Wildlife vacations in Pench National Park

As with most tiger reserves in India, jeep safaris (open-topped so you can stand up for a better view) are tightly regulated. They operate twice daily, in the mornings and afternoons, from each gate, and last between three and four hours. Safaris can form part of either small group or tailor made tours, which give you greater flexibility on the travel dates, accommodation and itinerary. They are accompanied by professional local guides, as well as rangers and drivers. Given the size of Pench and the fact that tiger sightings are rarer than other parks, most itineraries spend no more than two days here. You may be accommodated in hotels or luxurious tented camps, where large numbers of deer and antelope wander freely.

It’s always better to opt for a tour using a responsible operator, ideally one that is a member of TOFT (Travel Operators for Tigers) to ensure that the wellbeing of the wildlife is always put first. Because it is fairly close to Bandhavgarh (eight hours by road) and Kanha (five hours) national parks, Pench is often combined with one or both of them, and although sightings of the most famous resident are not as likely, it offers a distinct and more tranquil experience.

Thrills & spills

“I was looking at a bird through my binoculars, when I hear a sudden call that resonates right through me. Out of the jungle walks a female tiger. I was lucky to be in the only jeep in that area, which made it feel all the more special. Even the guides who see many a tiger were excited. We watched as she scent marked before disappearing back into the forest. On another occasion I was also lucky enough to see two tigers fighting, which demonstrated the power of these awesome animals. A very unique sighting.” - Kelvin Lofthouse on a tiger and wildlife vacation in Central India