This atlas is in beta. I am still checking facts, ranges, and species lists, so some of it may be wrong or incomplete. It is here early so these places get seen. If you spot an error, write to me.
Pench National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
BetaAlso known as Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
A central Indian tiger reserve of teak and mixed forest along the Pench river, the landscape that inspired Kipling's Jungle Book.
Why this place matters
Centrally placed Central Indian tiger reserve linking Kanha and Maharashtra's Pench, protecting teak and mixed forests and the Pench River and reservoir system that supports strong tiger and wild dog populations.
The wildlife
TigerENEndangeredWell-known Central Indian tiger reserve with good big-cat densities in teak and mixed forest along the Pench River.
LeopardNTNear ThreatenedWidespread in forest and hilly terrain.
DholeENEndangeredPacks of wild dog regularly recorded hunting chital and sambar.
GaurVUVulnerableLarge herds use forest clearings and reservoir edges.
Sloth BearVUVulnerablePresent across rocky and forested areas; mostly crepuscular.
The wider field list, with current IUCN Red List status.
Mammals
- Bengal tigerPanthera tigris tigrisENEndangered
- DholeCuon alpinusENEndangered
Four-horned antelopeTetracerus quadricornisVUVulnerable- Gaur (Indian bison)Bos gaurusVUVulnerable
Sambar deerRusa unicolorVUVulnerable- Sloth bearMelursus ursinusVUVulnerable
Chital (spotted deer)Axis axisLCLeast Concern- Indian leopardPanthera pardus fuscaNTNear Threatened
NilgaiBoselaphus tragocamelusLCLeast Concern
Wild boarSus scrofaLCLeast Concern
Birds
Forest owletAthene blewittiENEndangered
Crested serpent eagleSpilornis cheelaLCLeast Concern
Indian pittaPitta brachyuraLCLeast Concern
Malabar pied hornbillAnthracoceros coronatusNTNear Threatened
Raptor
Reptiles
Mugger crocodileCrocodylus palustrisVUVulnerable
Bengal monitorVaranus bengalensisNTNear Threatened
Indian rock pythonPython molurusNTNear Threatened
Notable birds include Crested Serpent Eagle, White-eyed Buzzard, Indian Pitta and Malabar Pied Hornbill. Reptiles include Marsh Crocodile, Indian Rock Python and Monitor Lizard.
Plan your visit
Cool, misty winters favour forest and reservoir-edge photography and mixed flocks; the late dry season concentrates tigers and other mammals near waterholes and reservoir bays.
- Zones
- Turia, Karmajhiri and Jamtara
- Safari
- jeep
- Typical sightings
- Tigers and leopards along forest tracks and riverbeds, gaur and deer at meadows and reservoir margins, raptors over the Pench River.
- Light and terrain
- Open teak stands and meadows around the river give good morning and evening light; reservoir vistas allow layered landscape compositions.
- Hides
- No public hides; viewing from authorised vehicles and occasional watch points.
- Good to know
- Vehicle caps per zone as per the MP Forest brochure; core tourism closed in monsoon; online permits via the MP Forest booking portal.