Highlights
Pench National Park
Pench’s tropical forests were the inspiration behind Kipling’s masterpiece, ‘The Jungle Book’, and you can imagine Mowgli swinging through the trees as you scour the land for tigers. Other sightings might include sambhar, wild boar, jackal, jungle cats, Striped Hyenas and Barking Deer, as well as all manner of birdlife – peafowl, pheasant, Magpie Robin, heron, egret, Lesser Whistling Teal – the list goes on.
Panna National Park
Panna is famous for flora and fauna, with various big cats, antelope, deer, wolf, chinkara, Sloth Bear, rare vultures, a variety of snakes such as King Cobras, pythons and much more. Photographic opportunities for capturing Sloth Bears and leopard are good. Another highlight is a boat trip along Ken River, where Eurasion Eagle Owls, with their delightful ear tufts, nest on islands and highly nimble Indian crocs (gharial) devour slippery fish. The park is also home to dizzying waterfalls and sparkling diamonds, though special permission to visit one of the mines is obligatory.
History & Culture
Close to Panna National Park, the Khajuraho Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring intricately carved sandstone Jain and Hindu temples with unique, erotic detailing. The small settlement of Orchha is a very scenic spot oozing history, with palaces, forts, temples and cenotaphs from the Bundela Dynasty. Another historic hot spot is Chanderi, where you’ll find many ancient monuments and learn about the handloom industry that makes exquisite Chanderi Sarees. Nestled amid tranquil woods and serene rivers, the holy town of Chitrakoot is an important Hindu centre, attracting hordes of devotees and visitors to its religious sites and colourful festivals.
Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is the biggest in Madhya Pradesh and home to some 300 species of birds, including the Indian Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Red Jungle Fowl and Racquet-tailed Drongo. The forests are mostly sal and bamboo, a backdrop ideal to glimpse leopards, Sloth Bears, wild dogs and the Royal Bengal Tiger. Another delight is the Swamp Deer, unique to the park. Optional activities include nature walks and tours of local villages.