Panpatha Jeep Safari, Bandhavgarh National Park - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 23 km from Tala Bus Stop, Panpatha Zone is one of the buffer zones of Bandhavgarh National Park. Adjoining Khitauli zone, Panpatha zone is entered from Pachpedi village.

Three buffer zones were added to the Bandhavgarh National Park in 2015, with the aim of reducing tourism in the core zones and providing an opportunity for people who cannot afford to visit the core zones to experience the park. The buffer zones are spread over Umaria and Katni districts. Panpatha zone is one of them while the other two are Dhamokhar and Johila.

Panpatha Zone is known for its scenic forest. Though the chances of spotting a tiger are very slim in this area, you could easily spot some deer grazing on the sides, especially early in the morning. Also, one can spot dhole (wild dog) in this area. The entry point of Panpatha buffer area is at Pachpedi village and the route for this area starts from Pachpedi and ends at Khitauli.

Opens throughout the year, Panpatha Zone can be explored by Jeep safaris. There are two shifts in a day, one starting in the morning and the other late in the afternoon. Maximum 20 jeeps are allowed on both the shifts every day, but it is closed for tourists on every Wednesday evening and on Holi. The Jungle Safari is done only with vehicles registered with the park administration as private vehicles are not allowed inside the park. Each jeep can take up to 6 travelers other than a driver and one naturalist. The safari entry and exit timings change according to the season.

For Jeep Safari, one can book online at www.mponline.gov.in. It is recommended to book safaris early (up to 120 days in advance) because the number of safaris in each zone is limited at a time. The guide fee and vehicle hire fee are to be paid separately at the park before undertaking the safari and will be distributed equally between the tourists in the vehicle. Safari tickets are non-transferable. Visitors need to carry identification proof. The only identification proof that is accepted for foreigners is the passport number with nationality. For Indian national any photo identification proof that is issued by Government of India.

Safari Timings: 6.30 AM - 11 AM & 2.30 PM - 5.30 PM from Oct - Feb and 6 AM - 10 AM & 3 PM - 6 PM from Mar - June, Closed on every Wednesday evening & on Holi.

Safari Permit Fee: Rs. 250 for Single Seat in Jeep, Rs. 1500 per Whole Jeep (max 6 Persons). Jeep hiring cost & guide cost extra (around 2500 per jeep and 480 per guide).

Note: Safari cost changes frequently