari. If you apply for a new passport after booking your game drives, please carry your old passport as well.

Due to these changes in our booking system we strongly suggest you to book these Tiger trips at least 3 – 4 months in advance. We book tickets for all passengers as soon as permits become available, usually 3 months prior to the date of actual game drive.

Day 01: Arrival Nagpur (by train or flight in the morning from Delhi / Mumbai) and transfer to Pench NP

Arrive Nagpur and drive by surface to Pench National Park (3 hrs drive). Afternoon is free to have some time off as the next 4 days we will be busy doing 7 drives without any break. We stay in a lodge, situated close to Turia village not far from the park gate. Located in the Southern slopes of the Satpura ranges of Central India, Pench National Park is one of the topmost destinations for wildlife tourism in Madhya Pradesh. The park is known for its population of the fearless master predator – The Bengal tiger which is the main cat species of the park present in good numbers. The park has been attracting growing interest and most of the tourists come here to visit the place, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Tiger. The landscape varies between undulating terrain with small hills, open grassy meadows and dense forests. The protected area is covered with small hills and well-stocked teak mixed forest. (Dinner)

Day 02: Pench National Park (Morning & afternoon game drive)

Early in the morning we leave for our first game drive by jeep and will have another one later in the afternoon. We usually get 3 -4 hrs free time between these two drives to recover. Besides the jeep driver we also get the services of one forest guides for each drive, who gets on each jeep from the park gate. These forest guides are from the local villages situated in the buffer zone and have very good knowledge of wildlife available in their park and the behavior of the mammals.

Major species of fauna found in the region include tigers, cheetal, sambhar, nilgai, jackals, wild dogs, sloth bears, langoors, small Indian civets and palm civets. Other mammalian species animals are lesser cat, jungle cat, leopard cat, striped hyena, wolf, pangolin, chausingha, rhesus macaque, flying squirrels and the mighty Indian gaur. (B/Fast & dinner)

Day 03: Pench National Park (Morning & afternoon game drive)

We will again wake up early in the morning and will move out for our third jungle safari (game drive) into the park. In Pench, there are around 220 species of birds are listed, including a host of migratory species. Some of the prominent avian residents of the park include peafowl, crow pheasant, crimson breasted barbet, red vented bulbul, red jungle fowl, wagtail, waterfowl, barbet and blue kingfisher which beautify the skies of Pench. After the jungle safari, we return to the hotel and have breakfast, served in the restaurant. During afternoon, you may wish to relax or to take the plunge into the pool. Later in the afternoon we leave for our fourth game drive. In the evening, we come back to the hotel & freshen up before taking the dinner. (B/Fast & dinner)

Day 04: Pench National Park (Morning & afternoon game drive)

Today also we will have to wake up early in the morning for our fifth jungle safari. The Reserve lies in the southern lower reaches of the Satpura Range of hills. The flora of Pench Tiger Reserve comprises mainly of Southern Indian tropical moist deciduous forest and tropical dry deciduous teak. The river Pench, which splits the National Park into two, forms the lifeline of the Park. After the jungle safari, we return to the hotel and explore the local area in the afternoon. Later, we go for our sixth game drive in the Park. In the evening, (B/Fast & dinner)

Day 05: Pench National Park (Morning game drive & afternoon free)

This morning we will have our last game drive in the park and afternoon free to recover, as the park is closed for afternoon drives on each Wednesday. Afternoon we will have a short nature / village walk around lodge. (B/Fast & dinner)

Day 06: Departure Pench to Nagpur airport

After breakfast, we will check out from the resort and drive to Nagpur airport. Catch flight to Delhi / Mumbai for International connections. (Breakfast)

Internal flights / trains can be booked on request.

Validity: October 01, 2016 till June 30, 2017

Hotel Category: Mid Range Good Standard Hotels / Lodges

Cost Includes:

• Accommodation in well appointed room on twin / double sharing bases for five nights.
• Meals on half board (B/fast & dinner) except B/fast on day 01.
• For Transport, air-conditioned SUV vehicle for all the transfers included in the tour program.
• 07 Game drives by exclusive jeep (booked well in advance).
• Park entrance, permit fees, forest guide.
• Service tax levied by the government @ 3.5%

Cost Excludes:

• Any personal expanse such as laundry bills, beverage / drinks bill, telephone bills, airport tax etc.
• Tips for drivers, guides & hotel staff.
• Travel Insurance
• Any domestic or international flights.
• Services of any professional Tour Escort / leader.

Hotel Details with Meal Plan