Rise early this morning for a 5-hour private jeep safari in the hills of Panna National Park, which is very hot and dry, with much open exposed rock.
In the Indian epic, Mahabharata, it is said that upon being exiled Pandava brothers visited the waterfalls near the forest that is now Panna National Park. The Pandav Falls and Caves remain a beautiful spot where the pristine white-foam water flows towards the nearby Ken River.
Tiger sightings are few and far between in this park, which is better known for its leopard sightings. Sloth bears, nilgai, sambar and more than 200 different bird species can also be seen here - including the king vulture, blossom-headed parakeet, peregrine falcon and peacock. On a boat ride down the Ken River you may see crocodiles basking in the sun.
Best viewings are generally in the cooler months (December to March), when leopards and tigers are most active - but you need to take at least 4 game drives for a good chance of a sighting.
In the afternoon return to the park for another 3-hour private jeep safari before dinner.
Note: You will need to take your passport with you to enter the national park. Please note that we have no control over the driver and vehicle allocated to you, as this is done by the local park authorities according to a rota. In the winter months wear warm clothes, including woolly hats and gloves to protect you from the wind chill in your open vehicle.
Also do not expect this to be like an African safari, as there will be many jeeps in the park and fewer animals.
This reserve is closed every Wednesday afternoon, when only a morning game drive is offered. The park is also closed during the Holi & Diwali festivals, as well as during the monsoon season (July to early October).