A thrilling experience of spotting the majestic tiger while gazing at a blanket of stars at India’s first dark sky forest awaits visitors
Known to have been the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, Pench National Park is a sanctuary brimming with diverse wildlife, including the regal Bengal tiger. In addition to its rich biodiversity, Pench has recently earned the distinction of being India’s first designated dark sky forest. What it means is that you get to experience the thrill of observing tigers during the day, and gaze at a celestial tapestry unspoilt by light pollution at night. So here is a shout-out to all wildlife lovers and astronomy enthusiasts to visit this nature’s paradise for an unparalleled experience.
Stars of the Forest
Sprawling over 1,921sqkm, Pench National Park is spread across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. This haven for wildlife buffs, is the abode of the Bengal tiger, the apex predator and an emblem of India’s wild soul. Watching this magnificent creature disappearing in the undergrowth or coming to the water bodies for a sip of water on a hot summer afternoon is an experience that will leave you breathless.
But Pench’s charm lies beyond just the iconic tiger. Here, you will find a plethora of other animals and birds, including leopards prowling stealthily, herds of spotted deer grazing peacefully, sloth bears, jackals, hyenas, small Indian civets, wild boars, and porcupine among others.
