Panna National Park – Panna Wildlife Sancturay
Panna National Park is a natural habitat for the wildlife population of tigers, leopards and elephants and is also a home to some of the rarest variety of green vegetation and flowers. Its habitat diversity has blessed it with a variety of fauna. It is a living paradise for big cats like tigers as well as for those animals on whom these tigers prey. It can thus succeed in becoming the most important tourism spot in India on account of the growing popularity of the Khajuraho.
These natural habitats of tiger and leopard simply give us the inspiration of promoting ecotourism so that we may in fact cause less damage to the environment as this may be a close step in recovering with the population of these wild animals. It also shall help us in preserving the wildlife and also its habitats. This may be called as best way to promote tourism and its development. It also encourages us to love and care for our nature and to preserve every aspect of it in its natural habitat. This also helps us to maintain an ecological balance in nature. Today it is in fact very important for man to understand that how can we stay symbiotically connected to the environment without causing it much damage and also promoting eco-tourism as it may be the only way by which we can actually benefit the tourism economically, socially and environmentally.
While speaking of the flora, it is important that we understand that this place has a very dry vegetation and teak due to the dry and hot climate of this region, coupled with the deep seated vindhyan soils. Most commonly two kinds of vegetation is known to be found here in this region – Grassland areas covering the entire Panna National Park and the Dry deciduous forest. Other kinds of vegetation that is widespread here may include thorny woodlands, riverlines, open woodlands, open grasslands, and tall grasses. Many tree species are found here which may include flora species like Tectona grandis, Madhuca indica, Diospyros melanoxylon, Anogeissus latifolia, Lannea coromandelica, Buchnania latifolia etc.
Elephant – Tigers, Deers and Antilopes are the most coomonly found wildlife here in this region. The permanent residents of this region are the Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris). There are many other animals that can be found here in this region which includes leopard (Panthera pardus), Wolf (Canis lupus), Wild dog (Cuon alpinus), Caracal (Felus caracal), and a few species of smaller cats.The rock escarpments are a very common habitat for the Sloth bear. They can be seen dwelling here in this region. Indian deers, Chital and Chowsingha are the most common dwellers of this region. In most of the open area and grasslands one can always spot a Nilgai or a Chinkara. They can also be spotted on the outer ring of the forest.
More than 200 bird species are known to be found here in this National park. Most of the birds migrate from other parts of the world to this region. The common species that an be seen here may include white necked stork, honey buzzard, king vulture, slaty-headed babbler, bar-headed goose, paradise flycatcher etc.
Other Tourist Attractions:
The National park is best known for its wildlife like the big cats and the deers and antilopes along with many different species of migratory birds. Apart from this the region is also known for it Diamond mines – Panna Diamond Mines.
The Pandav falls lie very close to the National Park area. The falls is the most preferred spot amongst the tourist visiting the National Park. One would never like to miss the site of the falls.
Rajgarh Palace is another famous attraction spot for the visitors in this National Park. One can always enjoy the historic view of the Palace.
Best time to visit
As most of the wildlife species and the birds can be spotted during the hot summer time, so this part of the year is the best time to visit Panna National Park. Winters may get very much colder with temperature falling much lower as comparable levels. Monsoon may continue from July to mid-September. So the period of January to May is the best time if anyone wants to visit the park and enjoy the beauty of it.