Pench National Park-Maharashtra

Spread over an area of 275 sq km in the lap of Satpura hill ranges, the Pench National Park is located in the Nagpur district of Maharashtra. It received the status of a National Park in 1975. The park was named after the Pench River which flows through the park area. The famous book by Rudyard Kipling, “The Jungle Book” is based on the setting in Pench National Park.

The park is a home to around 33 mammal species, 164 species of birds, 50 species of fish, 10 species of amphibians, 30 species of reptiles and assorted insect life. The flora in the region includes trees of Ain, Bamboo, Haldu, Karu, Arjun, Tendu, Char and Teak. The vegetation here is southern Deciduous Tropical type. The fauna majorly includes Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Sambar, Indian Bison, Spotted Deer, Mouse Deer, Porcupine, Pangolin, Wild Boar and others.

Although the weather is almost pleasant throughout the year in the area but the most preferred season to visit the park is from February to April. Therefore, nature lovers are advised to visit the park in this season. It generally becomes difficult to enjoy the real beauty of the park during monsoons due to heavy rains here.

There are many good hotels in and around the Pench National Park. Maharashtra Tourism Department provides self contained rooms at Sillari. There are many other good rest houses around the area including, the Silari Rest House, which are available at nominal prices, yet the quality of accommodation is nice.

The nearest airport is at a distance of approximately 70 km from the park area in Nagpur. The closest railways station is also at Nagpur. Bus service can be availed to the Pench National Park from Ramtek that is 35 km away. Though, many hired cabs ply on way to the Pench National Park.