BlogDigital Detox in the Wild: Reconnect with Nature at Rukhad Jungle CampWinter (Oct–Feb)
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Explore the Wild at
Pench National Park
Straddling the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Pench Tiger Reserve, popularly known as Pench National Park, is a gem of central India’s wild heart. Named after the meandering Pench River that flows through it, the park is best known for inspiring Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book—making it a forest of stories as much as of species.
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tigers
Teak Forests and River Trails
Dhole Territory
Land of the Elusive Leopard
Birdwatcher's Paradise
Winter
Summer
Monsoon
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Your Gateway to the Wild – Pench National Park
A Jungle Tale Brought to Life – Pench National Park
Step into the forest that inspired The Jungle Book. Pench National Park offers an enchanting blend of dry teak forests, open grasslands, and meandering rivers teeming with life. Every safari echoes with the stories of Mowgli’s wild companions.
Birdwatcher's Paradise
With over 280 bird species, Pench is an avian delight. From Indian rollers and paradise flycatchers to raptors and waterfowl, the forest is filled with song and color. Whether it’s a morning chorus or an owl call at dusk, birding here is both peaceful and electrifying.
Land of the Elusive Leopard
While tigers dominate headlines, Pench quietly excels as a leopard sanctuary. These spotted predators favor the rocky outcrops and thick underbrush, often seen in early mornings or late afternoons. Their stealthy presence adds a thrilling edge to every safari.
Dhole Territory – Wild Dogs in Action
Few places in India offer reliable sightings of the dhole—Indian wild dogs. Pench is a stronghold for these rare, red-coated predators known for their intelligence, social behavior, and pack hunting techniques. Watching a coordinated hunt is a true wilderness spectacle.
Teak Forests and River Trails
At the heart of Pench flows the serene Pench River, dividing the forest into rich ecological zones. The mix of dry deciduous teak, shrubs, and riverbanks creates a perfect habitat for large mammals, birds, and reptiles. Safari drives often follow river routes where animals come to drink, giving visitors an unmatched view of wildlife in motion.
The Real Jungle Book Awaits
Step into the world that inspired The Jungle Book. Pench’s legendary teak forests and open meadows mirror the very scenes imagined by Kipling. Every turn feels like a walk with Mowgli, Bagheera, and Baloo, making this park an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, families, and literary explorers alike.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (Mar–June)
Fewer tourists and higher chance of spotting predators at waterholes.
Monsoon (July–Sept)
Core zones close, but buffer zones bloom with lush greenery and unique flora sightings.
Plan Your Next Adventure with Us
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Experiences & Activities
Choose from a wide array of interesting adventurous & culinary experiences.
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Jeep Safaris
Jeep safaris are a perfect way to witness the magnificence of Pench Tiger Reserve, the same forests that inspired the tales of Mowgli. The game drives can be done either in the mornings at sunrise (morning safari) or in the afternoons until the sunset (evening safari). The timings of the park are decided by the park authorities and change with season. The vehicle used for game drives is a 4x4 jeep with an open top, fitted with elevated seats to give you a panoramic view of the wildlife. Experience a picnic style breakfast in the jungles during your morning drive while the evening drives are followed by the high tea once you are back at the lodge. We have an in house team of experienced naturalists, well versed with Hindi and English, who can be reserved to escort you on your safari. Both the jeep safaris and our in-house naturalists have to be booked in advance. If you have any special areas of interest regarding the flora and fauna, do let us know at the time of the booking so that our naturalists and park guides will try their best to include it during your game drives. For further details about the game drives at Pench National Park, Things to Know About Jeep Safari at Pench National Park Timings of Jungle Safaris Winters (October to February): Morning Safari: 06:30 am to 11:00 am
Night Safaris
The setting sun makes way for the calmness of the night, making forests appear very different. The night safari offers you opportunity to see some species that usually elude us or may get missed during the day like wolves and jackals. One also gets a chance to see the nocturnal animals, their hunting patterns when they are most active. Other animals that are usually spotted are sambhar deer, spotted deer, nilgai and numerous nocturnal birds. It is conducted in the buffer zone of Pench Tiger Reserve and no prior bookings are needed as they are done on the spot itself. Buffer zone is the forest area that surrounds the periphery of the core area of the national park. Due to the absence of any lights, this is also a perfect location for star gazing. The duration of the night safari is 3 hours: 6pm – 9pm.
