An unforgettable Jungle Experience
Panna National Park lies in the Vindhyachal Mountain Range that runs west to east of central India. It’s also referred to as the Emerald Forest because of its active diamond reserves, but the wildlife, dramatic landscapes and natural beauty of the Park are as precious as the diamonds found underground.
Besides breathtaking sightings of tigers crossing the winding Ken River, this region also boasts the ancient Khajuraho group of monuments. Today, this group of Hindu and Jain temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.
State Madhya Pradesh
Area 1500 SQ KM
Closest Airport Khajuraho
Distance 20 KM
Drive Time 25 Minutes
- National Park
- City with Airport
Highlights
What you can look forward to
Dramatic gorges.
The terrain is made up of three step plateaus with multiple steep gorges. The lower plateau drops abruptly into the Ken River valley, producing breathtaking 70-metre drops, some of which are nesting sites to five species of resident and migratory vultures.
Ruins.
The Park was once a hunting ground for the former princely states of Panna, Chhatarpur and Bijawar. Ruins of the abandoned hunting palace still lie within the core of the park.
Wildlife diversity.
The unique savannah and open woodland landscape of Panna is home to a healthy population of some of India's flagship species like the Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Chousingha (Four Horned Antelope), Desert Cat and Porcupine, that are seldom seen in other parts of the country.
Heritage
The ancient Khajuraho group of monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a short drive away from the Park.
Overview
Whether you explore Panna National Park by jeep or boat, you’re guaranteed a wonderful array of unique wildlife sightings and beautiful views of the lush forests and dramatic gorges.
Best time to go
November to mid-March – Dry, cool season
This is the best time to visit the Panna National Park. Dawn temperatures are cool, days are pleasant, and nights are cold. During this fall season, the native dry deciduous trees start to shed their leaves to prepare for the summer. December and January are the coldest months of the year, while March is the flowering season with flagship species like Butea Monosperma (also known as the Flame of the Forest or Bastard Teak) and Bombax Ceiba (Cotton Tree) in full bloom.
The migratory species of vultures arrive and begin to roost at the Dundhwa Seha cliffs. The famous vulture point is one of the designated areas where travellers can get off their game vehicles and admire the birds of prey gliding in the air.
The Ken River, which cuts through the park with the plateau on one side, and woodlands on the other, is a perennial river, providing a lifeline for the inhabitants during the drier months of the year.
Where you will stay
The Sarai at Toria is a small lodge consisting of 8 charming cottages built in the countryside. It’s a five-minute drive away from the main gate of Panna National Park and a 30-minute drive from the ancient temples of Khajuraho.
Designed by Eugene Pandala, an Indian architect known for earthy and ecologically sustainable designs, the cottage walls are made from mud and the roofs are thatched with dry grass. This offers the best natural insulation from the extreme outside temperatures. The interiors are earthy yet luxurious, a fantastic blend for travellers to experience a rural Indian household setting in the lap of luxury.
Get Inspired
Why we Love it
Culinary delights
The cuisine is inspired by co-founder and conservation biologist, Dr Raghu Chundawat’s, own family recipes. He oversees every meal served, offering guests delicacies of Madhya Pradesh and a selection of continental cuisine favourites.
Yoga
The lodge offers multiple locations for guests to enjoy yoga sessions curated by an in house instructor, along the Ken River.
The location
The 9-acre property is built on the banks of the Ken River, giving guests incredible views of one of India’s cleanest rivers, that flanks the property after cutting through the Panna National Park.
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