Panna
National Park is known worldwide for its wild cats, including tigers as well
as deer and antelope. Due to its closeness to one of the best-known Indian
tourist attraction in India, Khajuraho, the park has the potential of
becoming a major tourist attraction. Situated in the central Indian state of
Madhya Pradesh at a distance of around 57 km from Khajuraho is the Panna
National Park.
Geographical Location
Panna National Park is located in the Vindhyan tracts of Madhya Pradesh
this 540km National Park holds some of the most dramatic forest patches and
ruggedly breathtaking scenery of peninsular India. The Ken river coursing
through Panna National Park embellishes the countryside with its aquamarine
waters and along with a few perennial springs is an important source of
drinking water for the animals.
Fauna
Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), the king of the jungle, roams freely in
this secure, though a bit small habitat alongwith his fellow beings -
leopard (Panthera pardus), wild dog (Cuon alpinus), wolf (Canis lupus),
hyaena (Hyaena hyaena) and caracal (Felus caracal) and smaller cats. Sloth
bear has his most favourite home in the rock escarpments and undisturbed
vales. The wooded areas are dotted with sambar the largest of Indian deers,
chital and chowsingha. One can easily see nilgai and chinkara in most open
areas in the grasslands, specially on the periphery.
Reptiles
Varieties of snakes, including the python and other reptiles are found
here.
Avifauna
The avifauna comprises more than 200 species, including a host of migratory
birds. One can see white necked stork, barheaded goose, honey Buuzzard, King
vulture, Blossom headed Parakeet, Paradise flycatcher, Slaty headed Scimitar
babbler to name a few.
Flora
Panna National Park is situated in a large, dense forest belt forming the
northern fringe of the natural Teak forest, with an area of 533 sq.kms. It's
vast wild expanse spreads along the banks of the River Ken for a length of
about 50 kms. The Panna National Park is only an hour’s drive from the
famous Temple city Khajuraho”.
General Information :
Best time to visit : October to April
Nearest town : Khajuraho ( 57 km)
How to get there : Air- Khajuraho, Rail- Satna, Road- well connected
to all the major cities.
