Nestled on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Pench National Park is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise and a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable wilderness experience. Located approximately 360 km from Bhopal, Pench offers a seamless blend of adventure, tranquillity, and breathtaking natural beauty. Renowned for its vibrant flora and fauna, the park inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, making it a dream destination for nature lovers and literature aficionados alike.
The journey from Bhopal to Pench is a rewarding experience in itself, with scenic routes and glimpses of rural Madhya Pradesh. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by an ecosystem teeming with life, from the majestic Bengal tiger to leopards, wild boars, and bird species. Pench’s safari zones are well-organised, ensuring an immersive yet sustainable experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Jeep safaris are the highlight, taking visitors deep into the jungle for a chance to witness animals in their natural habitat. Morning and evening safaris provide the best opportunities to spot tigers and other wildlife.
For those fascinated by flora, Pench’s rich vegetation of deciduous trees and medicinal plants is equally captivating. The park also features picturesque water bodies like the Pench River, which serves as a lifeline for the region's fauna. Read on to discover the best travel routes, safari trips, and must-visit spots to make your trip from Bhopal to Pench seamless and enriching.
Getting to Pench National Park from Bhopal
• By Road - The most convenient way to reach Pench National Park is by road. The park is approximately 360 km from Bhopal, and the journey takes around 7-8 hours by car. The route via NH46 and NH 47 is scenic, passing through picturesque towns and villages, making it a pleasant drive.
• By Train - The closest railway station to Pench is Seoni, which is approximately 85 km distant. Only two trains are available from Bhopal to Seoni, but you can opt for an overnight train from Bhopal to Seoni which will complete the journey in 9 hours and the rest of the distance has to be covered by road from Seoni Railway Station which will take another 1&½ hours. Travelling by train is the most budget-friendly option to reach Pench National Park. Alternatively, you can take a train to Nagpur, around 80 km from the park, and hire a cab for the rest of the journey.
Reaching Pench by air from Bhopal is not recommended as there are no direct flights available from Bhopal to Nagpur.
Exploring Pench National Park
Safari Experience:
The main highlight of Pench is its thrilling safari experience. Jeeps are the preferred method for exploring the national park, with tours offered two times a day—once in the morning and once in the evening. These safaris provide a chance to spot Pench's diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, Indian bison, wild dogs, and a plethora of bird species. Book online tickets for Pench Safari for a seamless wildlife experience, traversing across the various safari zones.
Key Zones:
Pench National Park has multiple zones, with the Turia Gate being the most famous for its rich biodiversity and frequent tiger sightings. The Karmajhiri and Jamtara gates are comparatively less crowded but equally rewarding for nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit
Pench National Park remains open from October to June, with the monsoon season (July to September) being the only time the park is closed.
• Winter (November to February): These months are perfect for wildlife sightings, as it is more comfortable to enjoy safari in the cooler weather.
• Summer (March to June): Though the temperatures soar, summer is ideal for spotting animals near waterholes.
• Avoid Monsoon: While the park is lush and vibrant during this season, it remains inaccessible.
