Weekend getaway from Nagpur · #2 of 10
Pench National Park
The forest that inspired Kipling's Jungle Book, straddling the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh border. Compact and easy, it is Nagpur's simplest tiger safari, doable as a single long day or an overnight.
Step straight into Mowgli's world! Just 90 km from Nagpur, this legendary forest is an easy weekend escape or quick day trip. Entering via Maharashtra's Sillari or Khursapar gates lets you skip the massive crowds while enjoying the same stunning teak woods and healthy tiger population as the MP side.
Getting there
Your go-to route for the Maharashtra gates. It is a smooth, divided highway most of the way, with Sillari and Khursapar sitting just a quick hop apart once you veer off NH 44.
Day 1
Road trip and an afternoon safari- 110:00 AMDrive
Drive Nagpur to Pench
Cruise down the fast, straight lanes of NH 44, passing Ramtek and Paoni. Before you know it, you will hit the turn-off for the final stretch to Sillari or Khursapar gate!
Tip · Sillari offers a bigger area to explore with plenty of safari gypsies. If you want a quieter vibe, head to Khursapar; its artificial waterholes are fantastic for catching animals coming in for a drink.
- 212:00 PMStay
Check in near the gate
You will find a great lineup of forest lodges and eco-resorts right outside Sillari and Khursapar. They are perfectly set up for a quick, comfortable weekend safari escape.
📍 Sillari, Pench National Park
- 31:00 PMFood
Lunch at the lodge
Fuel up with a satisfying local thali or buffet. You will want to eat light but well before you jump into the gypsy for your afternoon safari adventure!
- 42:30 PMActivity
Afternoon jeep safari
Rumble through gorgeous teak and sal woods along the Pench River and Totladoh dam backwaters. Keep your eyes peeled for tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and gaur!
📍 Sillari Gate, Pench National Park
Tip · Don't just stare at the bushes! Pench is famous for tree-climbing leopards, so make sure to scan the low branches near the river.
- 56:00 PMActivity
Evening at the lodge
Relax as twilight settles over the trees. Grab a hot cup of chai and swap stories with fellow travelers about the day's exciting wildlife sightings!
- 68:00 PMFood
Dinner
Tuck into a hearty set dinner at your lodge. If you are visiting during the cooler months, you will likely get to enjoy your meal gathered around a cozy bonfire.
Day 2
Morning safari and the drive back home- 76:00 AMActivity
Morning jeep safari
Dawn is pure magic here. The mist hangs low over the river, and the forest comes alive with alarm calls as the first light breaks through the canopy.
📍 Khursapar Gate, Pench National Park
Tip · Because Pench is so compact and easy to navigate end-to-end, you have a really high chance of spotting wildlife even on a single morning run.
- 89:30 AMFood
Breakfast at the lodge
Head back to the resort and treat yourself to a massive, delicious breakfast before packing up and checking out.
- 911:00 AMSight
Totladoh dam backwaters
Take in the gorgeous view where the Pench River backwaters, shaped by Totladoh dam, divide Maharashtra and MP. Look closely and you might spot crocodiles sunning on the banks!
📍 Totladoh Dam, Pench National Park
- 1012:30 PMFood
Lunch near the gate
Grab one last delicious meal at a local gate-side dhaba to fuel up before you hit the road.
- 111:00 PMStay
Checkout
No need to rush! Enjoy a laid-back checkout since the drive back to town on NH 44 is so short and easy.
- 121:30 PMDrive
Drive back to Nagpur
Zip back down NH 44, retracing your steps through Paoni and Ramtek. You will be back in Nagpur by mid-afternoon, feeling completely refreshed!
Where to eat
Most spots near the Sillari and Khursapar gates serve up delicious, set vegetarian or mixed thalis. The best part? They tailor the dining hours perfectly to fit your safari schedule.
You can't miss the lively highway dhabas near Khawasa along NH 44. They are the perfect spots to pull over for a hot cup of tea and some quick snacks on your way in or out.
When to go
Perfect safari weather! It is pleasantly cool, and with the forest undergrowth thinning out, your chances of spotting wildlife are excellent.
It gets hot, but the dry heat forces animals to crowd around the waterholes. Plus, since the park stays open through June, you get some of the absolute best sightings of the year.
The park takes a break and closes during the monsoon season, with safaris starting back up around October 1.
Good to know
- Make sure to book your safari online via the Maharashtra forest department portal. Slots open 120 days in advance, and weekend bookings disappear fast!
- Hard choice: go with Sillari if you want a massive zone with plenty of safari gypsies, or pick Khursapar for a quieter, intimate drive with high-success waterhole sightings.
- Short on time? Since Pench is the closest major tiger reserve to Nagpur, you can actually pull this off as a single, action-packed day trip if you skip staying overnight.
- Don't leave your ID behind! You must bring the exact same physical ID you used during booking, as rangers check it against your permit at the gate.
