PANNA
The Emerald Forest
Where rugged cliffs give way to dense teak forests and the Ken River carves through deep gorges, Panna National Park emerges as a hidden gem in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. This is a land of contrasts, with sprawling plateaus, cascading waterfalls, sun-drenched grasslands and thick woodlands shape a landscape teeming with life.
Once a royal hunting reserve, Panna’s story is one of extraordinary resilience. By 2008, relentless poaching had wiped out its tiger population. But through dedicated conservation efforts, the forest roared back to life. Today, over 75 tigers roam its trails, a powerful testament to one of India’s greatest wildlife comebacks. Leopards move like shadows, sloth bears shuffle through rocky caves and the calls of birds fill the air. Panna is also one of the best places in India to see vultures, with several species nesting along its dramatic gorges.
Often called “The Emerald Forest,” Panna draws this name both from its lush, green deciduous canopy and its history of diamond mining. Though classified as dry, the forest remains strikingly verdant, creating the illusion of endless greenery, much like the precious stones once hidden beneath its soil.