Panna Tiger Reserve sits in the Vindhya Hill ranges, characterized by extensive plateaus, gorges, ravines, and the Ken River flowing through it. The landscape combines dry teak forest, mixed deciduous forest, open grasslands, and riverine habitat — with notable waterfalls formed by the Ken River dropping through the Vindhyan rock formations. The reserve is also adjacent to Khajuraho — the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Open Season: October 15 to June 30
• Weekly Closure: Wednesday evening safari closed across all zones
Wildlife
Bengal Tiger — Panna's recovering tiger population is concentrated in the core zones along the Ken River corridor. Leopard — frequently sighted in rocky terrain and deep forest patches across all zones. Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, and Chowsingha are present throughout. Over 200 bird species have been recorded including five species of vultures — one of the highest vulture concentrations in a single tiger reserve in India.
Safari Zones
Panna Tiger Reserve has three safari zones — Madla, Hinouta, and Akola.
Zone: Madla
Dense dry teak forest, open grasslands, and riverine terrain. Highest tiger sighting frequency in the reserve. Pandava Falls and Pandava Cave accessible from this zone.
Zone: Hinouta
Rocky and dry terrain with gorges and ravines — ideal for spotting wild cats. Good tiger and leopard sighting.
Zone: Akola
Core zone and prime tiger habitat with good wildlife sighting opportunities. Limited accommodation and tourist infrastructure nearby.
Safari and Permits
Safari Timings
Two safari sessions operate daily — morning and evening. Arrive at the gate at least 45 minutes before your scheduled entry time.
Oct 1–Nov 30
6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Dec 1–Feb 28/29
7:00 AM – 10:30 AM
2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Mar 1–Apr 30
6:30 AM – 10:00 AM
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
May 1–Jun 30
5:30 AM – 9:30 AM
3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Vehicle Types
Jeep (Full Vehicle): 6-seat open jeep. Entire vehicle can be booked by a group.
Jeep (Single Seat): Individual seat booking in a shared jeep. Guide and driver shared across the vehicle.
Canter (Single Seat): A 20-seat open vehicle with shared booking only. It is more economical per seat.
Guide is mandatory on every safari. Guide and vehicle charges are paid separately at the gate on safari day and are NOT included in the online permit fee.
Permit Booking
All safari permits are booked through the official Madhya Pradesh Forest Department portal. There is no authorized alternative.
• Official Booking Portal: forest.mponline.gov.in
• Advance Booking: Opens daily at 11:00 AM for the date 120 days ahead.
• Premium Tatkal: Opens 7 days before safari date at 11:00 AM.
Foreign National ID: Passport required at booking and at the gate. The same original ID used for booking must be carried.
Entry Fees
Fees below are permit fees for Session 2025–26. Vehicle and guide charges are paid separately at the gate.
Full Vehicle — Core
• Normal date: ₹5,280 + Portal fees
• Premium date: ₹6,600 + Portal fees
Single Seat — Core
• Normal date: ₹880 + Portal fees
• Premium date: ₹1,100 + Portal fees
Full Vehicle — Buffer
₹1,320 + Portal fees
Premium dates apply to core zones only — weekends and selected public holidays carry a 25% surcharge. Portal fees is approximately ₹50.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation allowed one day before safari date before 5:00 PM. Cancellation amount calculated as per slab on department fees plus ₹100 cancellation charge.
Premium Tatkal: No cancellation, reschedule, or add-on permitted under any circumstances.
Reschedule: Cancellation after reschedule is not permitted.
There is no refund for cancellations due to weather, rain, or natural causes.
Getting There
Khajuraho is the access city for Panna Tiger Reserve and is approximately 25 km from Khajuraho. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes and transport info below.
Panna Tiger Reserve Access City — Khajuraho
Rail Station: Khajuraho Railway Station (KURJ)
Airport: Khajuraho Airport (HJR)
Bus Terminal: Khajuraho Bus Stand
Travel to Khajuraho by train, flight, or bus and hire a taxi to Madla gate — approximately 25 km. Khajuraho Airport (HJR) has scheduled domestic services.
India Manual is produced by Intodia. All content follows a continuous review cycle and is free from commercial influence, ads, or any affiliate arrangements. All fees and charges listed on this page are applicable to foreign nationals only.
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