One of the most renowned wildlife destinations in India is Pench National Park. This lush forested reserve, which lies along the boundary between Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, gets its name from the Pench River that meanders through it, supporting a wide variety of plant and animal life. The park is widely known for its thriving population of Bengal tigers and other fauna species. It also holds literary significance, having inspired Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’. The popular Safari zones in Pench are - Turia, Karmajheri, Jamtara, Rukhad, Khursapar, Sillari and Runi-Jhuni.
To enhance accessibility and offer visitors a fresh route into the wilderness, a new entry point - the Banera Safari Gate, has recently been opened. As the popularity of Pench continues to grow, the addition of Banera Gate promises a more enriching and well-managed wildlife experience for those seeking a close encounter with nature’s untamed beauty.
Marking its first anniversary in April 2025, the Banera Safari Gate at Pench National Park has quickly become a favourite entry point for wildlife lovers. Stretching across 28 km, this scenic safari route offers more than just glimpses of the forest; it winds along the picturesque backwaters of the Totladoh Dam, nourished year-round by natural springs. The route is known for its immersive blend of nature and wildlife, where the songs of vibrant birds fill the air and the occasional roar of a tiger echoes through the trees. Frequent sightings of tiger families have made this area particularly popular among tourists and wildlife photographers.
To accommodate the growing number of visitors, the Forest Department has implemented efficient management strategies to ensure a smooth and organised safari experience. The Banera Gate is easily accessible, located just about 90 minutes from Nagpur, making it an ideal day trip for city dwellers and travellers alike. Adding to the park’s eco-tourism appeal, a new initiative is set to launch soon, solar-powered luxury boats that will operate between Kolitmara and Kunwara Bhimsen across the Totladoh backwaters. This environment-friendly boating experience is designed to offer tourists a peaceful, water-based perspective of Pench’s stunning natural beauty while minimising environmental impact.
As tourism continues to grow, special efforts are being made to maintain ecological balance. Resting spots and shelters have been thoughtfully set up within the park to ensure the well-being of animals. The Forest Department continues to encourage wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers to explore this thriving habitat while urging everyone to tread gently and respectfully through this protected wilderness.
Ideal Time to Visit and the Best Route to Take
Pench National Park is best visited during the winter and the summer months. These seasons provide varied experiences based on the weather conditions and, to some extent, the luck of the tourists. During the colder months, that is from November to February, the weather remains completely favourable for both morning and afternoon safaris. During the summers, on the other hand, the morning safaris are pleasant, but it becomes quite challenging to embark on an afternoon safari.
While planning the commute to Pench, the closest major city is Nagpur. Tourists can book both flights and trains, depending on their convenience. The new Banera safari gate is about 65 km from Nagpur. Therefore, the enhanced ease will now allure more tourist inflow at Pench National Park.
