Formed in 1981 and located in the central Indian state of Madyha Pradesh, Panna National Park, is one of the least explored parks in the country, despite its fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities and stunning natural scenery.
Flowing through this scenic park, the perennial River Ken provides life to the surrounding wildlife and vegetation, with the landscape comprised of extensive plateaus and gorges. Teak and Kardhai forests make up the extensive open woodlands, and areas of short dry grassland provide excellent photographic opportunities.
Game viewing activities take place by either jeep safari or by boat, with Panna home to tiger, leopard, sloth bear, jungle cat, rusty-spotted cat, desert cat, palm civet, spotted deer, nilgai, four-horned antelope, striped hyena, crocodiles and many lesser mammals. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Panna is prime tiger country, with over 50 tigers; the big cats having made a significant comeback in the last 15 years due to the efforts of Project Tiger. Also of note is the local population of sambar deer, which are some of the largest in India due to vast calcium deposits in the area.
The park is located just 28 kilometres from the nearest airport in the historic city of Khajuraho and is easily visited en route from, or to, Bandhavgarh National Park, which is five or six hours’ drive to the south.
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