Panna National Park
Situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh at a distance of around a one-hour drive from Khajuraho is the 550 sq km Panna National Park. The region, famous for its diamonds, is also home to some of the best wildlife species in India and is one of the better Tiger Reserves in the country. The park is known worldwide for its wild cats, including tigers as well as deer and antelope. It is a good place to visit due to its proximity to the temple-city of Khajuraho.

One will find Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris), Leopards (Panthera pardus), Wild Dogs (Cuon alpinus), Wolves (Canis lupus), Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), Caracal (Felus caracal) and smaller cats. Sloth bear‘s favourite home is in the rock escarpments and undisturbed vales. The wooded areas are dotted with sambar the largest of Indian deers, chital and chowsingha. One can easily see nilgai and chinkara in most open areas in the grasslands, specially on the periphery.

The avifauna comprises more than 200 species, including a host of migratory birds. One can see white necked stork, barheaded goose, honey Buuzzard, King vulture, Blossom headed Parakeet, Paradise flycatcher, Slaty headed Scimitar babbler to name a few.

Varieties of snakes, including the python and other reptiles are found here.

Dry and hot climate, in union with shallow Vindhyan soils has given rise to dry Teak and dry mixed forest. The dominating vegetation type is miscellaneous dry deciduous forest inter spread with grassland areas. Other major forest types are riverines, open grasslands, open woodlands with tall grasses and thorny woodlands. The characteristic floral species of this area include tree species such as Tectona grandis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca indica, Buchnania latifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Anogeissus pendula, Lannea coromandelica, Bosswelia serrata etc.

The climate of this region is tropical. Summers are hot and very uncomfortable, though this is the time when one has the best chance of encountering the elusive wildlife of the park. Winters are cold and comfortable and the temperature generally remains under 25°C making January to May the best time to visit.