About
Situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh at a
distance of around 57 km from Khajuraho is the Panna National
Park. The region, which is famous for its diamonds, is also home
to some of the best wildlife species in India and is one of the
better 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 has the
potential of becoming a major tourist attraction.
Location
The Panna National Park is located in the Indian state of Madhya
Pradesh and is a part of the Chattarpur district. The park is
well connected with the other parts of the region by a good
network of roads. Distances of some important places in India
from the Panna National Park are Bhopal 727 km, Delhi 889 km,
Chennai 1761, and Calcutta 1040 km.
Climate
The climate of this region is tropical. Summers are too hot and
very uncomfortable, though this is the time 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.
Unique Attractions
Mammals
Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), the king of the jungle, roams
freely in this secure, though a bit small habitat alongwith his
fellow beings – leopard (Panthera pardus), wild dog (Cuon
alpinus), wolf (Canis lupus), hyaena (Hyaena hyaena) and caracal
(Felus caracal) and 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, barheaded
goose, honey Buuzzard, King vulture, Blossom headed Parakeet,
Paradise flycatcher, Slaty headed Scimitar babbler to name a
few.
Reptiles
Varieties 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.
Other Attractions
Panna is famous for its diamond mining industry and this make it
an interesting place to visit. Pandav falls is also a major
attraction with its lake fed by a waterfall. One more attraction
in this region is the Rajgarh Palace, a magnificent piece of
architecture overlooking the valley.
Best Time to Visit
January to May
How to get there?
By Air: The nearest airport is at Khajuraho at a distance
of around 57 km from the Panna National Park. There are daily
Alliance Air flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Varanasi from
Khajuraho.
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, the most
important of them being Mumbai at a distance of 1,540 km.
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 southwest of
Khajuraho, is a good transport centre. One can get buses and
other road transport modes from here to the Panna National Park.
