About Pench

The Pench National Park and Tiger Reserve extends over an area of 257 sq. km. in the lower southern reaches of the Satpura hill ranges, along the northern boundary of Nagpur District. It was declared a National Park by the Government of Maharashtra in 1975 and received the official status of "Tiger Reserve of India" in February 1999.

The park gets its name from the Pench River, which meanders through it like a mammoth python, dividing it down the center. Rich in its biodiversity, its terrain defined by hills, valleys and the occasional precipitous slope, Pench is an important ecosystem supporting an abundance of flora and fauna, including a rich variety of aquatic life.

Not surprisingly, the beauty of this part of central India has earned much literary attention. The poet Kalidas writes about the scenic charm of the place in his epics Meghdootam and Sakuntalam. R.A. Strendale's "Camp in the Satpura Hills" draws a vivid pen picture of this idyllic paradise - as does Forsyth's "Highlands of Central India".

Indeed, the Pench National Park is four different forest regions in one, an extravagance of trees, shrubs, grasses, climbers, weeds and herbs, with teak being the most prominent of the tree species. The park is home to 33 species of mammals, 164 species of birds, 50 species of fish, 10 species of amphibians, 30 species of reptiles, and a wide variety of insect life.

While primarily and reservation for Tigers and Panthers, Pench is also home to Sambhar, Chital, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Black Buck, gaur, wild boar, Chausingha, Sloth Bears, Wild Dogs, Langurs, Monkeys, Mouse Deer, Black-Naped Hares, Jackals, Foxes, Hyenas, Porcupines, and Flying Squirrels, to name a few.

Here, birdlife is equally bountiful. The feathered denizens of Pench include both resident and migratory birds like Malabar pied hornbills, Indian pittas, ospreys, grey-headed fishing eagles, white-eyed buzzards, storks, waterfowls, four endangered vulture species, and the green pigeon, which is the State Bird.

Pench is a naturalist's dream come true; a mind-expanding experience if ever there is one.

Important Landmarks 

1977 – Declared Pench Sanctuary (440.39 sq km)
1983 – Declared Pench National Park (292.86 sq km) & 118.307 sq km remained as sanctuary
1992 – Included in Project Tiger
1995 – Management of Sanctuary was handed over to Pench Tiger Reserve
2005 - Final notification as "Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park"  wide notification dated 16.12.05 by MP Govt. no. F-15-11-05-10-02

Visiting rules

The Pench National Park is open to the visitors from 1st October to 30th June each year and remains closed during the rainy season (July- Sept.). Visiting hours are from 6 am to 11 am, and from 3 pm to 6 pm. Light vehicles and 15-seater buses are allowed, and speed restrictions must be followed . Ph: 0712-2524624 Irrigation Rest House E.E. Pench

Human population

Looking to the statistics of 1981 and 1991 census there is about 25 per cent increase in the human population of Nagpur District (1981-25.89 lacs, 1991-32.87 lacs). There is only one village named Fulzari inside the boundary of the Reserve, whereas about 9 villages are situated on the periphery of Pench Tiger Reserve. As such about 3700 people of these villages are entirely dependent on the Reserve for their daily needs of firewood and small timber.

Nearest Excursions

Mogarkasa : It is 40 kms. away from M.T.D.C. tourist complex, Sillari. The forest area is famous for wild life richness and scenic beauty.

Ramtek-Khindsey : It is 50 kms. away from M.T.D.C. tourist complex, Sillari. Ramtek has fourteenth century Ram-Laxman temple. Lord Rama and Laxman are believed to have rested here during their exile. There is also a memorial dedicated to Mahakavi Kalidas. Khindsey lake is famous for water sports facility and is 7 km. away from Ramtek.

Archaeological Richness : Ghuggusgarh Fort is situated on the western bank of river Pench in West Pench Range of the Reserve, where one can found old construction of 7 lakes during the period of Gond Kingdom.

Pench (Karmazari) : Pench National park is 35 kms. Away from Sillari Jungle Resort. It is located on the southern boundary of Madhya Pradesh, bordering Maharashtra, in the districts of Seoni and Chhindwara.