A Compelling List of 10 Reasons That Make Panna National Park a Desirable Destination for Wildlife Enthusiasts
Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Panna National Park is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Established in 1981 and declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1994, this pristine park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it a must-visit destination for any wildlife enthusiast.
The park boasts a rich and varied landscape, with plateaus, valleys, grasslands, and teak forests providing the perfect habitat for a multitude of species. Among the bird species found in Panna are the white-naped vulture, red-headed vulture, Indian vulture, greater spotted eagle, Indian pitta, paradise flycatcher, and painted sandgrouse, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
Beyond tigers and gharials, Panna offers unique animal sighting opportunities including Indian leopards, sloth bears, Indian wolves, jackals, and a variety of deer species such as sambar, chital (spotted deer), chinkara (Indian gazelle), nilgai (blue bull), and wild boars. Night safaris in the park's buffer zones provide chances to spot nocturnal animals such as hyenas, civets, porcupines, owls, and foxes, which are rarely seen during the day.
The Ken River, which runs through the park, creates gorges and provides water to sustain the park's flora and fauna. Boat safaris on the river offer views of birds, crocodiles, and even rare smaller fauna like a "hair-like" horsehair worm. The Ken Gharial Sanctuary, located within Panna, protects the critically endangered gharial crocodile.
Compared to popular tiger reserves like Bandhavgarh or Kanha, Panna has fewer tourists, offering a quieter wildlife experience with increased chances of sightings without vehicle congestion. After a local extinction in 2009, a successful tiger reintroduction programme made Panna one of India's remarkable conservation revival stories.
Panna is also designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) and is located just 25 kilometres from the UNESCO-listed Khajuraho temples, making it a convenient destination for cultural tourism. The region around Panna is inhabited by Gond and Baiga communities, offering opportunities for cultural tours and learning about traditional knowledge systems.
Whether you're a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or a casual observer, Panna National Park offers a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience. With its diverse landscape, rich biodiversity, and quieter setting, it is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
In the realm of environmental science, Panna National Park exemplifies a biodiversity hotspot with a plethora of bird species, making it an ideal destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. On a broader scale, the park's distinctive location next to the UNESCO-listed Khajuraho temples adds a touch of cultural significance to one's lifestyle and travel itinerary.
