Cultures and Wildlife in India: Pench Tiger Reserve, Nagpur and Sanchi – Part Two
How to get from Hyderabad to Nagpur?
To travel between Nagpur and Hyderabad, you have two main options:
- The fastest option: a short domestic flight.
- The time-saving option: an overnight train or bus between Nampally Railway Station in Hyderabad and Nagpur Railway Station. The advantage is that both stations are conveniently located in the city centers.
The main reason to visit Nagpur is its proximity to some of India’s finest tiger reserves and wildlife destinations. Nagpur, one of the largest cities in the state of Maharashtra, is located about 550 km from Hyderabad. Often referred to as the “Tiger Capital of India,” it is surrounded by nature reserves, national parks, and excellent excursion opportunities.
Pench Tiger Reserve
Pench is one of India’s leading wildlife reserves and an important habitat for tigers. In fact, the forests of Pench inspired Rudyard Kipling when he wrote the Jungle Book.
The reserve is frequently mentioned in books and stories, and it even won the “Best Tourist-Friendly National Park” award for 2006–2007
What animals can you see in Pench Reserve?
The main predators include tigers, leopards, jungle cats, wild dogs, hyenas, jackals, foxes, wolves, and mongooses.
Among the herbivores you may see Indian bisson, blue bull, sambar deer, spotted deer, four-horned antelope, Indian gazelle, wild boar, and more.
The wildlife sancturary is also excellent for birdwatching, with around 325 bird species recorded during different seasons of the year.
Around the sunny areas of Totladoh Reservoir, located inside the park, many migratory birds can be seen during the winter months.
Best time to visit Pench Tiger Reserve
Mid-October to mid-June.
How to visit the reserve?
The Pench reserve does not have a convenient public transport and is located about 2 hours driving from Nagpur.
So the best option for a visit is to join a Pench tiger safari tour.
My advice is to book your safari in advance through a specialized agency that will organize a full package including transportation from Nagpur or a nearby airport, accommodation near the reserve, entrance permits, and transfer to the appropriate gate.
There are a few main park entrances to Pench reserve safaris: Turia Gate, Khursapar Gate and Gamtara Gate. Each one of them leads to a different area of the reserve.
Safaris take place twice a day – at sunrise and again in the afternoon. Each jeep is accompanied by a local guide.
From my own experience, after researching and comparing different options, I chose to do the safari with Find My Holidays, a travel company that organizes tours across India. They put together a perfect package that included everything needed for visiting the reserve and spotting wildlife.
Where to stay in Pench tiger Reserve?
My stay at a Wilderness Camp was an experience in itself, booked through Find My Holidays, as well. This Resort offers comfortable conditions and excellent chef-prepared meals, while still giving you the feeling that you are surrounded by real, untouched nature.
Interview with Uma Shankar, Founder and Manager of Find My Holidays
Question: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how Find My Holidays started?
My name is Uma Shankar, and I founded Find My Holidays out of a deep passion for travel, wildlife, and cultural exploration. I wanted to create a company that helps travellers experience the true diversity of India – its landscapes, heritage sites, and incredible wildlife.
Question: What does Find My Holidays specialize in?
We focus on creating authentic and well-organized travel experiences across India. Our services include customized tour packages, hotel bookings, and official wildlife safari arrangements. The goal is to make the travel smooth, comfortable, and memorable for visitors coming from all over the world.
Question: What destinations do you usually recommend to travellers?
India offers so many incredible places. Many travellers enjoy the classic Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, but we also design trips to spiritual and heritage destinations, national parks, and famous tiger reserves such as Panna National Park, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Pench Tiger Reserve, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, and Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Question: What is your philosophy when it comes to travel?
I believe travel is not only about visiting places, but about experiencing culture, nature, and adventure. Through Find My Holidays, we also encourage responsible tourism and awareness about wildlife conservation, while making sure every traveller enjoys a personal and unforgettable journey.
Ramtek Fort and Temple
On the way to the wildlife reserve, it’s worth not missing this fascinating site located about 50 km northeast of the city of Nagpur in the state of Maharashtra.
The Ramtek Temple and Fort is a pilgrimage site where you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the landscape, as well as encounter many monkeys that live around the complex.
According to Hindu mythology, this is where Rama rested during his years of exile, giving the place its name.
The temple complex features impressive architecture with intricate carvings dating back more than 600 years. It is a popular pilgrimage site, known for its panoramic views and the many monkeys living around the temple and fort.
Deekshabhoomi
This impressive Buddhist monument in the city of Nagpur is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in India. It marks the place where B. R. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism with hundreds of thousands of followers in 1956.
Located near Futala Lake, it’s a peaceful spot that is especially pleasant to visit in the evening.
Heritage site of Sanchi
This beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most important Buddhist archaeological sites.
Here you can see the famous Great Stupa and the Ashoka Pillar, along with carved gateways that depict stories from the life of Gautama Buddha.
Don’t miss the nearby museum, which tells the story of the discovery and restoration of these monuments, many of which date back to the 3rd century BCE.
Part one: Landing or transit in Hyderabad. What is there to see and do?