Geo details -
Area : 1,406 sq. km
Location : Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, India

Introduction -
Panna National Park has more than just Royal Bengal tigers. It is just 25 km from Khajuraho, which is a world famous tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from it, River Ken meanders through the reserve and forms extensive falls and gorges during its course - presenting spectacular scenery. The terrain has a series of undulating hills and plateaus on the other side of the river that are truly beholding. The most famous among the falls is Pandav Fall, which is itself a exclusive destination for the visitors.

Panna National Park is situated in the Vindhyan Range and spreads over Panna and Chhatarpur districts, which was once ruled by tribal people. Visitors may also explore the relics of those older days referred as Gondwana period. The region is also famous for its diamond industry. Apart from tigers, there is a large avifaunal population at Panna National Park, making it an ideal halt for ornithologists.

Flora -
Panna National Park has dry deciduous forest vegetation that undergoes dramatic change from lush green to dry grey in monsoon and summer seasons respectively. Short and open grasslands with open woodlands are quite extensive in the entire park. Dry and hot climate gives rise to dry Teak forest and Teak-Kardhai mixed forests. The other floral species includes Madhuca indica, Tectona grandis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Anogeissus pendula, Lannea coromandelica, Buchnania latifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Bosswelia serrata etc.

Fauna -
Panna National Park provides natural habitat to Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, striped hyena, jackal, jungle cat and wild boar. The herbivore species include chital, sambar, four-horned antelope (chowsingha), mountain gazelle, indian gazelle, blackbuck, etc.

Resident bird species include bareheaded geese, duck, spoonbills and demoiselle cranes. The artificial lake “Chandpata” is the winter home for migratory birds like geese, pintail, red wattled lapwing, large pied wagtail, pond heron, white breasted kingfisher, painted stork, white ibis, falcon and others.

On the shore of park's life-line - Ken river - is the home for long snouted crocodile, marsh crocodile and other aquatic fauna.

Nearby Tourist Destinations -

• Diamond mining industry

• Pandav falls

• Rajgarh Palace

• Jeep safari

• Elephant safari

Best Time to Visit -
The climate of the region is tropical. Summers are scorching and winters are comfortable. Monsoon arrives this region in July and lasts till mid-September. The best time to visit Panna National Park is from January to May.

How to Reach -
Air : The nearest airport is Khajuraho.

Rail : Satna is the nearest railway station at a distance of around 90 km.

Road : Panna is connected by a good road network and NH 75 passes through it.