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Jungle Safari

About Jungle Safari

Panna Tiger Reserve is a dry deciduous forest covering 543 square kilometers of core area of which only 20% area is open for tourism. The reserve is spread over three levels of forest. Madla is the lowest level with Hinauta Plateau being the middle level and Talgaon plateau being the upper most level. Talgaon Plateau falls in the non-tourist area. Panna forest is the northern most extension of natural Teak (Tectona grandis) forest in India. North of Panna all Teak forests are planted Teak forest in India.

The reserve's varied ecosystems, including dense forests, open grasslands, expansive plateaus and the flowing Ken River provide an ideal habitat for diverse wildlife. While the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger is the main attraction, the reserve is also home to Leopards, Sloth Bears and an array of smaller predators like Hyenas, Jackals and various jungle cats. You will also find a rich population of herbivores such as Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Chinkara and Chausinga grazing in the open grasslands. The reserve is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 200 species, including the endangered Indian vulture and migratory species that visit during the winter months. The Ken River, with its tranquil waters, is home to the rare gharial crocodile and muggers along with freshwater turtles. During your safari, you may encounter the breathtaking sight of cascading Dhundhwa waterfalls adding to the thrill of exploring this diverse landscape. With expert naturalists and drivers leading the way, every safari is an exciting opportunity to witness the dynamic balance of life in one of India’s most pristine wildlife areas.

Safari Timings

Dates

Morning

Afternoon

Evening
01st October to 31st October 06:00 am – 11:30 am 03:00 pm – 06:00 pm 06:00 pm – 09:00 pm
01st November to 30 th November 06:15 am – 11:30 am 03:00 pm – 05:45 pm 06:00 pm – 09:00 pm
01st December to 31 st December 06:30 am – 11:30 am 03:00 pm – 05:30 pm 06:00 pm – 09:00 pm
01st Jan to 31st Jan 06:45 am – 11:30 am 03:00 pm – 05:45 pm 06:00 pm – 09:00 pm
1st Feb to 28th Feb 6:30 am – 11:30 am 03:00 pm – 6:15 pm 06:00 pm – 09:00 pm
1st March to 31st March 06:15 am – 11:30 am 03:00 pm – 06:30 pm 06:30 pm – 09:30 pm
1st April to 30th April 05:45 am – 11:30 am 04:00 pm – 06:45 pm 06:30 pm – 09:30 pm
1st May to 31st May 05:30 am – 11:30 am 04:00 pm – 07:00 pm 06:30 pm – 09:30 pm
1st June to 30th June 05:15 am – 11:30 am 04:00 pm – 07:00 pm 06:30 pm – 09:30 pm

Distance From The Gate

Gate

Distance

Drive Time
Madla Gate 7 km 15 minutes
Hinauta Gate 30 km 50 minutes
Akola Gate 45 km 1.5 hours
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Rules And Regulation

  • Strict Entry Timings: Safaris are allowed only during specified hours, typically early morning and late afternoon, to avoid disturbing wildlife during the heat of the day.
  • Permit Requirement: All visitors must obtain a valid permit before entering the reserve, which can be arranged through the official booking system. Please do carry your id proof at the time of entry at the gate.
  • No Loud Noise: Guests are required to maintain complete silence during the safari to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
  • No Feeding or Disturbing Wildlife: Feeding animals or attempting to interact with them is strictly prohibited, as it can lead to unsafe situations and disrupt the natural behavior of animals.
  • Guides and Drivers: Only authorized and trained guides and drivers are permitted to operate safari vehicles to ensure both guest safety and proper wildlife monitoring.
  • No Smoking or Littering: Smoking inside the reserve and littering is strictly prohibited to preserve the natural environment.
  • Stay Inside the Vehicle:Visitors must remain inside the vehicle at all times during the safari for safety reasons, especially when encountering large or dangerous wildlife.
  • Get down on these designated places only :Visitors can only get down at the designated areas like Bhaurah Dau ( boating point + breakfast point ), Pipartola chowki ( breakfast point ), Dhundhwa Seha ( eating breakfast is not allowed there ), MN-4 chowki ( eating breakfast is not allowed there ).
  • Respect Wildlife Zones:Certain areas within the reserve may be restricted, and visitors are not allowed to enter these zones without prior authorization.
  • Pre-Booking of Safari Slots: Safaris should be pre-booked to ensure availability, as the reserve allows only a limited number of vehicles inside at any given time to prevent overcrowding.

