Pench National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh, near the border with Maharashtra. It is famous for its rich wildlife and dense forests, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Traveling from Delhi to Pench is common for tourists seeking a peaceful escape from city life.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Pench National Park from Delhi. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, costs, and practical tips to plan your trip confidently.

Getting from Delhi to Pench National Park – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical way to reach Pench National Park from Delhi. It offers a comfortable journey with scenic views and connects to nearby stations close to the park.

• The nearest major railway stations to Pench are Seoni and Nagpur, both well connected to Delhi via direct and connecting trains, with travel times ranging from 16 to 22 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Popular trains include the Nagpur Rajdhani and other express trains from Delhi Hazrat Nizamuddin or New Delhi stations, with fares ranging from INR 600 to INR 2000 depending on class and availability.

• Train frequency is good, but booking in advance through IRCTC is essential, especially during peak tourist seasons and holidays to avoid waitlists and ensure confirmed seats.

• From Seoni or Nagpur stations, you can hire local taxis or buses to reach Pench National Park, which is about 60 km from Seoni and 90 km from Nagpur, taking around 1.5 to 2.5 hours by road.

• Night trains are convenient for saving daytime and avoiding fatigue, but be prepared for some crowding during festivals and monsoon delays affecting punctuality.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly option for travelers who prefer road travel and want to experience local transport culture. However, direct buses to Pench are limited, so you may need to change buses en route.

• From Delhi, you can take a long-distance bus to Nagpur or Seoni, operated by MSRTC and private operators, with journey times around 18 to 24 hours depending on the service and route.

• Bus fares range from INR 800 to INR 1500 for sleeper and semi-sleeper services, with varying comfort levels and frequency depending on the operator.

• From Nagpur or Seoni bus stands, local buses or taxis are available to reach Pench National Park, but local bus frequency may be limited, so pre-arranged taxis are recommended for last-mile connectivity.

• Traveling by bus during the monsoon season can be challenging due to slippery roads and occasional delays; avoid night travel on rural roads for safety.

• Booking tickets online through state transport websites or popular bus portals is advised to secure seats and check schedules in advance.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Pench National Park offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes at your own pace. It is suitable for travelers comfortable with long-distance driving on Indian highways.

• The distance from Delhi to Pench is approximately 1100 km via NH44 and NH47, taking around 18 to 20 hours of driving depending on traffic and stops.

• The route passes through major cities like Agra, Jhansi, and Nagpur, with multiple toll plazas and rest stops offering food and fuel options along the way.

• Driving yourself allows you to stop at interesting places such as Kanha National Park or Pench’s nearby villages, enhancing the travel experience beyond just the destination.

• Road conditions on national highways are generally good, but expect some congestion near cities and occasional roadwork; avoid driving at night in rural areas for safety.

• Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained, carry a physical map or GPS device, and have emergency contacts handy, as mobile signals may be weak near forest areas.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach the region near Pench National Park, but there is no airport in Pench itself. The closest airports are in Nagpur and Jabalpur, from where you must continue by road.

• Direct flights from Delhi to Nagpur are frequent, with flight times around 1.5 to 2 hours and fares ranging from INR 3000 to INR 7000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Nagpur airport, Pench National Park is about 90 km away, reachable by taxi or rental car in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

• Jabalpur airport is another option, about 120 km from Pench, but fewer direct flights from Delhi are available, making Nagpur more convenient for most travelers.

• Booking flights well in advance can save money, especially during holiday seasons and weekends when prices tend to rise.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate from Nagpur airport, providing reliable and safe transport to Pench and nearby towns.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Pench National Park. It covers key actions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure confirmed seats and better prices, especially during peak seasons.

• Pack light but include essentials like insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and water bottles, as Pench is a forest area with limited facilities.

• Reach the Delhi railway station or airport at least 2 hours before departure to avoid last-minute rush and check for any travel updates or platform changes.

• Upon arrival at Nagpur or Seoni station, arrange a pre-booked taxi or use reliable local transport apps to reach Pench safely and comfortably without delays.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling and carry appropriate clothing; monsoon rains can affect road conditions and wildlife sightings.

• Inform your accommodation in Pench about your arrival time and transport details to ensure smooth check-in and local guidance.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your ID and booking confirmations when traveling by train or flight, as Indian Railways and airports require verification at multiple points.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and avoid street food unless you are sure of its hygiene to prevent stomach illnesses common among travelers.

• Use official booking portals like IRCTC for trains and airline websites for flights to avoid scams and inflated prices from third-party sellers.

• In Pench, local transport options are limited; hiring a local guide or taxi for safaris and transfers is recommended for safety and convenience.

• Pack your luggage wisely with essentials for forest visits, including binoculars, hats, and sunscreen, but avoid heavy bags as local transport may have space constraints.

• During monsoon and winter seasons, check for any travel advisories or park closures to avoid last-minute disruptions to your plans.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Pench National Park is from October to June when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent. Monsoon months bring heavy rains, making forest roads slippery and sometimes inaccessible.

Traveling during festivals or long weekends may lead to crowded trains and higher fares, so plan accordingly to avoid discomfort.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (July to September) as heavy rains can cause delays and restrict park activities.

• Peak tourist periods like winter holidays (December to January) see higher traffic, so book transport and accommodation well in advance.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and allow you to reach your destination with more daylight for transfers.

• Fog in northern India during winter mornings can delay trains and flights, so keep buffer time in your schedule.

Arrival at Pench National Park & What to Expect

When you arrive near Pench National Park, either at Seoni or Nagpur, you will find several transport options to reach the park entrance. Prepaid taxis and local cabs are the most reliable for last-mile travel.

Accommodation options are available near the park gates and in nearby towns like Chhindwara and Seoni. Many lodges offer safari packages and local guidance. App-based cabs may not be available inside the forest area, so plan your local travel in advance.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Pench National Park is best done by train or flight combined with a taxi for the last leg. Trains offer a budget-friendly and scenic option, while flights save time and add comfort. Driving yourself is suitable if you prefer flexibility and road trips.

Plan your bookings early, especially during peak seasons, and prepare for local conditions like limited transport and forest weather. With proper planning and these practical tips, you can enjoy a safe and memorable journey to Pench National Park from Delhi.