Tiger Safari at Pench Resort

Author: Uday Patel

Situated in Madhya Pradesh a State often called as heart of India, Pench National Park is a tiger heaven. A large number of big cats thrive in the jungle besides many other mammals, reptiles and birds. The ecosystem thrives due to its lifeline the Pench River and numerous water bodies. The Totlah Doh Dam is hub of aquatic creatures’ fish, reptiles and wetland bird species comprising of winter arrival as well. But the guest focus is on tiger sightings and they are the best here.

Mowgli Land is home to a number of deer and antelope species like the spotted deer, sambar, baring deer, nilgai antelope, four horned antelope, and Indian gazelle. The endangered and rare Indian wolf is another predator in the reserve but keeps to the outer ring of the jungles called buffer zone.

Mowgli once frolicked over here now kept live by the Jungle Book. His escapades are still recounted, kindled by the memory of visit to the National Park or the movie Jungle Book. Tourists flock here in large number from overseas and all over the country. Protected under the aegis of Project Tiger Program the jungles have become a flourishing ecosystem. Tigers breed well here and so do many mammals the cynosure of visitors.

To facilitate safari large number of resorts in the jungle are the main stay of tourism. They assist in booking permits for safari, organize birding trips and most of all provide a comfortable stay.

The three star jungle resorts in Pench are equipped for accommodation and wildlife activities. The accommodations in the reserve differ from urban properties being in confines of the dense jungles and catering to wildlife watching and birding visitors. Their primary goal is to provide comfort and modern amenities for a stay in the confines of the preserve. But their secondary role which is equally important is to provide an exciting and memorable adventure experience. They are active in organizing well planned excursions in the park and bird watching in the core zone and outside as well. With plenty of big cats and avian species these are the most popular activities.

With the naturalist help the resorts organize nature trails and walks to make the excursions in the jungle holistic. Hence naturalists play an important role in making your wildlife holiday exciting, informative and memorable. For jungle resorts providing interpretation of the ecosystem is highly appreciated but this is done only by the star and luxury properties. They are also good at providing recreation in the remote jungles to their guests. Indoor and out door games, tribal dance, camp fires, village tours, bush dinners are some of the recreations that guest can except. Budget hotels restrict themselves to providing economical stay and food. Travel services and extended package tours are also organized by the upscale properties to the visitors.

The reserve is divided between two states which are Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The jurisdictions of forests belong to these states but they are well connected. Separate game ride or tiger safari is organized by each state in their respective area. Though rules and regulations for excursions are nearly the same, the booking is done through the respective state portals. It is important to book permits in advance for the core zone as they can be fully booked whence you arrive. Without permits you will not be allowed to enter core zone for excursions in the Mowgli Land.