Experiences in Pench National Park

We adopt a range of conservation efforts to give back to the local community at Pench.

A Nature Trail in the wilderness is ideal for adventurers looking for a closer communion with nature. Be it the nature trails offered in the buffer zone of the park or a leisurely nature walk, it is an opportunity to get acquainted with the smaller creatures. Butterflies, dung beetles scurrying about and multitudes of wildflowers are a few of the many delights best discovered on foot. Pench is a teak forest which is an advantage of sorts when walking on a nature trail in the buffer area. The teak trees are sans leaves for most of the year and poor undergrowth enables better visibility through the forest. Accompanied by naturalists who are excellent trackers, guests get an intimate understanding of nature and animal behaviour. Large middens or communal toilets of Blue bulls; the naturalist will explain, are one of the ways for these antelopes to mark territory. Deep scratch marks high on a tree trunk would mean the party were walking on a tiger’s turf. After an exciting nature walk, guests delight in getting back on familiar ground and being welcomed with cold towels and a refreshing drink.

Twice daily safaris are conducted by expert naturalists in specially designed 4X4 vehicles with theatre style seating. Morning safaris start shortly after sunrise. Along with the thrill of tiger tracking, is a memorable stop for a picnic breakfast. Afternoon safaris last a couple of hours and end at sunset. A safari drive in Pench is a study in contrasting habitats made very interesting by the interpretation of an expert naturalist on the importance and role of each region. While the rocky areas have been known to have good leopard sightings, the riverside offers panoramic views and many birds to tick off. Tree hollows are favoured roosting spots for the Indian Scops Owl. They sit unmoving and so well camouflaged that it usually takes the trained eyes of a naturalist to point them out. Jungle owlet and the Spotted Owlet are some of the other smaller owls seen frequently on a safari. Some of the biggest herds of spotted deer and Gaur are seen grazing on succulent grasses along the backwaters of the Pench National Park. In recent years the boost in tiger numbers has made them more visible, leading to some excellent tiger spotting for visitors in the park. Malabar pied hornbills perched usually in twos on dry branches make for a lovely photograph.

A stop on the migratory route of several waterfowl, Pench is a bird-watcher’s delight. Over one hundred and seventy species of resident and migrant birds have been recorded here – spotted owlets blink in tree hollows, ospreys and eagles swoop about, and the wetlands are thick with little grebes, darters and herons.

Cycle or walk through Turia Village, past lush fields and find yourself at the tranquil Kohka Lake. Ask the hotel to organise a picnic hamper and watch the waterbirds as the setting sun colours the sky hues of orange.

For the adventurous youngsters with a love for all things wild, our Budding Naturalist Programme is an interactive curriculum. Usually spanning three to four days, the programme can be tweaked depending on the duration of stay. From early morning nature walks and safaris to late evening ‘frogging’ and star gazing sessions, this program covers as many aspects of the wild to get the young brigade on the go early on. At the end of the programme, the children go back with a new appreciation of the natural world, a certificate, a plethora of adventure stories and a feather in their hats.

The dominant tribal community around Pench are the Gond, who dwell in immaculate little hamlets comprising wooden structures plastered with cow dung and clay. A leisurely stroll in the villages of Kohka or Khambrit allows guests a peek into an idyllic rural life. Alternatively, a visit to a potter’s village makes for a most interesting afternoon. The Panchdhaar village is half an hour’s scenic drive away from the Baghvan lodge. The potter’s wheels are set up in courtyards or verandas of their homes. The inhabitants of this place are affable people who welcome guests to watch or try their hand at making a pot. Communal baking of pots takes place at the edge of the village. Sun dried earthenware is stacked several feet high with layers of dried grasses and wood in between. The fire is lit usually after sundown when it is cooler as well as for the practical reason of being able to spot sparks and flames faster in the dark. Being located not far from the highway, the potters find a ready market for their pots in nearby Nagpur. Guests can buy artistic terracotta bowls and vases as keepsakes.

The Taj Safari lodge in Baghvan is located in pristine jungle environments, where guests have the luxury of viewing a vast expanse of very starry skies. After a day of adventure and excitement in the jungle, watching the brilliant night sky is a very relaxing activity. The constant North Star and the Milky Way are especially exciting to young guests. Listen to interesting trivia and stories as naturalists acquaint you to the life of the night sky.

Dinner by the poolside is one of the most tranquil experiences at this safari lodge. The crisp night air is pleasant and the lanterns cast a reflection on the water adding to the charm of the evening. Tables for each set of guests are placed around the pool and served by attentive butlers. It is an unhurried experience as guests enjoy a sumptuous meal ending with traditional Indian desserts and soothing camomile tea.

A large old Mahua tree with sprawling branches provides a perfect canopy for a lantern lit dinner. crackling bonfire. Live food counters are placed in a semi-circle and whiffs of delicate aromas rise from the grill. Guests enjoy delicious canapés and swap stories with an eclectic mix of guests from around the world, before settling down to an elaborate dinner under the stars.

A covered wooden deck along the dry river bed running parallel to the Pench national park is one of the most exciting dining venues. One can often spot deer and jackals that use the riverbed as a pathway. An array of Indian street food is served from a hand cart for appetisers, while hot breads are served directly from the tandoor to pair with succulent kebabs, curries and lentils. Chefs explain the dishes and the therapeutic effects of various ingredients. Guests are thrilled to hear night jars or the occasional hoot of a barn owl from the jungle while dining in the safety of the deck.

A sumptuous breakfast is set up on the safari vehicle bonnet deep in the jungle. Freshly baked muffins and cookies along with sandwiches, fresh fruit and hot kathi rolls are washed down with freshly plunged coffee and a selection of teas. A perfect refuelling for the rest of the morning safari.

A romantic dinner at Baghvan is a phenomenon best experienced. Each Guest bungalow has an open wooden deck overlooking the forest, forming an intimate spot for a romantic dinner. A table for two is laid out complete with a snowy table cloth and tea light candles. Service by a private butler is efficient yet unobtrusive. A perfect evening of peace, excellent service and delicious fare with no time frame for guests to savour the experience.