Panna National Park

Brief History & Introduction/Overview Map

Panna was originally a hunting reserve owned by the Maharaja of Panna. The boundary of the 540 square kilometer park is marked by the broad and rocky River Ken, which flows towards the Ganges. The river is full of life, from Crocodiles to Storks and Kingfishers. It's also a park of epic and well-charted conservation struggles. In 2009 tigers were poached to extinction. Then tigers were relocated, and they made a remarkable comeback. Numbers have grown over the years, and now there are over 35 individual adults today.

Successful Tiger Reintroduction

In February 2012, the entire tiger population of the reserve was considered eliminated. One female, each from Bandhavgarh National Park (coded T1) and Kanha National Park (T2) were translocated to Panna Tiger Reserve. A tiger male, coded T3, was brought from Pench Tiger Reserve. Who after some apprehension settled down in the park, established territory and started mating. The tigress, T1, translocated from Bandhavgarh National Park, gave birth to four cubs in April 2010, of which two survive to date. The second tigress, T2, translocated from Kanha National Park, gave birth to four cubs several months later, and all four survive till date. A third tigress, coded T4, an orphaned cub, was reintroduced to Panna in March 2011. She learned hunting skills with the help of the male and mated with him.

Wildlife

Besides the tiger, other predators like the Leopard and Jungle Cat and scavengers like the Striped hyena exist here. Chinkara (Indian Gazelle) may be seen here along with Muntjac, Indian hare, Porcupine & Langur. In this park, the Nilgai and Sambar Deer are the most significant herbivores comprising the prey base. The Chital Deer is an important prey during the monsoons. Smaller species like the Wild boar and Chousingha are also fairly common in the reserve. Dhole, Wolf, Indian Fox & Mongoose are other species that you may come across in Panna. The Caracal, a relative of the extinct Cheetah, may be sighted here on very rare occasions. Gharial and Mugger crocodiles are found in the Ken river.

Vultures

The topography of Panna is unique with valleys, waterfalls, plateau and grasslands, making it ideal for the vulture population. The rock cliffs with ledges provide good habitat for the rock nesting vultures. The park represents 7 out of 7 vultures of the region. Egyptian vulture, Long-Billed vulture, White-Backed vulture and Red-Headed vultures are resident of the park and all four breeds here. Eurasian, Himalayan Griffon, and Cinereous vultures are migratory vultures. Over 200 birds have been recorded here. You often get to see Bareheaded goose, Honey-buzzard, Blossom headed Parakeet, Paradise flycatcher, White necked stork & Indian Scimitar Babbler. This Protected Area is critical because it links the eastern and western populations of wildlife through the Vindhyan ranges.

Getting There:
Panna is just 45 min drive from Khajuraho airport with flights to Varanasi and Delhi and 4 hrs from well connected Jhansi Railway that has a fast train to Agra and Delhi.

Recommended Circuit:
Tigers, Temple & Taj Mahal: Delhi - Jabalpur - Bandhavgarh - Panna - Khajuraho - Agra - Delhi

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