Pench National Park Safari-
Pench National Park, made famous by Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, is a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Its landscape is known for its open, grassy meadows and a river that flows through it, which makes for excellent tiger and leopard sightings.
Here are some sample itineraries for a trip to Pench, with options for different durations. The most common entry point for Pench is Nagpur, which is about a 2-3 hour drive from the park.
Option 1: The Weekend Break (2 Days, 1 Night)
This is a compact itinerary designed for a quick jungle experience, often with a focus on one or two safaris.
Day 1: Arrival & Afternoon Safari
Morning: Arrive at Nagpur Railway Station or Airport and get transferred to your resort in Pench. The drive itself is scenic, taking you through rural landscapes.
Afternoon: Check in, have lunch, and get ready for your first afternoon jungle safari. The park offers both core and buffer zone safaris, with gates like Turia being popular for their high density of wildlife.
Evening: Return to your resort. Enjoy an evening of leisure, perhaps with a campfire or an interactive session with a resident naturalist.
Day 2: Morning Safari & Departure
Early Morning: Embark on an early morning safari, considered the best time for wildlife sightings as animals are most active.
Late Morning: Return to the resort for breakfast.
Afternoon: Check out and get transferred back to Nagpur for your onward journey.
Option 2: The Classic Safari Experience (3 Days, 2 Nights)
This is the most recommended itinerary, as it allows for multiple safari drives, which significantly increases your chances of spotting a tiger and other wildlife.
Day 1: Arrival & Evening Activities
Morning: Arrive at Nagpur and transfer to your resort in Pench.
Afternoon: Check in and settle down. Instead of a safari on the first day, you can choose to relax at the resort or opt for a local activity.
Evening: Consider a Night Safari in the buffer zones, which offers a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal animals like civets, owls, and maybe even a leopard. Alternatively, a village walk to see local life is a great option.
Day 2: Double Safari Day
Morning: Wake up early for the morning safari. This is your prime chance for tiger sightings.
Afternoon: Return to the resort for lunch. In the afternoon, head out for a second safari to a different zone (e.g., Karmajhiri or Jamtara) to experience a new landscape.
Evening: Relax and unwind at the resort.
Day 3: Final Safari & Departure
Morning: Take your final safari of the trip. After the safari, return to the resort for a hearty breakfast.
Late Morning: Check out from the resort and begin your drive back to Nagpur, carrying memories of your jungle adventure.
Option 3: The Immersive Expedition (4 Days, 3 Nights)
This is for the dedicated wildlife enthusiast who wants to explore Pench extensively.
Day 1: Arrival & Afternoon Safari (Same as above)
Day 2: Two Safaris (Morning & Afternoon, Same as above)
Day 3: Safari & Buffer Zone Exploration
Morning: Go for a morning safari, perhaps targeting a new zone.
Afternoon: Instead of a traditional safari, you can opt for a nature trail like the Runi Jhuni walking trail or a visit to the Potter's Village at Pachdhar, which offers a glimpse into local crafts and culture.
Evening: You can also visit the Pench River for some serene birdwatching or try a night trail for spotting nocturnal creatures.
Day 4: Final Safari & Departure (Same as above)
