About Pench

Madhya Pradesh

PenchPench
Jamtara GateJamtara Gate
Karmajhiri GateKarmajhiri Gate
Pench RiverPench River
Pench Tiger ReservePench Tiger Reserve
Turia GateTuria Gate

Overview

Pench is the safari area around Pench Tiger Reserve on the Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra border, the teak forest and river landscape linked with Kipling's The Jungle Book. On the Madhya Pradesh side, lodges gather near the Turia gate off the Nagpur to Jabalpur highway, with the Karmajhiri and Jamtara gates further into the forest. Jeep safaris in the core and buffer are the main reason to visit, and the short drive from Nagpur makes Pench one of the easiest tiger reserves to reach. Stay close to your booked gate and plan at least two drives.

Best Time to Visit Pench

Plan your trip around the right season

Oct-JunBest Window

Why visit

Core zones are open from 1 October to 30 June. March to June brings the best tiger sightings as animals gather at waterholes; November to February is cool and green.

Keep in mind

Winter holidays and long weekends sell out core permits early, and April to June afternoons are very hot.

How to Reach Pench

Intercity connectivity and travel options

Nagpur airport and railway station are about 90 km from Turia gate by road via Khawasa.

Getting Around Pench

Local transport and practical tips

Local transport

Safari gypsies with forest guides leave from the gates; lodges arrange pickups from Nagpur.

Best Areas to Stay in Pench

Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip

Turia

Safari focused stays

Most lodges and resorts are within a few kilometres of the Turia gate, the busiest entry to the core.

Karmajhiri and Jamtara side

Quieter stays

A few quieter lodges near the other two core gates, further from the highway.