The Pench National Park is the only park in India that shares the border of 2 states, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, in the districts of Seoni and Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh. Although a lesser-known destination, yet an ideal one for the wildlife and nature lovers. Located in the southern extent of the Satpura hill ranges, the national park is named after the Pench river which flows through the Pench tiger reserves, dividing it equally into eastern and western halves in both the districts.
The national park captures the area of high density flora and fauna and has been scribbled about in several books of the 17th century. Tigers, leopards, guars, deers, monkeys, are among the popular species found at Pench National Park. It is almost at a stone's throw distance from Pauni on National Highway 7.
The Pench National Park is spread over a large area, and therefore it is very important to do advance and thorough planning before visiting the place. It has 8 zones in total, 3 of them are core zones and the rest are buffer zones. If you are planning for Pench jeep safari, then the foremost job of yours is to select the entry gate and zone where you want to go for safari. Many tourists book multiple safaris in multiple zones with the desperate expectation to spot the best of sightings, but that doesn't help every time. Therefore, conduct your own research and derive enough information from your travel operator about which one to choose. To avert the eleventh-hour hassle, book the forest permit for the jeep safari.
The core zones of the Pench National Park include Turia gate, Karmajheri gate, and Jamtara gate.
The buffer zones include Sillari, Khursapar, Saleghat, Kolitmara, Chorbahuli and Surewani gates.
Turia Gate, most popular for maximum tiger spotting
Among the three gates of the core zones, the Turia gate is the most opted by the tourists. It is very close to NH7, on the borders of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Turia gate in pench lies in the southern part of the forest and you will also get many options for resorts near the gate.
The jeep safari is conducted in morning (6:00 am - 10:00 am) and evening (2:00 pm - 6:00 pm) shifts.
• In this area you will get to witness mixed vegetation, small streams, scrublands and Acacia Catechu (Black Cutch).
• Proceeding with the safari towards Baginalla waterhole and further to Judha Munara, you can get a chance of spotting Patdev Tigers.
• There’s another road which will take you to the Junewani waterhole, and from there the terrain elevates to Portadi. This place is famous for leopard sightings. Along with it, it gives a dynamic view of gigantic ghost trees, sparkling salai trees and rocks.
• Behind the picturesque Junewani waterhole is the Kala Pahad, the highest point of Pench.
• The central part of the park is dominated by the undergrowth of lantana plants.
• The celebrated Collawarli Tigress is a primary attraction for visitors across the globe.
• The area also has a notable population of jackals, chitals and bird species.
The Turia gate is 40 kms from Sillari and 95 kms from Nagpur. It derived its name from the local village Turia, where the entry gate is situated. The Turia gate is located beside the Pench Wildlife Museum, a knowledge house of Pench’s flora and fauna.
