History of Pench National Park

Published on 28 Mar, 2025
History of Pench National Park

The Pench National Park has a rich and ancient history which is situated in the Seoni and Chhindwara region of  Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for the stories of the most-loved novel "The Jungle Book" written by Rudyard Kipling, based on Pench.

 

The History of Pench National Park

Pench National Park has a vivid and interesting history linked with old documents and folk tales. This park has been mentioned in a famous 16th century document “Ain-i-Akbari” written by Abu’l-Fazl ibn Mubarak, a court scholar of Mughal empire Akbar. This park is also believed to be the inspiration source for Rudyard Kipling’s famous wildlife story “The Jungle Book”.

 

Connection between Mowgli and Pench

The greatest historical significance of Pench National Park is connected with the story of Mowgli. In 1831, a child was caught near Satbawadi village (Seoni) who had grown up among bears and wolves. Based on this incident, Sir William Henry Sliman wrote a book "An account of wolves’ nurturing children in their dens", which perhaps inspired Rudyard Kipling to write "The Jungle Book".

 

Establishment and Development of Pench National Park

The Pench is located in the Chhindwara and Seoni districts of Madhya Pradesh and some part of it also falls in Maharashtra state. Initially, it was declared as a sanctuary. After this, after 10 years it got the status of National Park as the Pench National Park.

It was made a part of Project Tiger by keeping in mind the protection of forests and wildlife. Since then, it has been known as Pench Tiger Reserve. Whether you are a tiger lover or inspired by the beauty of nature, Pench National Park has something special for you. You can enjoy the beauty of strong tigers like big cats. 

 

Area and divisions of Pench Tiger Reserve

  • The total area covered by the Pench National Park – 758 sq. km.
  • Core Tiger Reserve Zone under the park – 293 sq. km.
  • Mowgli Pench Wildlife Sanctuary – 118 sq. km.
  • Pench River – This whole park is divided into two parts: Eastern and Western Zone.
  • There are 10 villages located in this park, out of which 1 village is inside the park and 9 are on the border.

 

The Speciality of Pench National Park

This Park is situated on the banks of the Pench River, which is an important water source for both Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The park's valleys, rivers and grasslands are home to many species like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Sambar, Nilgai, and Chital. During the 1970s and 1980s, this area became an important centre of conservation efforts.

Today, Pench National Park is a centre of attraction for tourists and wildlife lovers not only in India but around the world. The BBC documentary "Tiger: Spy in The Jungle" also brought it more fame.

 

Wildlife and its Conservation

Pench National Park is the home of rare and endangered species of animals. The wild animals Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Sambar, Nilgai, Chital, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, etc are found in this park. Due to the management and conservation of the forest, it is counted among the best managed National Parks in India.

If you are a lover of wildlife and nature, then Pench National Park can be a heavenly experience for you! This is one of the amazing wildlife parks that you can visit with your family, friends, or loved ones. Experience the symbol of successful wildlife conservation only with the Pench National Park which is just like a paradise for wildlife lovers. With us, you will enjoy an unforgettable tour experience of your life. 

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