Into the Wild: Exploring Pench National Park - A Jungle Book Adventure for Wildlife Enthusiasts and

A Jungle Book Adventure for Wildlife Enthusiasts and Photographers

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Earlier this year, I visited the mesmerising realm of Pench National Park. Nestled in the heartland of India, this enchanting piece of wilderness is a treat not only for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, but also for fans of Rudyard Kipling’s timeless classic, The Jungle Book.

Situated in central India, Pench National Park is a sprawling 758 square kilometre sanctuary that straddles the border between Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring state Maharashtra. Named after the winding Pench River that flows through its core, this pristine wilderness holds a significant place in India's conservation efforts, making it a cherished habitat for an astonishing array of flora and fauna. Pench's vast wilderness is home to the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, elusive leopard, a number of species of deer, wild boars, mischievous langurs, and a stunning variety of bird life that fills the air with their calls.

Pench National Park might be best known for its connection to Rudyard Kipling's masterpiece, "The Jungle Book." Contrary to popular belief, Kipling never actually visited the jungles of Seoni (present-day Pench). However, the author was in contact with other British Officers from the region. As I drove through the forest, I couldn’t help but put myself in Mowgli’s shoes, and imagine how fantastic it would be to live there with Bagheera, and Baloo!

With each sighting of a tiger, the raw strength and untamed beauty they possess never cease to leave me in awe. On this trip, we were fortunate enough to view six tigers! The first morning safari in the park started off with a sighting of Flying Bird, a young tigress who has a territory near the Karmajhiri Gate of the reserve. Tigers' stripes bear a striking resemblance to human fingerprints, as each tiger possesses a unique pattern that distinguishes it from all others. This female has a stripe that resembles a bird in flight. Due to this mark, the local naturalists and guides gave her that name. Around 6-7 vehicles watched as she gracefully walked through the forest in the early morning light. She strolled through a clearing in the trees, and cameras fired. Unfortunately, my lens was set to manual focus and I didn’t realise it. By the time I figured out the issue, all I could do was watch as she had disappeared into the depths of the forest. This phenomenal sighting was followed by an intimate sighting of a golden jackal. We were the only people in the area when we saw the individual trotting parallel to the road. She proceeded to yawn multiple times and even defecated right in front of the vehicle.

Our streak of incredible luck continued even after the morning safari. Our evening safari unfolded into an even more spectacular wildlife spectacle. We first saw a pack of Dholes, or Indian Wild Dogs. Word had spread that a pack of Dholes had been spotted in the vicinity. We immediately started searching the jungle for dogs. As we ventured further into the forest, the sight of swift and agile figures darting through the foliage caught our attention.There they were. A pack of approximately 12-16 Dholes, moving in sync.

The excitement didn't stop there. We were able to catch glimpses of adorable Dhole pups running around and frolicking under the watchful eye of their family. As we were driving out of the area, out of the dense underbrush burst forth a solitary Dhole. It was as if time stood still, as it fearlessly sprinted across the road. I was utterly starstruck. Dholes are my favourite animals, and I had never seen one this close.

During the same Safari, I sighted my first leopard in India. Perched gracefully on a rock amidst the lush foliage, the elusive cat exuded an air of mystery and stealth. Though initially fast asleep, my excitement peaked when the leopard slowly stirred and sat up, capturing my attention. Unfortunately, instead of embarking on a mesmerising display of agility, he decided to retreat back into his slumber.

Just as the excitement seemed to be fading, my attention was drawn to a cluster of approximately 15 vehicles ahead. Instantly, an intuition honed from years of safari experiences told me they had spotted something extraordinary: a tiger has been sighted.

As we approached the vehicles, we found that there was not only one, but five tigers among the trees. Among them was the endearing mother, Runijhuni, and her litter of four quickly-maturing cubs. It was a sight to behold as they scampered and tumbled around their protective matriarch for 20 minutes. All of a sudden they got up and the next thing I knew, they were crossing the road. Unfortunately, it was late evening, and getting dark, so i couldn't get any usable photographs. Nonetheless, it reminded me of the importance of living in the present sometimes, not through the viewfinder screen.

The next day, nature's unpredictability had taken its course, and our hopes of spotting the tiger family were dampened by the heavy overnight rains. However, the vibrant morning brought forth an unexpected delight in the form of monkeys. The park’s numerous Langurs and Rhesus Macaques stole the spotlight, filling my memory cards with shots that showcased their agility and mischievous nature.

Our evening safari was cut short by heavy rains as well. As we exited the park, the rain subsided, and there, perched on a branch, were a group of Indian rollers, their stunning plumage glistening in the dwindling raindrops. It was a sight to behold. For nearly half an hour, we were treated to a breathtaking display of these acrobats of the animal kingdom, as they gracefully soared through the air. The freshly washed surroundings provided a picturesque backdrop for capturing their vibrant colours and remarkable flight. I had captured moments of pure beauty, and memories that will last forever.

On this incredible trip to Pench National Park, I had the pleasure of carrying my new Sony A7RV along with my trusted 200-600mm F5.4-6.3 variable aperture lens. Let me tell you, this setup exceeded my expectations and delivered fantastic results in the wild.

Despite the lens's slower aperture of F6.3, which is often considered a drawback, it worked remarkably well in the outdoor environment, even under the harsh sun. Despite the higher aperture, I was able to maintain a good depth of field, ensuring great bokeh in my portraits, and allowed me to still take grand habitat shots. However, I encountered a slight challenge during the late evening when I was trying to photograph the tigers crossing the road. The limited amount of available light made it necessary to push the camera's ISO settings to capture the fast-moving subjects adequately. Fortunately, the A7R5 body was able to handle that well. Nonetheless, the overall performance of the setup was impressive.