Star Bed
Sleep under the star spangled sky, surrounded by the natural forests. Inspired by the ‘machaans’ of yesteryears, which were elevated structures used for viewing wildlife, we have built a ‘machaan’ - platform on stilts, inside our very own ecological park. Spread over an area of 38 acres of natural forest undisturbed from any human interference, the park acts as a wildlife corridor. One can often spot Nilgai, Wild boars, Jungle Cats, Wild Dogs, Spotted Deer, Jackals and an occasional leopard or tiger too. The machaan inside this eco park houses a double bed/ two single beds under the open night sky. After an early dinner, you will be escorted by our in-house guide to the machaan who will wait for you to settle in. As the night descends on the forests engulfing them in darkness, you rely a lot on your hearing. The sounds of nocturnal birds can be heard at a distance interspersed with the alarm calls announcing the movement of a predator like tiger or leopard. You can stay here for the duration of the night and wake up to the sound of birds chirping at the crack of dawn as the night sky slowly gives way to the morning sun. Alternatively, if you prefer to spend a couple of hours on the machaan to experience the thrill of the jungle at night but prefer to return back to the cocoon of your room to snuggle in, all you need to do is call the guide who is within the hearing distance. He will escort you back to your room. The experience is in line with our philosophy of providing authentic wildlife experiences that help our guests reconnect with nature. What better way to add to your vacation than sleeping under the starlit sky surrounded by the jungles.
Bicycle Safaris
In line with our philosophy of creating low impact on the area, we also offer cycling safaris. The short cycling tours are designed to cater to the guests depending upon their interests and fitness levels. To design and execute this experience we have partnered with a group of professional cyclists who run longer, multi-day cycling safari excursions in and around Pench as well as Kanha National Park. Professional grade bikes, helmets, along with knee guards too are provided for safety. The group is led by experienced cyclists. We are happy to customise this experience for you as per your interests. Do get in touch with us for details on the same.
Rukhad Excursion
Rukhad, earlier known as Bison sanctuary serves as a buffer zone of Pench National Park. What sets Rukhad apart from other zones is that it also connects Pench National Park with Kanha National Park, thus serving as a corridor for wildlife between the two forest reserves. Unlike other areas of Pench National Park, Rukhad is open throughout the year and does not get closed during the monsoon season of July to September. The primarily teak and bamboo trees provide a perfect backdrop to experience the teeming wildlife in these forests. 1. Cycling Tour This excursion is for passionate wildlife and adventure seekers who want to move beyond the traditional jeep safaris to explore the jungles of Central India. The guided cycling tour starts from Pench Jungle Camp after an early breakfast in the morning and finishes at Sakata forest lodge. Covering a distance of appx. 45 kms, you cross through village hamlets and enter the forests. The tour ends in the afternoon at Sakata Forest Lodge, a colonial era rest house built inside the forest. Enjoy the delicious hot lunch after which you can opt for a jeep safari and then ride back to the lodge. 2. Drive to Rukhad Enjoy the lush landscapes of Rukhad as you spend a morning or an evening drive. This tour is for the people who wish to enjoy the forests of Rukhad without the additional physical exertion. You leave Pench Tree Camp in the morning and explore the forests of Rukhad on a jeep safari. 3. Overnight stay in the Forest at ‘Machaan’ A truly immersive, one of a kind experience that lets you stay inside the forest for the night. Inspired by the ‘machaans’ of the yesteryears, we have built a small cottage on top of the machaan inside the Rukhad sanctuary. This is done to provide safety and comfort. Your experience starts with a drive from the lodge to the gates of Rukhad Sanctuary followed by a guided nature walk until you reach the machaan for an overnight stay. The dinner comprises of piping hot food served by our team. Listen to the sounds of the forests at night or see the nocturnal wildlife at a distance as you stay cocooned inside. This experience allows you to experience the jungle in a most intimate manner. It truly doesn’t get better than this!
Star Gazing
Discover the magic of starry nights unobstructed from the pollution and the city lights. Learn about the various constellations or simply observe the moon, the Milky way and other celestial bodies. An experience that enrapts, causes a sense of self reflection and is bound to leave you with a sense of wonder at the vastness of this universe. At the lodge, we pride ourselves on the state of the art telescopes which can be set up in the designated areas of the lodge itself or be a part of your night safari as per the request.
Children's Special
At Pench Jungle Camp, we recognise the importance of engaging with children. Apart from creating great vacation memories, it also helps them to nurture deep affection and appreciation towards nature and wildlife. In an era where gadgets have replaced outdoor games, we offer a gamut of activities which engage the young 1. Educational walks with naturalists Short interesting walks with expert naturalists to know about nature and wildlife. Depending upon their age, the naturalist shares interesting facts about the animal kingdom and the forests of Pench with them after-all these are the same forests that inspired Kipling to pen down the tales of Mowgli. 2. Treasure Hunt Discover the joys of treasure hunt. The children use the books in the libraries to have their own Indiana Jones moment as they seek the treasures hidden across the lodge’s vast estate. It involves puzzles, running around and laughter. 3. Picnics Let your young ones experience the joys of old school picnics done amidst nature. Our chefs pack a picnic basket with snacks and fruits for them to truly relish this experience. 4. Cookie Making and Sharing Ever eaten a cookie dough? There’s a reason that’s now even an ice cream flavour! Let our chef’s team guide the children for a cookie making experience. It is usually followed by the visit to the village where the children can share their proudly made cookies with others. 5. Face Painting Children can experience caricatures of their favourite animals painted on their faces and hands.
