Pench Tiger Reserve, a captivating landscape straddling Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and, of course, its healthy tiger population. Like other prominent tiger reserves, Pench is divided into core and buffer zones, each offering a distinct safari experience. Understanding these zones will help you plan your visit effectively and maximize your chances of memorable wildlife encounters.

The Sanctum Sanctorum: Core Zones of Pench

The core zones are the heart of the tiger reserve, receiving the highest level of protection and boasting the most significant wildlife populations. Entry to these zones is strictly regulated with permits required in advance.

Madhya Pradesh Side:

• Turia Zone: Arguably the most popular and well-known zone in Pench (MP), Turia is favored for its relatively high frequency of tiger sightings. Its diverse terrain features mixed vegetation, scrublands, and water bodies like the Baghinnala waterhole, a known tiger haunt. The zone also offers scenic views and is generally more accessible, with most resorts located nearby. Key spots include Baghinnala, Junewani waterhole, Pyorthadi, Alikatta, and Kala Pahad (the highest point in Pench).
• Karmajhiri Zone: Situated on the northern side, Karmajhiri offers a slightly different landscape dominated by teak forests, a remnant of its past use for timber. While potentially less crowded, it still provides good opportunities for wildlife sightings, including gaur, sambar, and the occasional barking deer. The route towards Sita Ghat, running parallel to the Pench River, is excellent for birdwatching. Sloth bears are also known to inhabit this area. Key spots include Chendia ghat, Tikari, and Alikatta.
• Jamtara Zone: The third core zone in Madhya Pradesh, Jamtara offers a more secluded and less explored safari experience. With a limited area accessible to tourists, it provides a chance to venture into a denser forest with trees like Banyan, Shindoori, and Camel foot climbers. This zone is also known for sloth bear sightings. Access to other zones might be possible via Chendia ghat when the Pench River is dry, leading to the Alikatta breakfast point.

Maharashtra Side:

• Sillari Zone: This is the main and well-known gate on the Maharashtra side of Pench. It boasts a beautiful and diverse forest with open grassy patches, dense woodlands, rocky terrain, bamboo thickets, and freshwater streams. While offering excellent habitat, lodging options near this gate are relatively basic.
• Khursapar Zone: Located closer to the Turia gate (MP), Khursapar is a popular choice for day safaris on the Maharashtra side. It's known for good tiger sighting opportunities and varied terrain.
• Chorbahuli Zone: Another core zone in Maharashtra, it's worth noting that this zone is typically closed for safari every Monday.
• Kolitmara Zone: It's important to note that recent information suggests the Kolitmara gate in West Pench (Maharashtra) has been closed as part of a revamp to improve the tourism experience. The area previously covered by this gate will now be accessible through the new Banera entry point in the buffer zone.
• Khubala (Saleghat) Zone: This zone on the Maharashtra side is known for its tranquil surroundings, making it a preferred choice for nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat.

The Buffer: A Crucial Transition Zone

Buffer zones surround the core areas and play a vital role in conservation by providing a transition area between the protected core and human-dominated landscapes. While wildlife sightings might be less frequent than in the core, these zones still hold ecological significance and often offer unique experiences like night safaris and nature walks.

Madhya Pradesh Side:

• Rukhad Buffer: Characterized by hilly terrain and moist deciduous vegetation, including bamboo, Jamun, and Arjun trees, Rukhad is a crucial tiger corridor connecting Pench and Kanha Tiger Reserves. It's a good area for birdwatching and spotting butterflies. Jeep safaris and even cycling are options here. Night safaris are also conducted in this zone. Key spots include Nandrook Talab and Dudhiya Talab.
• Khawasa Buffer (Wolf Sanctuary): Located close to the popular Turia gate, Khawasa is also known as the Wolf Sanctuary. It features open wooded forests, providing habitat for wolves, foxes, porcupines, and owls. Night safaris are a special attraction in this zone.
• Teliya Buffer: Situated near the Turia and Khawasa gates, Teliya is gaining recognition for sightings of wolves, panthers (including melanistic leopards), barking deer, chowsingha, and blue-bull antelope.

Maharashtra Side:

• Surewani (Nagalwadi) Buffer: This is a buffer zone on the Maharashtra side, offering a different perspective of the Pench landscape.
• Banera Buffer: A newly opened gate in the Nagalwadi range, Banera now covers the area previously accessible through the Kolitmara gate. It also provides access to Kuwara Bhivsen, a popular local temple.
• Moudi Buffer: Another new buffer gate in the Paoni Unified Control area, expanding the tourism options in the buffer zone of Maharashtra Pench.
• Paoni Buffer: An existing buffer zone on the Maharashtra side, offering further avenues for wildlife exploration.

Planning Your Pench Safari: Choosing Your Zone

When planning your Pench adventure, consider the following:

• Tiger Sightings: Core zones, particularly Turia and Khursapar, generally offer higher chances of spotting tigers.
• Crowd Levels: Turia, being the most popular, can be more crowded. Consider Karmajhiri or the buffer zones for a quieter experience.
• Landscape Preference: Each zone has a unique character, from the teak forests of Karmajhiri to the mixed terrain of Turia and the hills of Rukhad.
• Accessibility: Turia is the most easily accessible with the most accommodation options nearby.
• Special Interests: If you're interested in birdwatching, Karmajhiri's riverside area is excellent. For night safaris, consider the Rukhad or Khawasa buffers.

Important Tips:

• Book Permits in Advance: Especially for the core zones, permits need to be booked well in advance online through the forest department portals.
• Choose Your Entry Gate Wisely: Your choice of entry gate will determine the zones you can access for your safari.
• Hire a Reputable Guide: A knowledgeable guide can significantly enhance your safari experience and increase your chances of wildlife sightings.
• Respect the Wildlife and Rules: Maintain a safe distance, avoid making noise, and follow all the guidelines provided by the forest department.

By understanding the different zones of Pench Tiger Reserve, you can tailor your safari to your interests and increase your chances of an unforgettable encounter with the wild heart of India. Whether you seek the thrill of tiger sightings in the core or the tranquility of the buffer zones, Pench offers a diverse and rewarding wildlife experience.