Pench National Park, straddling the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is one of the finest tiger reserves in India and an absolute delight for wildlife enthusiasts. Famous for inspiring Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, Pench offers an enchanting mix of dense teak forests, open meadows, and scenic rivers that make it one of the best places for tiger sightings in Central India.
Jeep safaris, night drives (in select buffer zones), and birdwatching tours are among the most popular activities in Pench, offering visitors a chance to witness the park’s thriving wildlife in its natural glory.
Tiger Safaris Core Zones in Pench
Here are some of the best core and buffer zones in Pench National Park for tiger safaris:
Turia Zone (Core)
The Turia Zone is the most popular and frequently visited gate of Pench, located on the Madhya Pradesh side. It offers some of the highest chances of tiger sightings, especially around waterholes and riverbeds.
Turia’s landscape combines dense sal forests, bamboo thickets, and open grasslands that attract herbivores and naturally, tigers. This zone is also known for frequent leopard, wild dog (dhole), and sloth bear sightings.
Karmajhiri Zone (Core)
Located adjacent to Turia, the Karmajhiri Zone offers a more serene and less crowded experience while maintaining excellent chances of spotting tigers and other predators.
This area is rich in water sources, making it a favorite haunt for wildlife during the summer months. The open terrain allows for great photography opportunities.
Jamtara Zone (Core)
The Jamtara Zone, located on the Maharashtra side, is another gem for serious wildlife enthusiasts. It’s less commercial and provides an authentic jungle experience.
Tigers are frequently sighted along forest trails, and the tranquil surroundings make it ideal for those seeking a more private safari experience.
Wolf Sanctuary Zone (Buffer)
Situated near Khawasa, the Wolf Sanctuary buffer area is unique for its open scrublands and grass plains – perfect habitat for Indian wolves. While tiger sightings do occur here, visitors are often treated to rare views of wolves, foxes, jackals, and hyenas.
Teliya & Rukhad Zones (Buffer)
The Teliya and Rukhad buffer zones, connecting Kanha and Pench through the Satpura corridor, are excellent alternatives for visitors who cannot secure core zone permits.
Tigers, leopards, and even sloth bears are often spotted here, along with a wide variety of birds and herbivores. These zones also feature beautiful forest drives and serene natural backdrops.
