Pench National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh, near the Maharashtra border. It is famous for its rich wildlife and is a popular destination for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts. Delhi, the capital city of India, is a major starting point for travelers heading to Pench.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Pench, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also get practical tips on planning your journey and what to expect upon arrival.

Getting from Delhi to Pench – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a common and affordable way to reach Pench from Delhi. The nearest major railway station to Pench is Seoni or Nagpur, both well connected to Delhi.

• Delhi to Nagpur by train covers around 1,100 km and takes approximately 15 to 18 hours, depending on the train. Popular trains include the Samta Express and the Nagpur Rajdhani, offering varying comfort levels and fares from INR 500 to INR 2,500.

• From Nagpur railway station, Pench is about 90 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the park, which takes around 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Seoni railway station is closer to Pench, about 20 km away, but fewer trains run directly from Delhi to Seoni. You may need to change trains at Nagpur or Jabalpur, which can add travel time.

• Train travel is generally comfortable with options for sleeper, AC 3-tier, and AC 2-tier coaches. Booking through IRCTC is recommended, especially during peak seasons to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Trains can be crowded during festivals and holidays, so booking early is advised. Monsoon season may cause delays due to waterlogging on tracks near Pench.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option but less popular for this long journey due to the distance. You can take buses from Delhi to Nagpur or Seoni and then local transport to Pench.

• Direct buses from Delhi to Nagpur take around 18 to 22 hours, covering over 1,100 km via NH44 and NH47. State transport and private operators run these services with fares ranging from INR 700 to INR 1,200.

• From Nagpur or Seoni bus stands, you can find local buses or shared taxis to Pench, which take 2 to 3 hours and cost INR 100 to INR 300 depending on the vehicle type.

• Buses may not be very comfortable for this long journey, especially sleeper buses, which are limited. Daytime buses are less common and can be tiring due to traffic and road conditions.

• During monsoon, roads near Pench can be slippery, causing delays. It is better to avoid night travel in this region due to limited lighting and wildlife crossings.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Pench offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. The route covers about 1,100 km and takes roughly 18 to 20 hours by car.

• The most common route is via NH44 and NH47 passing through cities like Agra, Gwalior, and Nagpur. This route is well maintained with multiple toll plazas and highway eateries.

• Driving allows you to stop at rest areas like Morena and Seoni for meals and breaks. Popular food stops include highway dhabas offering local cuisine.

• Self-drive is ideal for groups or families who prefer privacy and want to explore nearby attractions like Kanha National Park or Pench Tiger Reserve.

• Be prepared for toll charges totaling around INR 500 to INR 700. Night driving is not recommended due to wildlife crossings and limited street lighting near Pench.

• Ensure your vehicle is serviced before the trip and carry a physical map or GPS device, as mobile signals can be weak near Pench.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach near Pench. The closest airport is Nagpur, which has good connectivity with Delhi.

• Direct flights from Delhi to Nagpur take about 2 hours and are operated by multiple airlines with fares ranging from INR 3,000 to INR 7,000 depending on the season and booking time.

• From Nagpur airport, Pench is approximately 90 km away. You can hire a prepaid taxi or use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for a 2 to 3-hour drive to the park.

• Flights are frequent and convenient, especially for travelers with limited time. Booking tickets 2 to 3 weeks in advance can secure better prices.

• During monsoon, flights may face delays due to weather conditions, so allow buffer time in your itinerary.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Pench, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability, especially during peak seasons.

• If traveling by train, choose Nagpur as your arrival station for better connectivity to Pench and easier onward travel options.

• Arrange local transport in advance from Nagpur or Seoni to Pench, either by prepaid taxi or trusted local operators, to avoid waiting and overcharging.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a first-aid kit, as options near Pench can be limited and costly.

• Check weather forecasts before departure and plan your travel time to avoid night driving, especially on rural roads near Pench.

• Download offline maps and keep emergency contact numbers handy, including local forest department and taxi services.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in Nagpur to avoid overcharging and ensure safety, especially for solo travelers.

• Carry bottled water and eat at clean, well-reviewed dhabas or restaurants during highway stops to avoid stomach issues common in long Indian road trips.

• Book train tickets through IRCTC well in advance and opt for confirmed berths to avoid last-minute cancellations or waitlists.

• In Pench, use authorized safari vehicles and guides to ensure safety and a better wildlife experience while supporting local conservation efforts.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, as some local transport options have limited space and security can be a concern in crowded stations.

• During monsoon, roads near Pench can be slippery and prone to landslides, so check local weather and road conditions before traveling.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Pench is from October to June when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent. Monsoon season from July to September can cause travel delays and roadblocks.

Delhi experiences extreme summers and winters, so plan your departure accordingly to avoid discomfort during transit.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and flights are crowded and prices surge.

• Winter mornings in northern India can have dense fog causing train and flight delays, so allow extra travel time if departing early from Delhi.

• Monsoon rains can make roads near Pench muddy and slippery, increasing travel time and risk of vehicle breakdowns.

• Early morning departures from Delhi are recommended to avoid city traffic and reach Pench during daylight hours for safer travel.

Arrival at Pench & What to Expect

On arrival near Pench, you will find limited public transport options. Most travelers rely on prepaid taxis or hotel-arranged transfers to reach their accommodation or safari points.

Popular stay areas include the Pench Tiger Reserve buffer zones and nearby towns like Seoni or Nagpur for budget options. Local buses are infrequent and not recommended for tourists unfamiliar with the area.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available at Nagpur airport and railway station, but it is best to book in advance during peak season. At Pench, forest department staff and guides will assist you with safari bookings and local transport.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Pench is best done by train to Nagpur followed by a taxi or bus to the park, balancing cost and convenience. Flights to Nagpur offer speed but at a higher price, while self-driving gives flexibility for those comfortable with long drives.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, arranging local transport in advance, and traveling during the right season will ensure a smooth journey. With proper preparation, you can confidently enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of Pench without travel stress.