Royal Bengal Tiger walking through the forest at Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

From the woods to the desk! - the jungle speaks in wild

Situated in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Pench national park also known as Pench tiger reserve is not an ordinary forest, but a whole box of wonders where wild, greens, and blues breathe together providing a mystical glimpse of how the wonders of nature look to its visitors. How great it is to know that the park has also inspired Rudyard Kipling to write a jungle book! Which even talks about the visuals of a rarely seen black panther Bagheera. Pench was established as a refuge in 1965 and later the park was recognised as national park of India in 1975 and later in 1992 the national park was known as Pench tiger reserve under project tiger. The reserve has its roots covering around 1179 square kilometres with a core region of about 411 square kilometres that forms the Pench national park. The river Pench nourishes the entire ecosystem and also serves herself as an adventure spot for adrenaline junkies. 

Pench is dominated by the presence of deciduous forests, primarily teak and bamboo, with open grasslands, this green setup supports a large number of wildlife which includes Mammals - royal bengal tigers, leopards, sloth beers, indian bisons, wild dogs and chitals. Birds for about 280 species such as Indian roller, malabar pied hornbills and crested serpent eagles. Various types of reptiles and amphibians thrive in the parks’s diverse habitats.



STORIES FROM THE WILD: ANIMAL KINGDOM

Pench is famous for its tiger population.According to recent census total 18 tigers are evenly distributed in the core of the Pench national park. A young tiger was found dead in December 2024,maybe due to a territorial fight. Pench is a heaven for bird admirers, the park’s various habitats have various species of birds which makes it a perfect spot for birdwatching. The Indian roller and Malabar pied hornbill are one of the many species that fascinates visitors.


SECRETS AND UNKNOWN FACTS ABOUT PENCH

Author Rudyard Kipling, famously known for his collection of stories in THE JUNGLE BOOK. It is very interesting to know that many believe that the book was set in Pench but to know the facts the author never visited Pench. The descriptions given in the book were inspired by the writing of naturalist Robert Armitage Sterndale.

Beyond the natural beauty of Pench, houses in Pench give a hint about its ancient civilizations . historical ruins are scattered within the park which offers the glimpse into the cultural past of the region.

Kohka lake is a hidden gem situated near the park. It's a perfect location for evening visits,visitors can witness beautiful sunsets and a variety of bird species.


VISITING PENCH: GUIDE FOR TOURISTS 

The park is open from October to June,whereas the peak wildlife sighting season is between February and April. Visitors can choose the best time to visit according to their preferences and purpose of visits.

Various safari zones are offered by Pench such as Turia, Karmajhiri, and Jamtara. Each safari zone has unique things to offer and provides, unique landscapes and wildlife experiences.

For visitors  there is a wide range of accommodations in Pench, starting from eco-friendly lodges to luxury resorts, Pench has it all. Staying in these accommodations helps to support the local communities and conservation efforts.

Visitors who are interested in learning about the historical past and want to witness the ancient times shall visit villages near Pench as till now the villages there showcase the beauty of ancient times.


CONSERVATION AND INITIATIVES 

In the Pench there is an overpopulation of spotted deer,which leads to the straining of the grassland habitats. This disproportion affects the entire food chain,this situation makes it more important to give emphasis on the need for effective wildlife management strategies. Over 550 trees were cut down in Pench for a tiger safari project to increase tourism. Such initiatives always raise debates between balancing ecological preservation and economic development.


CONCLUSION

Pench National Park is a proof of India's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. As we go deep in the jungles we are reminded of the elegant balance between nature and humans. Preserving the sanctuaries like Pench ensures that the future generation shall also be inspired by the tales like. The Jungle Book.Pench is a must visit place for people who want to reconnect with the wildlife and spend some time in nature as scenic views by Pench are worth watching. Visitors who want to learn about the ancient civilisation and historical past shall visit Pench as villages in Pench offer great insights about its past. Visiting Pench will never disappoint the nature lovers.

-By Anshita Bhardwaj