Our Best Night Safari Experience in India - Pench National Park

Thrilling encounter to see Leopards and Tiger in India

A bold leopard who was sighted for 5-8 minutes during a night safari in India

Picture courtesy - Bhumika Davda & Group

By Dewang Mehta

It was 2017 and time to visit the Pench National Park, a special place where nature has created a magnificent countryside setup. To me it's not just about seeing tigers here; there's also an ethereal beauty that reveals itself every time I visit the park.

Getting There:

Arriving at Pench is an adventure in itself. For those taking to the skies, Nagpur's Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport serves as the gateway. Then from Nagpur, smooth 6-lane wide roads surrounded by tall trees and farmlands on either side; along with underpasses to ease the wildlife moment, ensure that the 92kms drive (2.5-3hour) to Pench is a drive unlike any other.

Exploring the Gates:

Pench reveals its secrets through distinct gates, each offering a unique entry into this wilderness wonderland. Turia Gate, the portal to the main core zone, welcomes you with tales of tigers, leopards, and migratory birds. Rukkhad Gate, slightly off the beaten path, shares whispers of hidden treasures. Sillari Gate, positioned on the western border, unveils panoramic vistas of the Pench River. Khursapar Gate, with its rugged terrain, promises an unparalleled experience. The Khawasa Gate, serving as the entrance to the night safari, not only boasts tiger sightings but has also witnessed the elusive melanistic (black) leopard and wolves.

Night Safari – Unveiling the Nocturnal Drama at Khawasa Gate:

The night safari at the Khawasa gate starts as the sun begins to set, and trust us, when we say that it is a spellbinding experience to say the least. You can literally see the skies turn golden before they turn pitch dark. Then under the mystical glow of the moon, the jungle transforms into a theatre of shadows. Our open-top jeep creeps through the darkness. The silence is deafening and the night is thrilling. It’s almost 6:30pm and the game’s afoot. Hares, spotted deer, owls and nightjars are being sighted at regular intervals.

Navigating thin bumpy roads, the rustling of leaves and noisy crickets fill the air. Suddenly, a foul smell. Could it be the apex predator's kill nearby? The thrill intensifies.

Our vehicle that was moving slowly now comes to a sudden halt. On our right we see 6 rhombus-shaped diamonds floating in the air. You can feel the chill in your bones. You know what you can’t see. The glistening diamonds stare into you, into your soul. The silence is broken with Hetal whispering, Tigers!! Yes, tigers with a “S”. We knew there were 3 tigers in the Khawasa zone, when we embarked on this night safari but to see them in the dark of the night sent a chill down our spines.

Our driver started the headlights of the gypsy once to confirm that there were 3 tigers. We stayed still for a few minutes and so did the tigers’ eyes. The tigers refused to budge. As our driver shut off the lights, those diamonds still looked deep into our souls. To keep us safe and not disturb the beasts any further, the driver and the naturalist decided to move the vehicle in the opposite direction. This was our night safari experience back in 2017 and is to date remains as one of our best night safari experience in India from the Khawasa gate at Pench National Park.

In 2024, we encouraged two clients to embark on the night safari at Khawasa. The first group consisted of 6 adults and 4 kids (all under the age of 12). Within the initial hour of entering the forest, they had an electrifying encounter with a leopard. The majestic cat lingered for a mesmerizing 15 minutes before moving on, leaving a lasting impression on the kids.

The second group, consisting of 4 adults, embarked on the night safari the next day. Their expedition unfolded with the thrilling sight of a Tigress confidently strolling down the road, marking her territory. This particular Tigress had recently mothered three cubs. After briefly disappearing into the bushes, she reappeared on the opposite side of the road, leaving the observers in suspense. Could she be on the prowl? No one knew for sure, but this remarkable sighting undoubtedly overjoyed our clients.

We can't wait for you to experience the same excitement as our clients!