Panna is the twenty second Tiger Reserve of India and fifth in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is situated in the Vindhya Ranges and spreads over Panna and Chhatarpur districts in the north of the state. The Ken River, which flows through the Reserve is a home for Gharial and maggar and other aquatic fauna.
Approach: The Park is situated 25 kms from Khajuraho, a world heritage site which is half an hour drive from Madla Entry Point. Hinouta, the second gate of the Park is 20 kms from Panna town. Khajuraho is the nearest Airstrip which is directly connected to the National Capital, New Delhi. Taxies are available all time from Khajuraho to Panna.
Seasons to visit: The Reserve is open for the visitors for eight months in a year, i.e., from November to June.
Facilities: There is a ban on diesel vehicles in side the Reserve. The Park does not have transport facility for visitors. Accommodation can be made available in the Park Inspection Huts at Madala & Hinouta (two suits each) on first-come-first-serve basis and on the condition of availability. Guides are available at both the entry points.
Major Flora: Tectona Grandis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca indica, Buchanania lanzan, Anogeissus latifolia, A. pendula, Lannea coromandalica, Boswellia serrata, Acacia catechu, Zizyphus spp., Aegle marmelos, Butea monosperma, Gardenia spp., Sterculia urens, common bamboo, Dendrocalamus strictus, etc.
Major Fauna :
Mammals: Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wolf, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Hyena, Samber, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chausingha, Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Hare, Rattle, Tree Shrew, Gerbil, etc. Avifauna :- About 200 species have been identified which include host of winter migratory birds. Aquatic Animals :- Both maggar and gharial are found in Ken river besides host of fish species, turtles & other.
Endangered Species: Tiger, Leopard, Carcal, Four-horned antelope, Indian Wolf, Pangolin, Rusty Spotted Cat, Sloth Bear and Gharial, found in the Park, are included in Schedule I of WPA, 1972.
Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh