Panna

Panna
Nestled in the Vindhya mountain ranges of Madhya Pradesh, it is one of the most stunning and biodiverse wildlife pockets to explore in India. The park extends over 543 sq. km. and features an arid deciduous forest type, scrub forest, and open grass meadows in spectacular scenery. Riverine gorges and plateaus will amaze visitors in every part of the park.

Panna Tiger Reserve’s ecosystem follows the Ken River that runs throughout the park, featuring beautiful waterfalls like Raneh and Pandav falls. Dense plant life courtesy of the river produces complex wildlife and fauna normally associated with paradises for wildlife photographers, nature lovers, and independent travelers.

Once afflicted by poaching, the dwindling population of tigers and continued disinvestment from local conservation programs, Panna today stands as a beacon of successful tiger reintroduction and habitat protection. Visitors can expect to see tigers along with leopards, sloth bears, nilgai, Indian gazelles, and caracal. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting over 200 bird species, including honey buzzards, paradise flycatchers, and bar-headed geese.

Flora: 

The dominant forest type of Panna are the deciduous and dry forests, which generally comprises of regenerating teak, tendu, Mahua, salai, bamboo with some cultivation of other edible plants. The undergrowth is reasonably sparse in the hot months of summer which provides greater chances of spotting wildlife, while the months after the onset of the monsoon showers pave way to a lush green and open trails.

Fauna:

The park has a thriving Bengal tiger population, in addition to leopards, sloth bears, chinkaras, Indian wolves, striped hyenas, jackals, wild boars, and mugger crocodiles. Reptiles and smaller mammals are frequently observed along water bodies and open trails.

Avifauna (Birds):

Panna is a bird lover’s paradise with over 200 species of birds. Look for the crested serpent-eagle, white-necked stork, Indian vulture, paradise flycatcher, kingfishers and bar-headed geese.