Panna National Park information of khajuraho district in madhya pradesh

panna national park info:-

Facts:-

Location: Chattarpur, Madhya Pradesh, India

Area covered: 543 sq. km.

Main Wildlife Found: Tiger, Wolf, Chital, Sloth Bear, Chinkara, Sambar

Best time to visit:  January to May


About Panna National Park:-

Panna National Park is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, at a distance of around 57 km from Khajuraho. The region, famous for its diamond industry, is also home to some of the best wildlife species in India and is one of the most famous Tiger Reserves in the country. The park is known worldwide for its wild cats, including tigers as well as deer and antelope. Due to its closeness to one of the best-known Indian tourist attraction in India, Khajuraho, the park is recognized as an exciting stop-over destination.

The climate of the region is tropical. Summers, somewhat scorching, are when one has the maximum chances of encountering the exclusive wildlife of this park. Winters are cold and comfortable and the temperature generally remains under 25°C. Monsoon touches this region in July and continues till mid-September.

Wildlife Attractions in Panna National Park:-

Mammals

Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), the king of the jungle, roams freely in this secure, though a bit small habitat along with his fellow beings - leopard (Panthera pardus), wild dog (Cuon alpinus), wolf (Canis lupus), hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), caracal (Felus caracal) and other smaller cats. Sloth bear has his most favourite home in the rock escarpments and undisturbed vales. The wooded areas are dotted with sambar, the largest of Indian deers, chital and chowsingha. One can easily see nilgai and chinkara in most open areas in the grasslands, specially on the periphery.


Avifauna

The avifauna comprises more than 200 species, including a host of migratory birds. One can see white necked stork, bareheaded goose, honey Buuzzard, King vulture, Blossom headed Parakeet, Paradise flycatcher, Slaty headed Scimitar babbler to name a few.


Reptiles

Variety of snakes, including the python and other reptiles are found here.


Flora Attractions

Dry and hot climate, in union with shallow Vindhyan soils has given rise to dry Teak and dry mixed forest. The dominating vegetation type is miscellaneous dry deciduous forest inter spread with grassland areas. Other major forest types are riverines, open grasslands, open woodlands with tall grasses and thorny woodlands. The characteristic floral species of this area include tree species such as Tectona grandis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca indica, Buchnania latifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Anogeissus pendula, Lannea coromandelica, Bosswelia serrata etc.


Safaris

There are no jeeps provided by the authorities, so you will have to rent your own jeep for a safari into the park. An hour long boat ride offered by the park authorities is a good option to catch a glimpse of water predators and other animals around the lake. Elephant safari is one of your best bets to spot a striped beast up close. A major attraction is the night safari at Gangau offered by the Ken River Lodge. Safari Timings are 6:30 to 10:30 AM & 2:30 to 5:30 PM.


Other Attractions

Panna is famous for its diamond mining industry and this makes it an interesting place to visit. Pandav falls is also a major attraction with its lake that is fed by a waterfall. Another major attraction of this region is the Rajgarh Palace, a magnificent piece of architecture overlooking the valley.


How to get there:-

By Air:-

The nearest airport is Khajuraho. Jet Airways flies from Delhi (10:40) to Khajuraho via Varanasi. To reach Khajuraho from other major cities, fly to Varanasi and catch a connecting flight from there. Indian Airlines flies Delhi-Varanasi daily at 11:40 and Mumbai-Varanasi daily at 8:00.


By Rail:-

Satna, at a distance of around 90 km, is the nearest railway station. It is a major railway hub and is connected to many places in central and western India. Daily trains connecting Delhi to Satna include the Mahakoshal Exp. (16:25) & NDLS Rewa Exp. (23:45), while daily trains from Mumbai are Kamayani Exp. (12:40), Mahanagari Exp. (00:10), Rajendra Ngr. Exp (23:40), Kolkata Mail (21:25), LTT RJPB Exp. (22:10) & Gorakhpur Exp. (6:35). Other important trains include Sanghamitra Exp. (from Bangalore, 6:57, Tue & Thu) & Varanasi Exp. (from Chennai, 17:30, Mon, Sat).


By Bus:-

The nearest bus stand is Panna connected to Khajuraho and many other places in Madhya Pradesh by a good road network. Madla, at a distance of around 24 km south west of Khajuraho, is a good transport centre. One can get buses and other road transport modes from here to the Panna National Park. To reach by road from Delhi, take the NH2 to Agra, NH3 to Gwalior, NH75 to Panna via Jhansi, Bamitha and Madla.


Distances from Major Cities

Khajuraho :37 km (SE)

Delhi :580 km (SE)

Mumbai: 986 km

Jhansi :176 km (SE)

Kolkata : 865 km


Travel Tips/Important Information:-

• Most safaris into the park start from the Madla village. The entrance on the    eastern side is from Hindouta, located at an approachable distance from the Panna    diamond mines. 
• Park charges Entry Fee : Rs. 40 (Indians) & Rs. 500 (foreigners, including morning    and afternoon safaris), Jeep rental : Rs. 1500/half day, Camera : Rs. 40 (still) &    Rs. 200 (video), Guide : Rs. 100/vehicle, Private vehicle entry : Rs. 150, Boat Ride    :Rs. 150 (Indians, 1-5 pax) & Rs. 150/person (foreigners), Elephant safari : Rs. 100    (Indians) & Rs. 600 (foreigners), Night Safari : Rs. 1800/jeep (including entry    fees). 
• Park timings are 6:30 to 10:30 AM & 2:30 to 5:30 PM. 
• If you can stand the heat, it is recommended to visit the park during summer    months as it is the best time to spot animals. 
• Check on the timings and reach half an hour early before park gates open to    complete the required formalities. 
• Follow the rules of the park and do not venture into restricted areas. 
• Do not try and feed the animals and avoid wearing flashy colors that could attract    the wild animals. 
• Do not litter, carry all the garbage outside the park and dispose off in a suitable    area.

