Panna Safari - Best Way to Plan a Short Holiday in Madhya Pradesh

By JAGAT (06/May/25) Tucked away in Madhya Pradesh, Panna National Park stands as a lesser-explored gem among India’s wildlife reserves. Known for its dry deciduous forests, dramatic gorges, and the serene flow of the Ken River, Panna offers a diverse natural habitat that supports a wide variety of flora and fauna. Although not as famous as Kanha or Bandhavgarh, Panna has gained recognition for its successful tiger conservation efforts and its pristine wilderness. What makes Panna particularly appealing is its suitability for a short and refreshing getaway. Its compact area, well-organized safari structure, and proximity to popular tourist spots like Khajuraho make it perfect for weekend breaks or 2- to 3-day wildlife retreats. With quick access and a lower tourist footfall compared to other parks, travellers can enjoy a peaceful, uncrowded wildlife experience.

As more people in India seek short nature escapes, weekend safaris in Madhya Pradesh are gaining momentum. Panna stands out in this trend due to its accessibility, biodiversity, and the added bonus of cultural and scenic attractions in the surrounding region.

Panna national park is approximately 25 km from Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient temples and sculptures. Other nearby cities include -

• Satna, about 88 km away
• Jhansi, 183 km away
• Chhatarpur, 55 km away

The nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport, offering regular flights from Delhi and Varanasi. For train travellers, Satna and Khajuraho railway stations serve as convenient entry points. Roadways from Jhansi, Satna, and Chhatarpur provide direct access to the park, making it an easy and flexible destination for short holidays.

Safari Experience and Entry Gates in Panna

Visitors to Panna National Park can choose different slots of jeep safaris. Jeep safaris are available in morning and evening slots, offering two distinct experiences of the park’s wildlife and landscape. Safaris can be booked online in advance, ensuring a hassle-free entry on arrival. The number of vehicles is limited to preserve the tranquillity of the park, so prior reservation is highly recommended.

The Ken River Boat Ride is a unique offering that sets Panna apart from many other tiger reserves. Though not always available year-round, especially in the dry months, the boat safari adds a serene and adventurous element to your trip. It complements the jeep safari by covering a different zone of the park.

Panna National Park has two main entry gates: Madla Gate and Hinouta Gate. The Madla Gate, located near Khajuraho, is the most commonly used and well-equipped entry point. Each gate leads to different zones within the park, offering varied terrain and wildlife densities. While the Madla side is closer to the Ken River and provides chances to spot aquatic species and predators alike, the Hinouta zone is known for its rugged cliffs and dry forest landscapes. Exploring both gates on different safari rides can give visitors a well-rounded perspective of the park’s ecosystem.

Other Attractions Near Panna Safari

• Beyond wildlife, Panna offers a host of natural and cultural attractions that enrich the holiday experience. Just a short drive from the park, Pandav Falls and Caves, which is a breathtaking natural waterfall surrounded by forest, is believed to be linked to the legends of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
• Another spectacular site is Raneh Falls, a seasonal waterfall that cascades over a canyon of colourful granite rocks, perfect for photography and nature walks.
• Close to Panna, the Ken Gharial Sanctuary provides an opportunity to see the endangered gharial, a fish-eating crocodile species, in its natural riverine habitat. This lesser-known sanctuary is a peaceful addition to a wildlife itinerary and is particularly rewarding for birdwatchers and reptile enthusiasts.
• Perhaps the most iconic attraction nearby is Khajuraho, just 25 km away. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of India’s finest medieval temples, renowned for their architectural brilliance and intricate sculptures. Combining a Panna national park safari with a cultural visit to Khajuraho allows travellers to enjoy the best of Madhya Pradesh’s natural and historical heritage in a short span of time.