Sundowners
Unwind amidst the beauty of the setting sun near the serene waters of Khoka lake. Witness the calmness with the birds returning to their nests to roost, as you leave the drudgery of the city-life behind. A time for leisurely conversations and shared moments with your loved ones as you relish the delicious snacks and drinks especially prepared for you by our in-house chef.
Guided Bird & Nature Trail
Join us for guided birding and nature trails to understand the park intimately. We conduct them in certain identified trails around the park (in buffer areas) or inside the forested area of the lodge itself. Due to the vast natural forested estate with negligible human interference, the lodge itself is a treasure trove for birding enthusiasts. Our naturalists have recorded a variety of species of birds in the lodge itself. Nature trails usually involve a leisurely walk of 3-4 kms and the activity duration ranges from 1-2 hours depending upon the guests.
Special Moments
Surprise your partner with a special gourmet experience. Choose from a host of romantic personalised dining setups including multiple course dinner at gazebo, candlelight meal by the poolside or a high tea by the lakeside. These moments are designed to provide you privacy in a romantic setting with dedicated butler looking after all your culinary needs. These experiences can also be extended to involve a group of friends and family. To craft such experiences, reach out to our travel experts.
Alfresco Culinary Experiences
At Jungle Camps, we pride ourselves on the culinary experiences in a variety of outdoor settings. The meals are designed to take you on a culinary journey as you explore the central India through its gastronomical language. The meals are freshly prepared from the local produce sourced either from the kitchen garden or from the nearby farmers. The end result being the delectable, wholesome meals. Some of the alfresco experiences which can be hosted on request include: Meals at the gazebo Candlelit dinner by the poolside Barbecue evenings under the night sky by the bonfire Outdoor breakfasts Special bush dinners
OUR NATURALISTS
At Jungle Camp India's Wildlife Lodges, a team of knowledgeable naturists, deeply passionate about wildlife and biodiversity, enhance every experience for the discerning traveler. These experts bring a wealth of understanding and enthusiasm to each journey, whether it's a thrilling safari or a serene nature walk.
Prabhir Patil "Pat"
Samrat Godambe
Surendra Singh Rathore
how to get here?
Pench Tiger Reserve comprises the Indira PriyadarshiniPench National Park, the Pench Mowgli Sanctuary and a buffer. The Tiger Reserve nestles in the Southern Slopes of the Satpura ranges of Central India. The river Pench, which splits the National Park into two, forms the lifeline of the Park. To the south of the tiger reserve lies the Pench Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra, the first inter-state project tiger area of the country.
Tehsil - Kurai, District Seoni, Avarghani, Madhya Pradesh 480881
get directions
Pench Tiger Reserve has three entry point (Gate) namely, Turia, Karmajhiri, Jamtara Nearest Railway Station: Jabalpur, Chhindwara& Nagpur Nearest Airport: Nagpur
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pench National Park located? +
Pench National Park is located in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, and partly in Maharashtra, India.
What is the best time to visit Pench National Park? +
The best time to visit is from October to June, with February to April being ideal for wildlife sightings.
What animals can be spotted in Pench National Park? +
Pench is home to Bengal tigers, leopards, Indian bison (gaur), wild dogs, jackals, deer species, and over 250 species of birds.
Are safaris available in Pench National Park? +
Yes, jeep safaris are available for morning and evening slots and must be booked in advance online or through your hotel/resort.
How can I book a safari in Pench National Park? +
Safaris can be booked via the official Madhya Pradesh Forest Department website or through local tour operators and resorts.
Is Pench National Park suitable for children and families? +
Yes, the park offers a safe and educational experience for families, with kid-friendly nature walks and resort activities.
What are the main entry gates of Pench National Park? +
The key entry gates are Turia Gate, Karmajhiri Gate, Jamtara Gate, and Rukhad Gate.
Is Pench National Park open all year round? +
The park is generally closed during the monsoon season (July to September) and reopens in October.
Is Pench National Park the setting for The Jungle Book? +
Yes, Pench is believed to have inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book due to its dense forest and rich wildlife.
The Jungle Book
Stories and whispers from lands far away, hidden away, concealing tantalizing tales… Jungle Camps India brings you stories of travel, of love, of exciting journeys far and near.
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