Safari Regulations

  • Bookings for jungle safari in Panna Tiger Reserve open 120 days in advance and confirmation is subject to availability at the time of the booking.
  • National parks and Tiger reserves are closed every Wednesday for afternoon safari & for full day on Diwali & Holi.
  • Evening / Night safari happens on Wednesday.
  • Full payment for jungle safari along with ID proofs are required to book the safaris. Please ensure to carry the same photo ID proof in the original form, as it will be checked at the park entry gate.
  • Seating arrangements in the safari vehicle will be as per names mentioned on the ticket which are non-transferable. Any change in jungle safari booking is considered as cancellation if a permit is issued. The full permit fee applies in case of any date change.
  • Any jungle safari ticket once issued is non-transferable.
  • Jungle safari may not include our in-house naturalists as they are subject to availability. If a naturalist is required, it must be informed at the time of booking with a payment of 1000/- per safari.
  • We do not guarantee any jungle safari in any specific area; it will be booked as per availability at the time of booking.
  • Jungle safaris may also be cancelled due to sudden rainfall or any other natural calamities in which the refund of safaris will be given as per national park or tiger reserve regulations.
  • Our resort has 2 in-house, fully modified and comfortable vehicles. Guests may book these vehicles on a first come first served basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

For safari bookings please contact the given numbers well in time so that permits may be arranged in advance. Safari permits are subject to availability since only a limited number of vehicles are allowed in everyday through all the 3 gates.If you wish you can get these permits online or at the Reserve’s booking counter at the gates.

The best time for a safari is from October to June. The reserve is open year-round but the core is open only for 9 months and in monsoons the buffer zones like Jhinna and Akola are open but the winter months (October to March) offer the most favorable weather for safaris.

Wear comfortable, lightweight and neutral-colored clothing to blend into the environment. Avoid bright colors and perfumes. Sturdy shoes, a hat or a cap and sunscreen are recommended for protection against the sun.

Yes Full Day safaris are allowed in Panna Tiger Reserve but for that you need to submit an application beforehand and the approval comes from the Panna Divisional Office (FD Office). Full day safari tickets cannot be taken from the counter at the gates. For details of cost and rules please contact in advance.

Always stay inside the vehicle during the safari and follow the guide’s and driver’s instructions. Maintain silence and avoid sudden movements to avoid startling the animals. Smoking, littering and feeding wildlife are strictly prohibited.

A typical safari lasts around 4:30-5:30 hours in morning and 2:30 – 3:30 hours in afternoon. Morning and afternoon safaris are available, with some longer safaris available upon request like full day safaris.

Yes, photography is allowed, but flash photography is prohibited as it can disturb the animals. Ensure that you follow the naturalists instructions on the best spots for capturing wildlife.

There is no age limit as such for adults or kids but it is always safer to take kids who are more than 5-6 years old so that they get to enjoy the safari too.

Yes, all safaris are accompanied by department allocated guides. Our trained naturalist may also accompany the guest who wants a more personal experience. For this prior request has to be made to us.

Yes, the safari route is predefined by the forest department to minimize human impact on the environment. The guides will take you along the designated routes and guests must adhere to these to protect both the wildlife and their safety.

Safari vehicles must follow the designated paths, no loud noises or sudden movements are allowed and smoking or littering is strictly prohibited. All guests must adhere to the rules set by the authorities for a safe and responsible experience.

While the Tiger is the star attraction of Panna Tiger Reserve, sightings are not guaranteed due to the elusive nature of these big cats. However, there is a high chance of spotting other wildlife and the experienced guides and will enhance your chances of encountering a Tiger.

Safari fees vary depending on the type of safari as in core and buffer area and according to weekday and weekend dates too. Fees generally include the cost of the vehicle, guide and entry permit. Please check with the hotel for safari rates and availability.

Safaris may operate during light rain, but heavy rains could cause temporary closures or cancellations. It’s best to check with the reserve authorities for weather-related updates before your safari.