The Confusion: One Park, Two States
If you’re planning a Pench safari and getting confused between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra options, you’re not alone. Pench National Park sits right on the border, split between two states. And yes, they operate separately with different zones, booking systems, and even different safari experiences.
Most people don’t realize this until they start booking, then panic about which side to choose. Let me clear that up for you.
Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | Pench MP | Pench MH |
|---|---|---|
| Tiger Sighting Chance | 30–40% (peak season) | 15–20% (peak season) |
| Best Zones | Turia, Karmajhiri | Sillari |
| Core vs Buffer | Mostly core zones | Mostly buffer zones |
| Number of Gates | 4 main gates | 2 main gates |
| Crowd Level | Moderate to high | Low to moderate |
| Safari Cost | ₹4,000–6,000 per jeep | ₹4,000–6,000 per jeep |
| Accommodation Range | Budget to luxury | Limited, mostly mid-range |
| Distance from Nagpur | ~90 km (2 hours) | ~70–80 km |
| Best For | Serious tiger seekers | Quiet safari experience |
| Booking Difficulty | Higher (popular zones) | Easier availability |
| Overall Wildlife | Excellent diversity | Good diversity |
| Infrastructure | Well-developed | Basic to decent |
Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | Pench MP | Pench MH |
|---|---|---|
| Tiger Sighting Chance | 30–40% (peak season) | 15–20% (peak season) |
| Best Zones | Turia, Karmajhiri | Sillari |
| Core vs Buffer | Mostly core zones | Mostly buffer zones |
| Number of Gates | 4 main gates | 2 main gates |
| Crowd Level | Moderate to high | Low to moderate |
| Safari Cost | ₹4,000–6,000 per jeep | ₹4,000–6,000 per jeep |
| Accommodation Range | Budget to luxury | Limited, mostly mid-range |
| Distance from Nagpur | ~90 km (2 hours) | ~70–80 km |
| Best For | Serious tiger seekers | Quiet safari experience |
| Booking Difficulty | Higher (popular zones) | Easier availability |
| Overall Wildlife | Excellent diversity | Good diversity |
| Infrastructure | Well-developed | Basic to decent |
The Basic Split
Here’s the thing: Pench isn’t evenly divided. The park covers about 758 sq km total, but the split is lopsided. Madhya Pradesh holds roughly 70% of it, including most of the core area. Maharashtra gets the remaining 30%, which is mostly buffer zone.
That core area distinction matters. Core zones have stricter rules, better habitat, and generally higher tiger density. MP controls most of this prime territory, which gives it an automatic advantage for tiger sightings.
The Pench River runs through both sides, and tigers don’t care about state borders. But the infrastructure, management, and tourist zones are completely separate.
Pench MP: The Main Side
Safari Zones
MP side operates four main safari zones:
Turia Gate – This is your best bet. Most consistent sightings happen here. The terrain is mixed with grasslands and dense forest, and tigers tend to patrol this area regularly.
Karmajhiri Gate – Good zone, slightly quieter than Turia. You’ll see decent wildlife, and tiger sightings are fairly common, especially during summer months when they come out for water.
Jamtara Gate – Buffer zone, so expectations should be realistic. Still worth it if core zones are booked out. You might spot a tiger, but it’s not guaranteed.
Khursapar Gate – Another buffer option. Less crowded, more peaceful, but tiger probability drops.
Tiger Sighting Reality
Let me be straight with you: Pench MP has better odds, but it’s still wild. No guarantees. On average, visitors report tiger sightings in about 30-40% of safaris during peak season (March to May). That drops to maybe 20-25% in monsoon aftermath (October-November).
Turia and Karmajhiri give you the best shot. If you do three safaris across these zones, you’ve got a decent chance of at least one sighting.
Accommodation
This is where MP shines. You’ve got everything from budget stays in Turia village to proper luxury resorts. Places like Pench Tree Lodge, Baghvan, and Taj Mahua Kothi offer excellent service and easy access to gates.
Even mid-range options are solid. You won’t struggle to find a comfortable place.
Getting There
Nagpur airport is your closest option, about 90 km away (roughly 2 hours). The drive is straightforward. Alternatively, Jabalpur is about 200 km away if you want to combine Pench with Kanha or Bandhavgarh.
Pench MH: The Quieter Side
Safari Zones
Maharashtra operates mainly two gates:
Sillari Gate – The primary entry point. It’s buffer territory, which means you’re not getting into the core forest. The landscape is pleasant, wildlife is decent, but tiger density is lower.
Khursapar (Maharashtra buffer) – Similar story. Fewer tourists, which some people prefer, but tiger sightings are less frequent.
Tiger Sighting Reality
Be realistic here. The MH side reports tiger sightings in maybe 15-20% of safaris during peak months. Sometimes you get lucky, but you’re more likely to see leopards, wild dogs, and plenty of deer.
If tigers are your primary goal, this isn’t the side to bet on. If you want a peaceful safari with diverse wildlife and fewer jeeps around you, it works.
Accommodation
Options are limited. You’ll find a few decent resorts near Khursapar and some basic stays near Sillari. Nothing close to MP’s range, and luxury options are sparse.
Most people staying on the MH side actually base themselves in Nagpur and drive in for morning safaris.
Getting There
Nagpur is still your closest airport, but you’re looking at about 70-80 km depending on which gate you’re heading to. Roads are decent enough.
Quick Comparison
Tiger Sightings: MP wins, especially Turia and Karmajhiri zones. MH is hit or miss.
Crowds: MP gets more tourists, especially peak season. MH is quieter, which appeals to some.
Safari Cost: Pretty similar, both around ₹4,000-6,000 per jeep depending on zone and season.
Accommodation: MP has way more variety and quality. MH is basic to mid-range at best.
Access: Both use Nagpur as the main airport. MP zones are slightly farther but not by much.
Overall Wildlife: Both sides have good herbivore populations, birds, and occasional leopards or wild dogs. Tigers are the main differentiator.
So Which One?
Pick Pench MP if:
You want the best possible chance of seeing tigers. Three safaris in Turia/Karmajhiri during March-May gives you solid odds.
You care about accommodation quality and want options from budget to luxury.
You’re okay with more tourists around. Peak season means you’ll share sightings with other jeeps.
Pick Pench MH if:
You prioritize a quiet, less crowded safari experience over guaranteed tiger sightings.
You’re combining Pench with other Maharashtra reserves like Tadoba and want to stick to one state.
You’re genuinely okay with the lower tiger probability and want to focus on other wildlife.
One Quick Tip
If you’re serious about tigers and have the time, book at least three safaris on the MP side – mix morning and evening, and split between Turia and Karmajhiri. Don’t put all your eggs in one zone or one safari.
Bottom Line
MP side is the better bet for most people. Better sightings, better stays, more zones to choose from. Maharashtra has its charm if you want peace and quiet, but if you’re traveling all the way to Pench specifically for tigers, don’t gamble on the MH side.
Book MP. Do multiple safaris. Keep your expectations realistic but hopeful. That’s the honest advice.
