Safari Zones in Pench
The 4 Core Zones of Pench
Pench Tiger Reserve is divided into several safari zones, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife experiences. The park has four main core zones — Turia, Karmajhiri, Sillari, and Khursapar — famous for tiger sightings, scenic teak forests, and rich biodiversity. Around them lie multiple buffer zones, offering quieter safaris and equally rewarding wildlife encounters. Together, these zones make every safari in Pench a memorable story from the jungle.
Core Zones of Pench
Turia Zone
Turia is the most popular and frequently visited zone of Pench, famous for its consistent tiger sightings, including legendary tigers like Collarwali. The landscape is a mix of dense teak forest, grasslands, and beautiful water bodies. Resorts around Turia Gate make it the most accessible entry for visitors.
Best for: First-time visitors and photographers.
Karmajhiri Zone
Karmajhiri offers a more peaceful experience compared to Turia, with equally rich wildlife. The hilly terrain, thick vegetation, and winding forest tracks make it a delight for nature enthusiasts.
Best for: Those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Sillari Zone
Sillari is the main gate on the Maharashtra side of Pench. It offers scenic drives through mixed forests and frequent sightings of tigers, wild dogs, and deer. The infrastructure and peaceful environment make it a favorite among families.
Best for: Scenic and less-crowded safaris.
Khursapar Zone
Khursapar is another Maharashtra core zone, known for excellent tiger and leopard sightings. The open forest and grasslands make it a photographer’s delight.
Best for: Consistent tiger sightings close to Nagpur.
Buffer Safari Zones of Pench
- Rukhad Zone: Connects Kanha and Pench forests; known for dense teak and bamboo.
- Teliya Zone: Close to Turia; open meadows and good chance of spotting tigers.
- Jamtara Zone: Northern side of the park; peaceful and rich in birdlife.
Nagalwadi Zone – Maharashtra side; beautiful forest drives and birding opportunities. - Deolapar Zone: Lesser-known; great for offbeat and affordable safaris.
- Silari Buffer: Extension of Sillari; scenic and quiet.
Summary for Visitors
- If you want high chances of tiger sightings → Turia & Khursapar
- If you want peaceful and scenic safaris → Karmajhiri & Sillari
- If you want birdwatching and offbeat experiences → Jamtara & Rukhad
- If you want budget-friendly safaris → Buffer zones like Deolapar & Teliya
Pench Best Selling Packages
2 Nights / 3 Days
Pench Weekend Tour
3 Nights / 4 Days
Pench Budget Tour
6 Nights / 7 Days
Pench – Bandhavgarh Safari
14 Nights / 15 Days
Pench, Bandhavgarh & Golden Triangle Tour
FAQs – Pench National Park
Which zone is the most famous in Pench?
Which zone is best for first-time visitors?
Which zones are suitable for budget-friendly safaris?
Are walking or night safaris possible in Pench?
When are the core and buffer zones open or closed?
Which are the best safari zones in Pench?
- The best zones for tiger sightings are Turia, Khursapar, and Karmajhiri.
- For scenic and peaceful experiences, Sillari and Jamtara are ideal.
- Birdwatchers should head to Rukhad and Jamtara, which are rich in avian life and less crowded.
How does one choose the right zone for a Pench safari?
Choosing the right zone depends on what you’re looking for:
- Tigers & Big Cats: Turia, Khursapar, Karmajhiri
- First-time safari experience: Turia or Sillari
- Peaceful & scenic drives: Jamtara, Sillari, Rukhad
- Birdwatching & offbeat drives: Jamtara, Rukhad
- Budget-friendly options: Buffer zones like Deolapar, Teliya
Which zones are best for bird-rich safaris?
For birdwatchers, Jamtara, Rukhad, and Sillari zones are ideal. These areas have dense forests, open grasslands, and water bodies that attract numerous bird species throughout the year.