Geo details -
Area : 757 sq. km
Coordinates : 77° 55' E to 79° 35' E and 21° 08' S to 22°00' N
Location : Seoni and Chhindwara districts, Madhya Pradesh, India

Introduction -
The natural wealth of Pench and its floral and faunal richness has a glorious history, which is also described in several historical accounts and books including Ain-i-Akbari and Seonee. Pench is the inspiration behind “The Jungle Book”, a world's bestseller by Rudyard Kipling. Pench National Park explicitly represents the detailed panorama of nature's abundance in this tract. Apart from a natural habitat of Indian tigers, numerous species of mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians are found in the park.

Named after Pench river, this park is located in the southern reaches of the Satpura Range. The terrain is undulating and most of its area is covered by small hill ranges and steeply slops. River Pench splits the park and is the lifeline of the Park.

There is a dam built on the Pench river that also adds serene beauty to the park. The entire area is criss-crossed by numerous perennial streams and springs. During summer seasons, a large number of small water pools is formed, which are locally known as “Dohs.

Flora -
Pench National Park supports a variety of vegetation ranging from Tropical moist deciduous to mixed deciduous, dry deciduous and open grasslands. These forests support over 1200 species of plants including rare and endangered plants of botanical importance.

Teak forests are very common. The other common trees are Mahua, Skiras, Tendu, Achar, Amaltas, Khair and Palas. Bamboo forests are restricted to few portions in the valleys. The park also has a variety of shrubs and grasses.

Fauna -
Pench National Park is known for tigers that inhabit around the river belt as the prey concentration is high in the area. The area has the highest density of herbivores in India. Besides this, the other mammals include leopards, jungle cats, small Indian civets, palm civets, wild dogs, sloth bear, Indian grey mongoose, porcupine, pangolin, flying squirrel, barking deer, jackal, spotted deer, Indian bison, etcers.

Among the reptiles, the famous ones are fresh water crocodile, chameleon, rock python, cobra, flap shell turtle, black turtle, etc.

Pench is also a bastion for ornithologists. There are over 285 species of resident and migratory birds. The park is also the abode of four endangered species of vultures including white-rumped, longbilled, white scavenger and king vulture. Among the migratory bird population, the main attraction are Pochards, Barheaded Geese, Coots, etc.

Nearby Tourist Destinations -
Pachdhar Village :
It is fascinating to watch potters sitting at their wheels to shape glorious art work from clay.

Gond Tribe :
The tribe is settled in a cluster of villages around the park. Visitors can explore local culture and customs.

Best Time to Visit -
Pench National Park is open to visitors from November to June and remains closed during the months of July, August and September. Summer (April-June) is the best season to watch wildlife as animals come out in search of waterholes. Winter season is comfortable but it becomes difficult to spot animals during this season.

How to Reach -
Air : Nagpur is the nearest airport. (93 km from Pench National Park)

Rail : Seoni is the nearest railway station connected by regular trains.

Road : Pench National Park can be reached from Seoni through road. Seoni is connected to National Highways and State Highways.