The Panna National Park is 32 kms away from famous
temple city of Khajuraho in a back drop of a large dense forest belt forming
the northern fringe of the natural Teak forest, with an area of 553 sq. kms
spreading along the banks of the River Ken for a length of about 50 kms.
Location
The Panna National Park is a part of Chattarpur district of the Indian
state of Madhya Pradesh which is also known for its precious Diamond
Reserves. Being in the center of India its well linked with rest of the
major cities.
Climate
Summers are too hot and at times the mercury touches around 40 c, though
this is the time when one has the maximum chances of encountering the
exclusive wildlife of this park. Winters are cold and comfortable and the
temperature generally remains under 25°C. Monsoon touches this region
in July and continues till mid-September.
History
Legend has it that the Pandavs of Mahabharat stayed here in the forests of
the Panna National Park when they were send on a exile. Earlier the park was
the private hunting region of the royal family of Panna. After independence,
the park was declared a wildlife sanctuary and in the year 1981 it was given
National Park recognition.
Fauna
Panna National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. The mighty Tiger, the
lithe and graceful panther, the rare and endangered caracal, a cousin of the
extinct Cheetah are believed to have their habitat here. The park also
houses the members of the deer family. The graceful little Chinkara or
Indian Gazelle, the Sambar, largest of the Indian Deer with magnificent
horns, and the lovely Cheetals which moves through the park in herds, the
Chowsingha or the four horned antelope is a pleasure to watch. The mail
scavenging mammals are the hyena and jackal whereas the sloth bear is an
omnivore.
The river attracts a number of avian species, storks, teals, pintails, pond
herons, egrets are among the water birds, whereas the peafowl, jungle fowl,
spur fowl, partridges and quails are the common ground laying birds. Green
pigeons and rock pigeons are also numerous. Rollers, bee-eaters, drongos,
warblers, kingfishers, woodpeckers, finches, orioles and fly-catchers are
represented by several species. Eagles and kites are the birds of prey,
whereas the vulture are seavengers. Several species of owls, owlets and
night jars, represent the birds of the night.
