Birdwatcher's Paradise - Explore Panna's Avian Diversity
Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Panna is a town that holds a lot of historical significance. Panna was a Gond settlement that is now a small city in the heart of the country and has the only diamond reserve in the country. It is also popular for the Panna National Park which is a wildlife conservation and a world heritage site.
Famous for the temple of Padmavatipuri Dham, Panna is a haven for devotees. Apart from that, Panna is popular because of the famous legend of the great sage Mahamati Prannath and his disciples, who realized the message of the awakening of one's soul after reaching Panna.
History Of Panna
According to legends, a mythological King Putraka created Panna by magic for his queen Patali, and hence, it got the ancient name of Pataligrama. The city was named Pataliputra to honour the firstborn to the queen. Gram means village and Putra means son in Sanskrit.
From a historical perspective, it would be appropriate to summarise that the history of Panna goes back to the year 490 BC when the king of Magadh, Ajatashatru, wanted to move his capital to a more strategic place to defeat the Vaishali’s Licchavis. He decided to move his capital to a site on the bank of the Ganges and fortified the area. Since then, the town has had many historically important events. Gautam Buddha passed through Panna during the last year of his life, and he foretold that this town will have a great future, but at the same time, he predicted it will turn into ruins from flood, fire, and feud.
Tourist Attractions In Panna
1. Pandavas Falls And Caves
As the name suggests, this place is where the Pandavas sought haven during their exile and is located within the territory of the Panna National Park. Mythology buffs, rejoice! With the waterfalls, the deep lake, and the lush green environs, this location is going to leave you in awe and it is a perfect setting for your rendezvous with serenity.
2. Diamond Mines
Only active and Asia’s biggest diamond mine is situated in Madhya Pradesh which is known as treasure land. A tour to the Panna diamond mine solves all the mysteries about diamond mining. Mahajgaon Diamond Mine is spread over an area of 50 square kilometers.
3. Panna National Park
Situated in the Panna district of Madhya Pradesh in central India, Panna National Park is located on the banks of the Ken River. The Ministry of Tourism of India awarded this national park for being the best-maintained tourist-friendly animal sanctuary in the country. Panna National Park is one of the best national parks in Madhya Pradesh.
4. Raneh Falls And The Ken Crocodile Sanctuary
Located around 20 kilometers away from Khajuraho, the Raneh Falls are formed when the Ken river falls from the canyons of the Rewa Plateau. The Ken Crocodile sanctuary is located near Raneh Falls.
5. Mahamati Prannathji Temple
This temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Pranamis and attracts numerous devotees during Sharad Purnima. Built in 1692, the temple showcases a blend of Muslim and Hindu architectural styles, reflecting the region's syncretic cultural heritage.
6. Ajaigarh Fort
Perched atop the Vindhya hills, Ajaigarh Fort was a significant stronghold during the Chandela dynasty. Visitors can explore its two entrances, the northern gate and the Tarhauni gate in the southeast, after a steep 45-minute climb. The fort also features the Ajay Palaka Talav, a lake situated within its premises.
Best Time To Visit Panna
The best time to visit Panna is between the months of November and May. Summer months should be avoided as temperatures in this town are excruciatingly hot, and rise to about 45 degrees Celcius, which is not pleasant for a vacation. Winter months are much cooler and more pleasant. To see the wildlife at Panna National Park, it is highly recommended to visit this place during March.
Waterfalls and Natural Attractions
The region's natural beauty is accentuated by several waterfalls:
- Raneh Falls: Located on the Ken River, this waterfall features a 5-kilometer-long and 30-meter-deep canyon made of pure crystalline granite in varying shades from pink and red to grey. The series of waterfalls within the canyon are especially captivating during the monsoon season.
- Pandav Falls: A serene spot associated with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, offering a tranquil environment for visitors.
How To Reach Panna
There are not many modes of transport available to reach Panna directly. The nearest airbase is located in Khajuraho. The nearest railheads to Panna is in Khajuraho which is well connected to major cities in the country via frequent trains. Panna is connected to nearby cities like Bhopal and major cities like Delhi through NH 75.
- Nearest metropolitan city. New Delhi
- Nearest airbase. Khajuraho Airport
- Nearest railhead. Satna Railway Station
- Distance from New Delhi. 689 Kms
- Distance from Bhopal. 385 Kms
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By Air
The airport in Panna is currently non-functional and the nearest one is in Khajuraho Airport (HJR) at a distance of 44 km.. Private taxis are easily accessible from the airport to cover the remaining distance.
- Distance from Khajuraho Airport - 29 Kms
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Panna
- Delhi to Khajuraho Flight
- Mumbai to Khajuraho Flight
- Kolkata to Khajuraho Flight
- Hyderabad to Khajuraho Flight
- Bangalore to Khajuraho Flight
By Road
State-run and private buses connect Panna to all major cities in Madhya Pradesh. Buses are easily available from Jhansi to Panna as they keep running on this route at regular intervals. The same facility is also provided by Khajuraho.
- Distance from Jhansi. 200 Kms
- Distance from Khajuraho. 44 Kms
By Train
Panna does not have a dedicated railway station and the nearest railhead is in Satna but it is not well-connected. The nearest major railhead is in Jhansi which is very well connected to major cities in the country. The remaining distance to Panna can be covered via private taxis and local buses.
- Distance from Satna Railway Station. 73 Kms
- Distance from Jhansi Railway Station. 176 Kms
Travel Tip
Our travel experts highly recommend that you explore the Panna National Park through a jeep safari as it is the best way to witness the beauty of these jungles.
Conclusion
Panna seamlessly blends natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness, making it a compelling destination for tourists. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast eager to explore wildlife, a history buff interested in ancient architecture, or a traveler seeking serene landscapes, Panna offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to all interests.
Frequently Asked Questions about Panna
Q1. What is Panna famous for?
Ans - Situate in the heart of India, Panna is famous for being Aisa’s biggest and only active diamond mine. Sprinkled with rocks, forests, evergreen trees, and hills, Panna has Rolling Meadows. It is also popular for boasting a very fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture.
Q2. Who founded the city of Panna?
Ans - Maharaja Chhatrasal founded the city of Panna and made it his capital in 1675.
Q3. Where is Panna situated?
Ans - Panna is situated in the northeast part of Madhya Pradesh, between the picturesque mountain ranges of Vindhyanchal.
Q4. What is Panna National Park known for
Ans. Panna National Park is celebrated for its diverse wildlife, including Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, various deer species, and a rich variety of birdlife. The park's picturesque landscapes feature plateaus, gorges, and the Ken River, enhancing its natural beauty.
Q5. What is the best time to visit Panna National Park?
A. The optimal time to visit is from November to February when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife sightings are more frequent. Winters also offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
Q.6 How can I book a safari in Panna National Park?
A. Safari bookings can be made online through the official website of Panna National Park. Advance booking is recommended to ensure availability.