I must mention the remarkable eye tracking system of the A7RV, which proved to be a game-changer in my wildlife photography endeavours. It quickly and accurately locked onto the eyes of my subjects, be it the tigers or the captivating River Terns taking flight. The improved tracking system allowed me to focus on composing my shots while ensuring the sharpness and clarity of the subjects, and its results are extremely evident in my work.

Pench National Park's abundant prey base provided me with numerous opportunities to capture close-up portraits of various deer species and the majestic Gaur, also known as the Indian bison. The park's stunning morning light offered a prime time for shooting backlit shots, silhouettes, and rimlight shots. It was a true spectacle to witness the forest bathed in beautiful, soft light, creating magical atmospheres. Among the many species I photographed, the Langur stood out as a personal favourite for capturing rimlight shots. I loved their distinctive features and the way the light interacted with their hair. They truly create breathtaking images.

Our choice to enter the park through the Karmajhiri gate was primarily driven by its convenient proximity to our lodge. However, it was an exceptional decision for more reasons than just convenience. One of the standout features of this gate is their strict limit of allowing only eight vehicles inside the park at any given time. This measure ensures more intimate and tranquil encounters with wildlife, and that the background of your photos isn't cluttered with jeeps.

I was particularly impressed by the Karmajhiri gate's entrance process, had a level of organisation that exceeded my expectations. The forest officer’s commitment to efficiency and professionalism was truly commendable. One aspect that stood out was their punctuality in opening the gate precisely at 6 a.m., allowing visitors to embark on their park adventure without any delay.

Pench national park & the Madhya Pradesh Tourism department are a shining example of unwavering commitment and support of wildlife conservation and national heritage. At the forefront of Pench’s conservation initiatives, lies its work for the conservation of the iconic Bengal Tiger. Rigorous anti-poaching measures and habitat management strategies ensure a safe haven for these majestic creatures, contributing to the overall success of tiger conservation in the region.

But, the conservation efforts go beyond tigers. Through extensive habitat restoration projects, the park actively rejuvenates its ecosystems, fostering the growth of diverse flora and providing vital habitats for countless species.

Pench National Park also recognizes the significance of involving local communities in its conservation endeavours. By empowering nearby villagers, the park cultivates a sense of shared responsibility for protecting its natural resources. Through employment opportunities and educational programs, Pench not only promotes sustainable livelihoods but also nurtures a deep appreciation for the park's unique biodiversity among those living on its fringes.

By embracing sustainable tourism practices, Pench National Park strikes a harmonious balance between nature conservation and visitor experiences. Regulating visitor numbers and promoting responsible behaviour within the park, Pench ensures that tourists can immerse themselves in its natural wonders while minimising their impact on the environment.

We stayed at Pugdundee Safari’s Pench Tree Lodge. It was fantastic! The lodge provides a unique and memorable experience in the heart of nature. Its commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, along with its focus on wildlife conservation, sets it apart as a truly remarkable accommodation option.

The lodge's dedication to wildlife conservation is also commendable. Through various initiatives and collaborations with local communities and conservation organisations, the Pench Tree Lodge actively contributes to the protection and preservation of the park's rich biodiversity. This commitment provides guests with the opportunity to not only witness the incredible wildlife but also understand the importance of conservation efforts. Pugdundee Safaris have been able to document captivating scenes after sunset. From the majestic presence of tigers to the elusive beauty of leopards, and the diverse range of other animal species who visit the camp.

The naturalists at Pugdundee Safaris are extraordinary individuals whose deep knowledge, passion, and connection with the natural world make them true ambassadors of the park's incredible biodiversity. These fantastic naturalists possess an intimate understanding of the park's flora and fauna, and their expertise is instrumental in creating meaningful and enriching wildlife experiences for visitors. Whether it's tracking tigers, spotting elusive leopards, or identifying a multitude of bird species, the naturalists' sharp eyes and expert guidance enable visitors to connect with the park's wildlife on a deeper level.

In addition, they have a fantastic wildlife photography hide, which receives a number of visitors, from Red-wattled Lapwings to the evasive jungle cat. The Kipling Hide is a specially designed photographic hide situated in a strategic location within the lodge's premises. It provides an incredible opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers to witness and capture captivating moments of the park's inhabitants in their natural habitat, at eye level. Designed with careful consideration for both comfort and stealth, the hide blends seamlessly into the surrounding environment, ensuring minimal disturbance to the wildlife.

Equipped with comfortable seating, camera rests, and discreet viewing windows, the Kipling Hide offers a prime location to patiently wait for wildlife sightings. Whether it's the movements of the jungle cat or the small birds, guests can witness these captivating moments up close and in silence. The hide is particularly popular during the early morning and late afternoon hours when wildlife activity tends to be at its peak.

The Kipling Hide proved to be the highlight of my entire trip, as it unveiled one of the most remarkable sightings I experienced. During the final morning, while quietly sitting in the hide, a naturalist accompanied me and alerted me to the presence of what he believed to be a jungle cat. Excitement filled the air as we patiently awaited its movement. Moments later, the elusive cat gracefully rose from its resting place and ventured deeper into the lush foliage to attend to its grooming. As we waited, my heart raced as I hoped for a clearer view. Miraculously, the cat emerged into an open clearing, offering an enthralling spectacle that lasted approximately a minute. Every step it took held a captivating grace, leaving an indelible impression on my memory. As swiftly as it had appeared, the jungle cat vanished into the dense underbrush, leaving me in awe of the lesser known species of Pench National Park.