After Bandhavgarh, I went on Tiger Safari in North India in Panna National Park. Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India. I did two very interesting safaris there and I also did several birdwatching trips in the surroundings of the park. A look back at this wonderful naturalist experience.
- Birdwatching cruise on the Ken River
- Jeep safari in Panna National Park on the trail of the tiger
- Birdwatching walk on foot
- How to get there?
- When is the best time for a safari in Panna?
- Where to sleep?
- With whom to go on a safari in India?
Birdwatching cruise on the Ken River
After settling into my lodge, The Sarai at Toria, I go on a trip on the Ken River for a two-hour birdwatching cruise. Not with a big boat, no, just a small rowing boat to be more discreet. Panna National Park and its surroundings are home to around 250 species of birds.
Throughout our walk, we will come across very small islets that are popular with birds. The first species we see is an Indian wagtail. It will circle around the boat for a while. Then, we come across a brown-necked cormorant for a few moments on a rock before it goes fishing. Besides, it is not the only one fishing in the area. A few villagers are feeling the fish with a net on a more than rudimentary boat, a truck inner tube.
A little far away, standing on a rock, an episcopal stork seems to be keeping watch. Perhaps it is wary of this Indian eagle owl that is watching us approach.
To finish the cruise, a beautiful festival of colors is offered to me: spotted-billed duck, Smyrna kingfisher, common kingfisher and pied kingfisher.
The walk is peaceful and ends with a splendid sunset.
Jeep Sarai in Panna National Park on the trail of the tiger
Today is a safari day in Panna National Park located 10 minutes from the lodge. With an area of 543 km², Panna has also been a tiger reserve since 1994. In 2009, no males were living in the park, all killed by poachers. The state of Madhya Pradesh with the support of WWF India has reintroduced males and females from the Kannah and Bandhavgarh parks. The operation seems to be working. Today, the tiger population is said to have increased to 35 individuals.
Several tigers are fitted with radio collars and are being tracked by WWF India. The jeep spends part of the morning following the WWF India team. A tiger is lurking on the other side of the river but it won’t move. So we leave them and explore other areas of the national park, particularly the tracks around Lake Kamanetalabt. At the lake, I am allowed to get out of the jeep. We can see a crocodile comfortably installed on the opposite bank. On our way back to the 4×4, we are surprised to see a young leopard moving in a tree through binoculars. I take a few photos despite the distance.
In the afternoon, we will explore the banks of the Ken River. We will see many sambars, axis deer, langurs, wild boars, other crocodiles and a few species of birds: Indian roller, blue peacock and a white-eyed buzzard.
Birdwatching walk
Before leaving Panna to visit the temples of Khajuraho, I was tempted by a short walk from the lodge to the village of Toria a few kilometers away. How right I was not to leave the place too early!
This morning, it is a festival of passerines: forest prinia, red-bellied bulbul, northern wheatear, bush babbler, golden-eyed stork, red-bellied brachypterus.
In a tree, plum-headed parakeets color the landscape. The species has an obvious sexual dimorphism: the males have plum-colored heads and the females have a slightly bluish gray head. Further away, Alexander parakeets pass above our heads.
A Smyrna kingfisher is hunting in a field. We approach the village. We cross it. The inhabitants are charming and curious. We chat with many villagers.
On the way back to the lodge, we see two spotted owls perched on a tree branch.
The journey continues north to Ranthambore National Park. On the way, I will stop at the temples of Khajuraho and Orchha.
How to get there?
International flight to Delhi then internal flight to Khajuraho.
When is the best time for a Tiger Safari in North India in Panna?
For your safari in Panna National Park, choose the months of March, April and May for the tiger and the leopard and the months of November to March for bird watching.
Where to sleep?
The Sarai at Toria lodge is beautifully located along the Ken River, just 10 minutes from the entrance to Panna National Park.
With whom to go on safari in India?
For your trip and safaris in India (including trekking or tourism activities), I advise you to send your request to us for make a perfect program with price.
Tiger Safari in North India in Panna National Park by Delighted Journey
