Panna National Park is a tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh, close to Khajuraho. It has forest, flat hilltops, deep valleys and the Ken River. You can go on an open jeep safari to look for tigers, leopards, deer and many birds.
This guide shows you how to book a Panna safari, step by step. It also covers the gates, timings and cost. If you want a full trip with temples and a safari, see our Khajuraho tour packages.
Panna Safari: Quick Facts
Panna Safari Gates
The park has core gates and buffer gates. The core area is the main forest, where most tigers live. The buffer area is around it.
| Gate | Zone | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Madla | Core | Closest to Khajuraho (about 25 to 30 km). The most popular gate. |
| Hinauta | Core | Further from Khajuraho, on the Panna side. |
| Akola | Buffer | A good choice when the core gates are full. |
| Harsa | Buffer | Quiet, fewer jeeps. |
| Khajurikudar | Buffer | Quiet, good for birds and deer. |
Which gate should you choose? If you are staying in Khajuraho, Madla is the easiest. If the core is full, try a buffer gate like Akola.
Panna Safari Timings
There are two safaris a day: a morning safari and an evening safari. The time changes a little with the season.
| Season | Morning safari | Evening safari |
|---|---|---|
| October to February | About sunrise to 11 AM | About 3 PM to sunset |
| March to June | About sunrise to 10:30 AM | About 3:30 PM to sunset |
- The core area is closed on Wednesday evenings.
- The core area is closed from July to September (monsoon).
- Some buffer gates may stay open in the monsoon. Check before you plan.
Panna Safari Cost
The cost has three parts. The permit is paid when you book online. The jeep and guide are paid at the gate.
| Item | Cost (about) | Paid where |
|---|---|---|
| Safari permit (entry ticket) | Shown on the booking site | Online, when you book |
| Jeep (Gypsy) with driver | About ₹2,500 | At the gate |
| Guide (core zone) | About ₹480 | At the gate |
| Guide (buffer zone) | About ₹400 | At the gate |
Prices can change from season to season. The booking site shows the current permit price.
How to Book a Panna Safari Online
The official way to book is the Madhya Pradesh forest booking website, forest.mponline.gov.in.
- Step 1Go to forest.mponline.gov.in and choose Panna Tiger Reserve.
- Step 2Pick your date, the morning or evening safari and the gate (for example, Madla).
- Step 3Choose a full jeep (up to 6 people) or a single seat.
- Step 4Enter the name, age and ID card number of each person. Use the same ID you will carry on the day.
- Step 5Pay online and download your safari permit.
- Step 6On the day, reach the gate 30 minutes early with the permit and the same ID cards. Pay for the jeep and guide at the gate.
Note: Seats are limited for each gate and each safari. For October to March, book as early as you can. Single seats for the next day open one day before, at 2 PM, and these cannot be cancelled.
Don't want to do it yourself? We can book your Panna safari for you, along with the jeep, guide, hotel and car. Send your dates through mpforestonline.com or call us at +91 92850 11011. Want to see more of the state? Explore our Madhya Pradesh tour packages.
Animals You Can See in Panna
- Tiger: Panna lost all its tigers by 2009. Tigers were brought back from other parks, and today Panna is a big success story.
- Leopard, sloth bear, wild dog
- Deer: sambar, chital (spotted deer), nilgai, chinkara and four-horned antelope
- Birds: vultures, kingfishers, eagles and many more. Panna is very good for vultures.
- In the Ken River: gharials and crocodiles
Best Time for a Panna Safari
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| October to February | Cool and green. Pleasant for the whole family. |
| March to June | Hot, but animals come to water holes, so sightings are better. |
| July to September | Core area closed. |
Tips for Seeing a Tiger
- Take more than one safari if you can. Each safari is different.
- Morning safaris are often better. Animals are active in the cool hours.
- Keep quiet and listen for warning calls of deer and monkeys.
- Wear brown, green or khaki clothes. Avoid bright colours.
- Carry a cap, water and binoculars. In winter, carry a jacket for the morning.
Panna Safari with Khajuraho
Panna is so close to Khajuraho that you can do both in one trip. A good plan:
- Step 1Day 1: see the Khajuraho temples and the evening Light and Sound Show.
- Step 2Day 2: early morning safari at the Madla gate, then visit Pandav Falls or Raneh Falls.
- Step 3Day 2 evening: back to Khajuraho, or on to your next city.
Our Khajuraho Panna Tour Package follows this plan, with the safari, hotel and car included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I book a Panna National Park safari?
You can book it on the official forest booking website, forest.mponline.gov.in. You can also ask us to book it for you through mpforestonline.com or by phone.
How far is Panna National Park from Khajuraho?
The Madla gate is about 25 to 30 km from Khajuraho, about 40 minutes by car.
What is the cost of a Panna safari?
You pay the permit online, and at the gate you pay about ₹2,500 for the jeep and about ₹400 to ₹480 for the guide.
Is Panna National Park open in the monsoon?
The core area is closed from July to September. Some buffer gates may stay open.
Which is the best gate in Panna National Park?
Madla is the most popular core gate and the closest to Khajuraho. Akola is a good buffer gate.
Can I see a tiger in Panna?
Yes. Panna has a healthy tiger population today. Sightings are never sure, but your chances are good, especially in summer.
