Why Pench feels easier than other safaris
If Kanha feels dense and Bandhavgarh feels intense, Pench sits right in the middle—making it one of the most comfortable safari experiences for families.
It’s easier to reach, easier to navigate, and overall feels less overwhelming, especially when traveling with kids.
Our stay at Baghvan, Pench National Park, A Taj Safari reflected exactly that—a balanced mix of comfort, nature, and accessibility.
Getting There: The Easiest Safari to Reach
One of Pench’s biggest advantages is accessibility.
- Just 2 hours from Nagpur Airport via a smooth highway
- Around 4 hours from Jabalpur
This was by far the most convenient safari journey compared to others.
Also, Pench is famously known as the “Land of Mowgli”, which adds a nostalgic charm to the experience.
First Impressions: A Softer, Safer Jungle Experience
Unlike other Taj Safaris, Baghvan is not located in a dense natural jungle.
As shared by the staff:
👉 The property consists of planted trees, which creates a more open and controlled environment.
One major difference we noticed:
👉 This was the only safari where we could move around freely even after dark, without needing staff escort.
From a family perspective, this adds:
- Comfort
- Convenience
- A sense of ease
Stay Experience: Cottage Living with a Unique Twist
Baghvan stands out with its cottage-style accommodations, unlike the tents of Kanha or stone lodges of Panna.
Each unit is divided into two distinct spaces:
1. Living Area + Balcony
- Spacious room opening into a large balcony
- Extended wooden deck overlooking the jungle
- Comfortable seating to relax and unwind
2. Washroom + Machan Space
- A separate washroom area
- Above it, a beautiful open machan with a large cozy bed
This machan is:
- Covered with mosquito nets
- Designed for sleeping under the open sky
👉 A truly unique experience you won’t find elsewhere.
A Small Reality Check (Important for Families)
While the design is unique, it’s not without challenges.
- The washroom being separate meant stepping out every time
- At night, this felt slightly inconvenient—especially with kids
There’s also an outdoor shower concept, which is interesting in idea but not the most practical for families.
👉 So while the stay is unique, it’s important to know what to expect.
The Property: Relaxed, Open, and Activity-Friendly
The property includes:
- Dining area
- Common lounge
- Swimming pool
- Souvenir shop
- Administrative block
The common area is well-designed:
- Indoor: books (wildlife & history), TV, quiet seating
- Outdoor: games like Jenga, Ludo, Chess
They also provide:
- Cycles to explore the property
- Optional visit to nearby potter villages for a local experience
👉 It’s more activity-friendly compared to other safaris.
Dining Experience: Simple Food, Beautiful Setting
Meals here are simple but satisfying.
Breakfast:
- Indian options + English breakfast
- Fresh fruits and juices
- Quite elaborate and well spread
Lunch & Dinner:
- 2–3 vegetables
- Soup
- Dal, rice, roti
- Papad, dahi
But what truly makes dining special is:
👉 the setting
The dining area is open and located next to a flowing water stream.
- Natural breeze
- Sound of water
- Open surroundings
It creates an atmosphere that feels peaceful and immersive.
On arrival, we were welcomed with a local cuisine thali, which was a lovely touch—especially if you enjoy regional Indian food.
A Typical Day at Baghvan
- Arrival + traditional thali lunch
- Rest and exploration of the property
- Hi-tea with snacks (sandwiches, cakes, muffins)
- Dinner in a serene outdoor setting
Next day:
- Slow morning
- Breakfast
- Leisure time (cycling / relaxing / games)
- Afternoon safari
Safari Experience: Easier Sightings, Relaxed Drives
Pench offers a more open forest compared to Kanha, which makes spotting wildlife relatively easier.
During our safari, we spotted:
- A leopard (a rare and memorable experience)
- Spotted deer
- Hyenas
- Wild dogs
Even though the leopard was at a distance and it was nearing dusk, we could observe it for a good 10 minutes.
👉 This was a completely different experience from other parks.
The overall safari felt:
- Less dense
- More visible
- Less tiring
What Kids Will Love
- Easier safari drives (less exhausting)
- Open spaces to explore
- Games and activities at the property
- Cycling around the परिसर
And most importantly:
👉 Less stress compared to more intense safaris
Pench vs Other Safaris (Quick Perspective)
- Panna → peaceful, slow
- Kanha → dense, immersive
- Bandhavgarh → higher tiger sightings
- Pench → balanced, easy, family-friendly
Who Should Choose Pench
Pench is ideal for:
- Families with younger kids
- First-time safari travelers
- Those wanting a stress-free wildlife experience
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a safari that is:
- Easy to reach
- Comfortable to navigate
- Still exciting and rewarding
Then Pench is one of the most practical and enjoyable choices.
And staying at Baghvan adds a layer of uniqueness that makes the experience memorable—especially with its cottage design and open jungle feel.
Closing Thought
Not every safari needs to be intense to be memorable.
Sometimes, the best experiences come from:
👉 Comfort, simplicity, and moments that feel easy to enjoy