Pench National Park is located in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, known for its rich wildlife and tiger reserve. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a major eastern metropolitan city with excellent connectivity. This route is popular among nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts traveling from eastern India to central India.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kolkata to Pench National Park, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also get practical tips and a step-by-step travel plan to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Kolkata to Pench National Park – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for this route. Several trains connect Kolkata to Nagpur, the nearest major railway station to Pench National Park.

• From Kolkata Railway Station (Howrah or Sealdah), you can board trains to Nagpur Junction, which is approximately 900 km away and takes around 16 to 20 hours depending on the train service chosen.

• Popular trains include the Howrah-Nagpur Mail and the Duronto Express, offering sleeper and AC classes with fares ranging from ₹500 to ₹1500, depending on class and availability.

• From Nagpur, Pench National Park 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.

• Train travel is comfortable but can be crowded during festivals and holidays, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is recommended to secure preferred classes and seats.

Bus

Buses are less common for the entire Kolkata to Pench journey but can be used for parts of the trip, especially from Nagpur to Pench.

• There are no direct buses from Kolkata to Pench National Park, so you must take a bus from Kolkata to Nagpur first, which can take over 20 hours and is less comfortable than trains or flights.

• From Nagpur, state transport buses and private taxis are available to Pench National Park, with travel time around 2 to 3 hours on NH44 and NH47 highways.

• Bus fares from Nagpur to Pench range from ₹150 to ₹400, depending on the service type and operator.

• Bus services may be affected by monsoon rains causing delays on highways, so check weather conditions before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Pench National Park is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility.

• The distance is about 950 km via NH19 and NH44, taking approximately 18 to 20 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• The route passes through major cities like Asansol, Dhanbad, and Nagpur, with multiple toll plazas and highway restaurants for breaks.

• Driving allows you to explore nearby attractions en route and manage your schedule but requires good planning for fuel, rest, and overnight stays.

• Road conditions are generally good on national highways, but monsoon season can cause waterlogging and slippery patches, so drive cautiously during June to September.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach near Pench National Park from Kolkata, especially for travelers with limited time.

• Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport offers daily flights to Nagpur Airport, which is the closest airport to Pench National Park, about 90 km away.

• Flight duration is around 2 hours, with fares typically ranging from ₹3000 to ₹6000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Nagpur Airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach Pench National Park in 2 to 3 hours.

• Booking flights in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and festivals to get better fares and seat availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kolkata to Pench National Park to ensure 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.

• If traveling by train, choose a train that arrives in Nagpur during daylight hours for easier onward travel and better safety.

• Arrange local transport from Nagpur to Pench National Park in advance, either by contacting your lodge or booking a reliable taxi service.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a first-aid kit, as facilities inside the park are limited.

• Check weather forecasts before departure to prepare for seasonal conditions like heat or rain, which can affect travel times and comfort.

• Carry valid ID and park entry permits if pre-booked, as these are mandatory for Pench National Park safaris and visits.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs from Nagpur Airport or railway station to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Carry bottled water and avoid tap water during your journey to prevent stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Book train and flight tickets well in advance, especially during holidays and weekends, as demand spikes sharply.

• For local travel inside Pench, use authorized safari vehicles arranged by the park or your accommodation to comply with park rules.

• Pack light luggage with easy-to-carry bags, as some safari vehicles have limited space and you may need to walk short distances.

• During monsoon season, carry rain gear and check road conditions, as some routes may be temporarily closed or delayed due to heavy rains.

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 can make travel difficult due to heavy rains and slippery roads.

Travel conditions vary seasonally, so planning your trip outside peak monsoon and major Indian festivals will ensure a smoother experience.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (July to September) as heavy rains can cause roadblocks and delays on highways.

• Festive periods like Diwali and Holi see heavy traffic on trains and flights, so book tickets early or avoid these times.

• Early morning departures from Kolkata are advisable to reach Nagpur by afternoon, allowing ample time for onward travel to Pench.

• Winter months (December to February) have cooler temperatures, making safaris more comfortable but nights can be cold, so pack accordingly.

Arrival at Pench National Park & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Pench National Park, you will find limited public transport options. Most visitors rely on pre-arranged cabs or lodge pickups from Nagpur or Seoni.

Accommodation options are available near the park gates, including forest rest houses and private resorts. Local commute inside the park is restricted to authorized safari vehicles only, ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available in Nagpur and Seoni, but inside the park, you must use official safari vehicles booked through the park office or your hotel.

Common areas to stay include the Pench Tiger Reserve buffer zones and nearby towns like Seoni, which offer basic amenities and easy access to the park entrance.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kolkata to Pench National Park is best done by train or flight to Nagpur, followed by a short road trip. Flights offer the fastest and most comfortable option, while trains provide an economical and scenic journey. Planning your tickets early and arranging local transport in advance will save time and avoid last-minute hassles.

Remember to consider seasonal weather and festival traffic when scheduling your trip. With proper preparation and awareness of local travel conditions, you can confidently enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of Pench National Park without stress. This guide aims to make your journey straightforward and memorable.