Where every safari is a step closer to untamed beauty.
Madhya Pradesh has the treasure of the jungle safaris called the Panna National Park. From the year 2018, the tiger safari and spotting a Royal Bengal Tiger has been enhanced and promoted here that led to an unexpected increase in the tourist numbers after years. Since the famous Khajuraho is also nearby, hence the number visiting the temple has also increased. But if you are planning a safari trip to Panna National Park, then you must know about the park tourism infrastructure , that is about the gates, entry points, different zones, the location of the accommodation or resorts and its distance from the entry gate, the distances between entry gates and resorts, the locations of additional activities, etc. Here, we have included some helpful details on the different safari zones, their entrance gates, and well-known safari attractions on the way. This will help you make wise decisions and plan ahead.
The inner most zone is called the core zone which is the protected area as it prioritizes wildlife protection, very less human activity and less scope for tourism. The surrounding, transitional area known as the "Buffer Zone" allows for controlled human activity, tourism, and local community livelihoods while protecting the core habitat from unnecessary human interference.
The Core Zone is the protected heart of Panna Tiger Reserve and you can enter through Madla or Hinauta gates that offer the most authentic safari experience to spot Bengal tigers, leopards, and bears and spot in their natural habitat of dense forests. Being the oldest safari area, it enjoys great popularity among travelers. The majority of hotels are situated close to the Madla entry gate as well. Tourists are less likely to choose the Hinouta zone because it is located far from the major road and offers very few lodging options.
In the Panna National Park, Malda is one of the oldest and most popular zones. Many tourists love to come here because there is a very good chance of spotting a tiger with scenic views around. The operational season is from October to June. From here, you can start your safari, and it is most loved as people come here with the hope of seeing the Majestic Bengal Tiger. This area has plateau, green grassland, river banks and rocky steeps where its is easy to spot wide variety of wildlife including tigers, sloth bears, chinkara, sambar, nilgai, crocodiles, hyenas, vultures, and the Ken River that make the safari ride worth every moment you step inside.
This zone is known for its rocky, high-plateau landscape, and is excellent for spotting tigers and leopards. It is accessible from October to June and offers a diverse hilly terrain, grassy plains along with seasonal waterfalls. The population of predators like Tigers and Leopards, as well as Sloth Bears, Sambar, Nilgai, and vultures can be found here. The zone is also known for its herds of feral cattle and features a significant Elephant Camp. It is a birdwatcher's paradise and features the stunning Dhudwa Falls. The Ken River Lodge is conveniently located a short drive from the entry gate.
The land around the Core Zone is called the Buffer Zone. It acts as a friendly neighbour between the strict jungle and the nearby villages. This area is very important because it gives animals more space and helps prevent problems with people. Going on a safari here is a different but wonderful experience.
Jhinna is a buffer zone on the edge of Panna National Park, known for its wildlife and nearby villages. Open year-round, the Jinna buffer zone offers a distinct safari experience defined by the interplay of dense forest and human habitation. Visitors enter through Jhinna Gate and can explore both nature and local culture. A big attraction here is the Jhinna Night Safari Camp, which is run by villagers. With mud houses built in traditional style, it offers night safaris where animals like jackals, civets, hyenas, and sloth bears can often be spotted, and a good zone for spotting smaller felines like the Jungle Cat and the elusive Rusty-Spotted Cat.
Akola Zone became the third core zone of Panna National Park in October 2023. It is located along the Katni Panna route and is entered through the Akola Gate. It is accessible throughout the year which has open grass plains and a very low population where the village resides. These give clear views and excellent opportunities to view wildlife such as Tigers, Spotted Deer, Nilgai, and Hyena, but since there are fewer stay options nearby, it is less crowded with tourists.