If you're a wildlife enthusiast or nature photographer based in Hyderabad, Pench National Park offers an unforgettable short getaway into the heart of India's wilderness. Known for its diverse flora and fauna, Pench is a top destination for anyone who wants to experience the thrill of spotting tigers in their natural habitat, enjoy the soothing sounds of the forest, and capture incredible moments through a camera lens. Located in the central Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Pench is a well-preserved forest that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’. The park boasts rich biodiversity, including Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, wild dogs, jackals, deer, birds, and much more. Nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers have increasingly favoured the park because of its stunning landscapes, abundant opportunities for tiger sightings, and easy-to-access safari tours.

Planning Your Journey: Hyderabad to Pench National Park

Reaching Pench National Park from Hyderabad is relatively easy with multiple travel options available. The distance between Hyderabad and Pench is around 600 km, depending on the park entry gate you choose.

There are two main entry gates into Pench:

• Turia Gate (Madhya Pradesh side)

• Sillari Gate (Maharashtra side)

Here are your travel options:

• By Road: You can drive from Hyderabad to Pench via the Srinagar-Kanyakumari Highway (NH44). The journey by road lasts around 12 to 13 hours, which is ideal for individuals who appreciate lengthy drives and beautiful landscapes.

• By Train: Take a train from Hyderabad to Nagpur, which takes around 10 hours. From Nagpur, you can hire a cab to reach the park in about 2 hours.

• By Air: The fastest option is to fly from Hyderabad to Nagpur (about 1.5 hours). From the airport, a taxi ride will take you to Pench in around 2 hours.

No matter how you choose to travel, it's advisable to make your Pench online booking for safaris and park entry in advance to avoid last-minute hassles and ensure a smooth trip.

The Ultimate Itinerary for Pench Safari from Hyderabad

Day 1: Travel from Hyderabad + Evening Safari

Start your day early from Hyderabad to make the most of your time in the jungle. If you're flying or travelling overnight, you should aim to arrive at Pench by early afternoon. After a quick check-in and lunch, you'll have enough time to prepare for your first jungle safari. In the evening, head to the Turia or Karmajhiri zone, which is known for rich wildlife activity. Keep your camera ready, as you might spot jackals, spotted deer, wild boars, peacocks, and leopards on your very first safari. The golden hour lighting enhances the forest's beauty, making it perfect for photography.

Day 2: Double Safari Day

Day 2 is dedicated entirely to exploring the wilderness. Start with an early morning safari, which is considered the best time for tiger sightings and spotting other elusive animals like Indian wild dogs or sloth bears. The crisp morning air and active wildlife make for a thrilling experience. After the safari, return for a hearty breakfast and take a short rest. In the afternoon, you can optionally visit the Nature Interpretation Centre near the Turia Gate to learn more about the forest's ecosystem and animal behaviour. Later, gear up for your second safari of the day, preferably in a different zone. This increases your chances of seeing varied landscapes and different animal species.

Day 3: Final Safari + Return to Hyderabad

On your final day, wake up early for one last safari session. Morning safaris often provide the best opportunity to spot big cats, especially if you missed them earlier. The calm and quiet of early dawn create the perfect ambience to soak in the forest’s natural rhythm.

After the safari, enjoy a quick brunch and begin your journey back to Hyderabad. Whether you're taking a flight, train, or driving back, you'll be carrying home incredible memories of the wild.