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Pench Tiger Reserve

Pench Tiger Reserve

wildlife park · Madhya Pradesh

Pench Tiger Reserve, straddling Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra along the Pench river, is the landscape that inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book.

State
Madhya Pradesh
Type
Wildlife Park

Pench Tiger Reserve, straddling Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra along the Pench river, is the landscape that inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. Its teak and sal forests are rich in tigers, leopards, wild dogs, gaur and abundant deer, and it was home to the celebrated Collarwali tigress, one of India's most prolific.

When to go

October to June is the safari season; the hot months bring the best tiger sightings, and the reserve closes during the monsoon.

Why visit

Track tigers through the forests that inspired Mowgli's world, enjoy excellent birdwatching, and explore a reserve that is scenic yet less crowded than some neighbours.

Cultural notes

Pench is closely tied to Kipling's Jungle Book, set in these very hills, and its Collarwali tigress became famous for raising an exceptional number of cubs.

How to reach

By Road: Pench is about 90 km from Nagpur, an easy drive to the main gates. By Air and Train: Nagpur has the nearest airport and major railway station.

Pench Tiger Reserve guide & itineraries

Shopping

Nagpur nearby is known for oranges; local haats sell tribal crafts and handlooms.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pench really the setting of The Jungle Book?
Yes, the forests of Pench are widely regarded as the landscape that inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book.
How do I reach Pench?
It is about 90 km from Nagpur, which has the nearest airport and railway station.

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