Pench National Park.

Pench Tiger Reserve, a lush teak forest spanning the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is named after the Pench River that winds through its core. Although it gained widespread recognition with the rise of wildlife tourism in 2002, its legacy stretches back much further—Rudyard Kipling famously drew inspiration from its wilderness to create the vivid setting of The Jungle Book. Even today, echoes of characters like Sher Khan and Baloo seem to linger in its storied woods.

The reserve encompasses the Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park, the Pench Mowgli Sanctuary, and a vast buffer zone. Covering 1,179 square kilometers, it features Southern Indian tropical moist and dry deciduous forests, predominantly composed of teak. Seasonal streams and ‘nallahs’ crisscross the terrain, sustaining a rich variety of life. As the Pench River begins to recede by late April, natural waterholes—known as dohs—become essential for survival, while the central Pench Reservoir serves as a critical water source during the dry season.

This riverine habitat draws large populations of herbivores, creating a prime hunting ground for tigers. While leopards are more commonly found along the reserve’s edges, they occasionally venture into its deeper woods. With its thriving predator-prey dynamics and vibrant ecosystems, Pench offers an unforgettable glimpse into the majesty of India’s wild heart.