Pench National Park.

Pench National Park, a lush teak forest spanning Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, takes its name from the Pench River that bisects it. While the park gained significant attention with the rise of wildlife tourism in 2002, its fame predates this era. Rudyard Kipling found inspiration in its wilderness, immortalizing it as the setting for his beloved “Jungle Book.” Even today, the park resonates with echoes of Sher Khan and Baloo, bringing this classic tale to life.

This Southern Indian tropical moist deciduous forest covers 758 square kilometers, interspersed with patches of dry deciduous teak. Numerous streams and seasonal ‘nallahs’ crisscross the landscape. Although the Pench River recedes by late April, ‘dohs’ or water pools provide vital sustenance for wildlife. The Pench Reservoir, centrally located, remains the primary water source during drier periods.

The Pench River attracts a high concentration of prey, making it a favored hunting ground for tigers. Leopards, while typically found in the park’s periphery, are also occasionally sighted deeper within the forest. This diverse ecosystem, rich in prey and predators, offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking a glimpse of India’s iconic wildlife.