How do I book a Pench National Park safari?

Through Maharashtra Forest Department (Pench Tiger Reserve) — booking opens ~90 days before your safari date. Official portal: https://safaribooking.mahaforest.gov.in/. Carry the same ID you enter at booking to the gate.

How much does a Pench National Park safari cost?

The cheapest safari starts around ₹1,000 for Indian visitors (vehicle/guide may be separate); foreigner rates are higher. Full per-vehicle breakdown is in the table above.

When is the best time for a Pench National Park safari?

Wildlife sightings are best in March–May. The park is closed in July–September.

Safari booking · 2026

How to book a Pench National Park safari

Pench National Park (Maharashtra side), Maharashtra — booking opens ~90 days before your safari date. Sightings are best in March–May. Safaris start at ₹1,000 for Indian visitors. Below: zones, fees, IDs and the real booking pitfalls — every line source-cited and verified, not a guess off a blog.

Booking window

Verified 2026-06-03

Booking authority: Maharashtra Forest Department (Pench Tiger Reserve)
Opens in advance: 90 days
Park open: October–June
Closed: July–September

Maharashtra side: advance booking opens 90 days prior (90% of quota). Current quota opens 1 hour before each shift at booking centre. Tatkal permits available against cancellations, confirmed 5 days prior via SMS.

Book on the official portal →

Safari types & fees

Type	Seats	Fee
Jeep (Gypsy) morning · afternoon Jeep entry + permit + guide included; per vehicle for 6 persons	6	₹9,500 (Indian) · ₹9,500 (foreigner)
Canter (Sillari Zone only) morning · afternoon Walk-in/spot bookings only; cannot be booked in advance	20	ask at gate
Elephant Safari morning Only available on Maharashtra side; INR 1000 per person	2	₹1,000 (Indian) · ₹1,000 (foreigner)

Jeep entry Maharashtra core: INR 9500 per vehicle (6 persons). Elephant safari: INR 1000 per person. Canter (spot-booking): pricing varies. 90% of permits available in advance quota opening 90 days out. Current quota releases 1 hour before each shift. Tatkal against cancellations confirmed 5 days prior.

Zones & gates

SillariPrime
Best for: Premium zone; dense bamboo, teak, waterfalls; wild dogs, sloth bear
Dense forest; excellent scenery; premium status
KhursaparPrime
Best for: Most popular; high wildcat/predator sighting probability
Day-tourist favorite; excellent sighting track record
Chorbahuli
Best for: Core zone safari experience
Located near Chorbahuli village, Ramtek, Nagpur district
Saleghat
Best for: Buffer zone access
Alternative gate
Kolitmara
Best for: Buffer zone access
Alternative gate
Surewani
Best for: Monsoon buffer zone access (Nagalwadi area)
Accessible during monsoon closure of core zones

Maharashtra side has 2 main core zones: Sillari (premium dense forest) and Khursapar (most popular, best sightings). Chorbahuli is additional core access. All 3 core zones open Oct 1–Jun 30; fully closed Jul–Sep. Buffer zones (Nagalwadi via Surewani, Paoni via Sillari) accessible during monsoon closure but with minimal tiger probability.

How to book, step by step

1Register on www.the official portal (linked above) (Maharashtra state site)
2Go to Wildlife section
3Fill name, age, gender, nationality, photo ID proof
4Select zone (Sillari, Khursapar, Chorbahuli for core Maharashtra)
5Choose date 90+ days in advance for best availability
6Select jeep or vehicle type
7Complete payment
8Receive booking confirmation and permit number

ID required: Indians: Aadhar, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID · Foreigners: Passport

What trips people up

Maharashtra vs MP Different Systems
Pench straddles MP and Maharashtra. MP side books via MP Online (120 days), Maharashtra side via maharashtraecotourismonline.com (90 days). Different authorities, portals, prices, rules — verify which side your gates are on.
Monsoon Core Closure (Jul–Sep)
All Maharashtra core zones (Sillari, Khursapar, Chorbahuli) closed Jul–Sep. Only Nagalwadi (Surewani gate) and Paoni (Sillari gate) buffer zones open. Core zone wildlife experience not available in monsoon.
Canter Spot-Booking Only
Canter safaris (20-seater group vehicle) at Sillari zone CANNOT be booked in advance. Walk-in/spot booking only. Don't expect advance availability for group rates.
Tatkal Waitlist Gamble
Tatkal slots only materialize from cancellations 5 days before trip. Confirmation comes via SMS; until then, status unclear. Risky for fixed travel dates.
Peak Season Competitive
December–March (peak wildlife season + tourist season) books out quickly. Even with 90-day window, book day 1 for mid-Feb to mid-Mar dates.
Mobile Phones Prohibited
Use and possession of mobile phones explicitly banned during safaris. Plan offline communication; no emergency calls during drives.

Booking opens 45–120 days ahead and sells out — save it so you don't miss the window.

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Common questions

How do I book a Pench National Park safari?: Through Maharashtra Forest Department (Pench Tiger Reserve) — booking opens ~90 days before your safari date. Official portal: https://safaribooking.mahaforest.gov.in/. Carry the same ID you enter at booking to the gate.
How much does a Pench National Park safari cost?: The cheapest safari starts around ₹1,000 for Indian visitors (vehicle/guide may be separate); foreigner rates are higher. Full per-vehicle breakdown is in the table above.
When is the best time for a Pench National Park safari?: Wildlife sightings are best in March–May. The park is closed in July–September.