Pench National Park is spread across two states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Each state has different zones and different entry timings. It is important to make your permit bookings with proper knowledge. Many people make mistakes while filling out the forms, and they might not know about permit tips. So, here are the things that you should keep in mind related to the permits of Pench National Park.
1. Book Permits Online in Advance
A safari in Pench National Park is a very popular activity, and a lot of people book it every year. The permit for the famous zones like the Turia or Sillari books way before the actual date. If you think that you can make a booking after reaching there, then you might not get the desired zone, time, or permit. So, it’s always a good plan to make your booking in advance. You can make an online Pench Safari booking 120 days in advance and get the opportunity to choose your preferred zone and time slot for the ride.
2. Choose the Right State and Zone
Pench National Park is spread across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, and it has multiple safari zones. Each zone of the park offers a different kind of wildlife sighting experience, and it’s important to make sure that you select the correct zone while booking the permit. Because once the zone is selected, it cannot be changed, and you can go for a ride in that particular zone. For example, if you book a permit from the Turia gate (MP side), you cannot enter from the Sillari gate (Maharashtra side).
Tip: If your stay is on the MP side of the park, then make a booking for the Turia or Karmajhiri. If your stay is on the Maharashtra side, then Sillari or Khursapar will be more convenient. However, we always advise tourists to make hotel bookings only after they get the permit so that they can spend a nice holiday without any inconvenience.
3. Carry Valid ID Proof
Just like other Indian National Parks, it’s important to take your ID proof to Pench also. When you go for a safari ride then having only a permit can’t guarantee your entry inside the zones. It is important to show your ID proof, that too which you used while making the booking. Without the original ID proof, entry will not be allowed even if your permit is confirmed. Also, the ID details should match the details that you wrote on permits, because even a small spelling mistake can lead to cancellation of your safari ride. It is also a good idea to check everything twice while making the booking.
4. Book Separate Permits
If you want to enjoy multiple safaris in Pench, you need to book separate permits for each ride. It means that a single permit is used only once. If you wanna enjoy a safari ride in the morning and evening, then it will require separate permits. If you want to explore both Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, you need to make bookings for their separate entry zones. And, if you wanna explore different zones of the same state, then also separate permits will be required. Make bookings with focus because safari date, time, zone, and tourist information are written on permits.
5. Pick the Right Safari Slot
The Pench National Park allows people to enjoy a safari in the morning and evening. The morning safaris offer the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the forest, and also, the animals remain active during the morning hours. On the other hand, the evening safaris allow people to enjoy sightings of animals in golden light, and also the leopards and deer remain more active during evening hours. Just make sure to make the booking after being sure about the zone and time, because once you book a safari in a particular slot, you cannot switch. For example, a morning permit cannot be used for an evening ride. So, choose carefully while booking.
6. Permits Are Non-Transferable
This is the most important point, and many people don’t even know about it. Let me tell you that the permits for safari rides are non-transferable. Once a permit is issued in a specific name with ID details, it cannot be changed or transferred to another person. Each permit contains essential information like your ID and its number, along with your name, age, gender, and other details. All the information, like safari zone, state, time slot, and passenger information, is written on permits. Only those people whose information is written on permits are allowed to go on the safaris. If the person named in the permit does not arrive, entry will be denied. Even replacing a single member of your group is not possible. So, always enter the correct details of every traveler at the time of booking.
7. Reach the Gate Early
Safari rides in Pench take place at a particular time, and the gate gets closed exactly on time. If you arrive late for the safari ride, then your entry can be denied by the forest department even after having the permit and your ID. It is highly important to reach the park on time, even though it is recommended to tourists that they should reach the safari gate at least 30 - 40 minutes before the safari time. In that the formalities like ID check and permit verification are done, and also the gypsies are allotted - these things take time. Reaching early can help you to start the ride at a particular time and avoid any last-minute rush.
8. Carry a Printed Copy of Permit & ID
At the gate, forest officials will check both your printed permit and your original ID proof. Even if you have a soft copy on your phone, it is important to keep a hard copy whenever you go for a ride. Sometimes the phone battery dies, and even network issues can occur in the park’s surroundings, so it is always good to keep a printout of your ID and permit with you. Without the printed permit, your entry may be delayed or denied. To avoid last-minute disappointments of not going on a ride, keep copies of permits and ID with every traveler.