“We must not always talk in the marketplace of what happens to us in the forest.”
– Nathaniel Hawthorne
The word is based on the river Pench which divides the very famous national park of the same name into two, similar eastern and western halves. Turiya and Karmajhiri are two entrances to this tiger reserve. The park itself is situated in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh.
Interestingly, Abul Fazl’s historic ‘Ain-i-Akbari’ or ‘The Constitution of Akbar’ also takes into account the area where the modern-day park of Pench is, and the closest airport from where the park can be accessed is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur.
Flora Pench national park
The lush green vegetation of the forest is a varied mix of teak, axle wood, Malabar kino and sundry interesting varieties of plants. The floor underneath is covered with various kinds of grass, bushes, and saplings. The famous ‘Mahua’ tree is also found in the forest, and locals use the seeds and fruit for several purposes, including food and the popular brew bearing the same name.
You can spot Bamboo trees as well as ‘Ghost trees’ – the white Kulu tree, with the pastel-colored bark. These trees are important for tribal people as they consume gums and seeds produced by it.
Fauna
Nilgai, sambars, wild pigs and jackals can be easily seen. The Indian leopard, the sloth bear, Indian wolves can be spotted. Porcupines, monkeys, foxes, wild dogs, striped hyenas, four-horned antelopes, and barking deer also live in the national park. But, of course, the most famous inhabitant is the Royal Bengal tiger, one of the most charismatic breeds. Tiger-sightings are fortunately very frequent here, and it’s easy enough to see your first tiger in the Pench National Park.
With the addition of six new cubs, the chances of a tiger sighting have improved. And do not to forget the sleek leopards and foxes.
It is believed that Pench might have been the setting for Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book‘.I advise you to keep an eye on your surroundings very carefully during your trip to this amazing place. You might just spot Sher Khan or Baloo and come back to tell the tale!
Sharad Vats brings over three decades of rich safari experience across the Indian wilderness, leading a passionate team dedicated to delivering seamless and memorable wildlife journeys. With deep knowledge of jungle logistics—ranging from flora and fauna to experienced guides and skilled jeep drivers—he ensures that every safari is thoughtfully curated and effortlessly executed, offering guests an immersive and almost ethereal experience in the wild.
Over the years, Sharad has also spent extensive time assisting guests, curating personalized tours, and leading wildlife expeditions, combining operational excellence with a deep understanding of guest expectations.
Beyond tourism, he is an active contributor to the wildlife ecosystem. His initiatives include planting and maintaining thousands of trees, creating safe passages and corridors for tigers, and establishing solar-powered waterholes across Kanha and other national parks. He is equally committed to community development, supporting and adopting schools in nearby villages, reflecting a holistic approach to conservation and sustainable tourism.
