Panna is the last remaining tiger habitat of North Madhya Pradesh. A land of lush forests, deep ravines, open plateaus, mesmerizing waterfalls, archaeological splendours, legends & cultural richness.
It is also the land of the broad, rocky Ken River, flowing through the forest lending it unparalleled beauty. The Ken is the lifeline of Panna, and is the least polluted of Yamuna’s tributaries. The path of the meandering Ken offers some spectacular scenery.
Apart from the tiger, it is home to other animals like the leopard, nilgai, chinkara, chital, rusty spotted cat, porcupine, and sambhar. Gharials and Crocodiles can be found in River Ken.
In addition, more than 300 species of birds can be found here.
The reserve is also dotted with two-thousand-year-old rock paintings.
Panna was originally a hunting reserve owned by the Maharaja of Panna, and was granted National Park status as recently as 1981. However, diamond and sandstone mining blighted the park and by the 1990’s it was in deep trouble.
Hardly had conservation experts turned around its fortunes by the turn of century, the reserve was targeted by gangs of poachers who managed to exterminate all of the reserve’s tigers by 2009.
Recent relocation efforts have been remarkably successful and over 30 adult tigers now roam safely here, about a dozen of whom are equipped with radio collars and monitored closely.
A boat trip on the Ken River within the reserve offers an excellent way to view birdlife, crocodiles and gharials.
Nearby, the Ken Gharial sanctuary offers a chance to see spectacular canyons. During the wet season, the waters gush with spectacular ferocity through the narrow canyons and pools. During the dry season, one can marvel at the multicoloured rock formations that reminds of the canyons of the mighty Colorado river.
The world-famous erotic temples of Khajuraho are just an hour away.
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Opulent: Exceptional, unashamedly the best of sheer luxury. (£££££)
Luxury: Outstanding levels of 5* comfort, hospitality and facilities. (££££)
Premium: Excellent levels of comfort and hospitality and a wide range of facilities. (£££)
Mid-Range: Good levels of comfort and hospitality, with a reasonable range of facilities. (££)
Simple: Clean and simple, no frills. Often in areas of natural beauty or near wildlife reserves. (£)
