About Panna National Park

Park History and Other Information

Panna National Park is one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in Madhya Pradesh. It covers 542 square kilometres and is known for its successful tiger reintroduction programme. After facing a severe decline, Panna became a conservation success story when tigers were brought back through dedicated efforts. Today, the park is an important habitat for Bengal tigers and is rich in diverse landscapes of plateaus, deep gorges, teak forests, and the sparkling Ken River.

The Ken River flows through the park and creates a beautiful natural setting with waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and riverine forests. Panna is also part of the Panna Tiger Reserve and is recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Kanha Tiger Safari

History

Below is the historical timeline that highlights the major events in the journey of Panna:

1975

The forests of Panna were notified as a wildlife sanctuary to protect the region’s natural heritage.

1981

Panna and Gangau Wildlife Sanctuaries were combined to form the foundation of what later became Panna National Park.

1994
Panna was officially declared a National Park, marking a key step toward wildlife protection.
2008

 Panna faced a major crisis when the tiger population dropped sharply.

2009

A scientific tiger reintroduction programme began. Tigresses from Kanha and Bandhavgarh were relocated, starting a new chapter for the park.

2011
Panna’s tiger population began to recover, proving the success of the reintroduction.
2017
Panna was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its rich landscape, wildlife, and conservation efforts.

Best Time to Visit

Winter (November to February)

This is the most pleasant season in Panna. The weather is cool, the landscape looks fresh, and wildlife often rests near sunny patches. It is a beautiful time for photography, bird watching, and relaxed safaris along the Ken River.

Summer (March to June)

Hot days but excellent for tiger sightings. As water sources shrink, animals gather near rivers and waterholes. Summer offers higher chances of spotting tigers near the Ken River banks.

Monsoon (July to September)

The park remains closed. Heavy rains turn the forest into a lush green landscape. Seasonal streams revive, and the beauty of the region increases before the park reopens in October.

Things to do in Panna

Jeep Safari

Canter Safari

bird in kanha

Birding in Panna

safari zones

Photography

Best Selling Packages

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2 Nights / 3 Days

Panna Weekend Tour

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3 Nights / 4 Days

Panna Budget Tour

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2 Nights / 3 Days

Panna Honeymoon Package

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2 Nights / 3 Days

Panna Tiger Special

FAQs  – Panna National Park

Where is Panna National Park located?

Panna is in the state of Madhya Pradesh, near the famous temple town of Khajuraho. It lies along the Vindhya Hills and the Ken River valley.

Why is Panna famous?

Panna is known for its tiger conservation success and its beautiful landscape of gorges, plateaus, and river forests. It is also known for gharials, vultures, and the scenic Ken River.

When was Panna declared a national park?

Panna became a national park in 1994 and later a tiger reserve under Project Tiger.

What animals can I see in Panna?

You can see Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wolves, hyenas, chinkara, sambar, and more than 200 species of birds. The park is also home to crocodiles and gharials in the Ken River.

When is the park open for visitors?

Panna is open from October to June. It remains closed during the monsoon season (July to September).

National Parks Near Panna

Pench National Park

Tadoba National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park

Satpura National Park