To hotels information click here-
http://www.tajhotels.com/Luxury/Taj-Safaris/Pashan-Garh-Panna-National-Park/Overview.html
http://www.pannanationalpark.com/hotels.html

Safari in Panna National Park:-


Elephant Safari in Panna National Park

Day 01: Delhi/Khajuraho (Panna National Park)
On arrival at Khajuraho airport met our representative and then drive to Panna National Park.
Panna National Park is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, The region, famous for its diamond industry, is also home to some of the best wildlife species in India and is one of the most famous Tiger Reserves in the country. The park is known worldwide for its wild cats, including tigers as well as deer and antelopeOn arrival checkin at Wildlife Resort. Afternoon Jeep Safari into the park.s 

Day 02: Panna National Park
Early morning Elephant Safari into the park and back to the resort. After Lunch you can enjoy the park on elephant back. Over night at Wildlife resort.

Day 03: Panna National Park/Delhi
This morning you can drive to Dudwa falls and Khajuraho Temple later transfer to the airport to catch the fligh for Delhi.

Jeep Safari in Panna National Park
 The jeep safari in the Panna national park is a wonderful experience. You go to the deep jungles in the national parks on a jeep safari. Jeep is suitable in the national park because of the tough terrains. It can run in all the weather formats because o f the 4 by 4 operations and can accommodate comparatively more number of people than a car. The experience of jeep safari is quite thrilling and the wildlife tourists holding the binoculars look elegant when they are standing on the running jeep in the park. 

The area of the present tiger reserve has a glorious history. A description of its natural wealth and richness occurs in Ain-i-Akbari. Pench Tiger Reserve and its neighbourhood is the original setting of Rudyard Kipling's most famous work, The Jungle Book.

The undulating topography supports a mosaic of vegetation ranging from moist, sheltered valleys to open, dry deciduous forest. Over 1200 species of plants have been recorded from the area including several rare and endangered plants as well as plants of ethno-botanical importance. The area has always been rich in wildlife. It is dominated by fairly open canopy, mixed forests with considerable shrub cover and open grassy patches.

15th October to 30th June. Rest of the Time Park is closed for the Visitors SAFARI TIMING WINTER (Oct to Jan) MORNING - 06 : 30 to 10 : 30 AM, EVENING - 01 : 30 to 5 : 30 PM SUMMER (Feb to June) MORNING - 06 : 00 to 10 :00 AM, EVENING - 02 : 30 to 06 : 30 PM


Biome

Panna National Park and the surrounding territorial forest area of North and South Panna forest division is the only large chunk of wildlife habitat remaining in North Madhya Pradesh in the otherwise fragmented forest landscape of the region.
The National Park is situated at a point where the continuity of the Tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests belt, which starts from Cape Comorin in South India, is broken and beyond this the Upper Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests of the great Indo-Gangetic Plain begins. This area is the northern most tip of the natural teak forests and the eastern most tip of the natural 'Kardhai' Anogeissus pendula forests.
The forests of Panna National Park along with Ken Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining territorial divisions form a significant part of the catchment area of the 406 km (252 mi) Ken River which runs northeast for about 72 km (45 mi) through the park.Terrain in Panna National Park is undulating and heavily forested with many streams and waterfalls.

Fauna

Among the animals found here are the tiger, chital, chinkara, sambhar and sloth bear. The park is home to more than 200 species of birds including the Bar-headed Goose, Honey Buzzard, King Vulture and Blossom-headed Parakeet.

Tiger reserve

Panna National Park was declared as one of the Tiger reserves of India in 1994/95 and placed under the protection of Project Tiger. The decline of tiger population in Panna has been reported several times.[dead link] Two female tigers were relocated there from Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha National Park in March 2009. However, the last male tiger had already disappeared.] A committee to look into the disappearance of the tigers was formed.

In June 2009, it was officially announced that the Reserve, which had over 40 tigers six years ago, has no tiger left and only two tigresses, which were brought in a while agoIn February 2012, three years after the entire tiger population of the reserve was eliminated, the Madhya Pradesh government had not determined responsibility for the debacle, nor had it passed the inquiry to the Central Bureau of Investigation in spite of requests from the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Prime Minister's Office.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) approved a proposal to translocate two tigers and two tigresses to the reserve. One female each from Bandhavgarh National Park  and Kanha National Park  were translocated to Panna Tiger Reserve. A tiger male, coded , was brought from Pench Tiger Reserve but strayed out of the park shortly thereafter, in November 2009 The tiger started walking towards its home in Pench National Park, indicating homing instinct. It moved steadily through human dominated landscape without causing any conflict. Forest department staff tracked it continuously for over a month and finally brought it back to the Panna Tiger Reserve. It then settled well, established territory and started mating. The tigress, , translocated from Bandhavgarh National Park, gave birth to four cubs in April 2010 of which 2 survive till date. The second tigress, , translocated from Kanha National Park gave birth to four cubs several months later and all four survive till date.  A third tigress, coded , an orphaned cub was reintroduced to Panna in March 2011. She learnt hunting skills with the help of the male and mated with him. Her sister  was released in Panna in November 2011. Both have settled well.  Thus five tigers and around 10 cubs of up to 2 years are settled in Panna Tiger Reserve at present and their progress is being regularly monitored by the Forest Department.