Tiger Reserve
Panna National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh state on the central plains of India. In 1993 it became the 22nd Tiger Reserve and won the award for the best maintained park but by 2009 the entire tiger population had been killed by poaching with the collusion of the forest department officials.
Today they say there are 4 tigers and 10 cubs within the reserve, we did not see any in 2016.
Other animals within the park are leopards, chital, chinkara, nilgai, sambhar and sloth bear plus over 200 species of birds including bar-headed goose, honey buzzard, king vulture, blossom headed parakeet, changeable hawk-eagle and Indian vultures.
The park covers 209.53 square miles and has the Ken River running for around 45 miles through it although the idiots in charge are planning to build a dam causing an inundation of 400 hectares of the park which will adversely affect the tigers.
How to get there and Transportation
By Air - Khajuraho is the nearest airport with flights from Delhi, Varanasi and Agra, check if more than one stop.
By Train - from Delhi overnight, best option.
Taxis available to the park or book with agent or hotel.
Best time to Visit
November to May is the best time to visit.
November to January is colder with more birds to see.
Where to stay
Taj Pashan Garh - located a 30 minute drive outside the gates but the best hotel to stay in, other options are not in the same class.
What to See
Conclusion
Exceptionally quiet and beautiful national park with few vehicles about but tigers are elusive as there are not many so if you want tigers then not the park to go to. You do have the added bonus of being able to see the stunning Khajuraho Temples either before or after staying by the park.
Panna National Park
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