Panna – Tigers, Temples, and Tasteful Treats
Hello, travel lovers – You should definitely visit Panna, an underrated gem in Madhya Pradesh, if you’re looking for a unique destination with beautiful jungles, historic sites, bright diamonds, and delicious local food. Then you are at the right place, Panna has many surprises waiting for you in this beautiful city.
Panna is in the middle of Madhya Pradesh, about 40 km from Khajuraho. It is well-known for its diamond mining, tiger reserve, and fascinating past. Panna has something for everyone, whether you’re an animal lover, like a calm person, or want to taste some different cuisine. Panna is magical to certain people.
Are you ready to take a visit at this wonderful place?
Must-Visit Places in Panna
Alright, let’s talk about the star attractions of this beautiful town –
1.Panna Tiger Reserve
Panna really does have a tiger reserve. It is 540 square kilometres in size and is home to sloth bears, deer, tigers, and leopards, among other animals.
The safari hours are as follows – morning (6 AM–10 AM) and evening (2:30 PM–5:30 PM).
The cost of safari is from Rs.2500 to Rs.4500 per jeep (6 persons). A little advice, make reservations well in advance, especially during the busiest times of the year, otherwise you will not be able to take safari rides.
2.Panna Diamond Mines
Have you ever witnessed a real diamond being extracted from the ground? One of the very few locations with active diamond mining in India is Panna. If you want to see how these magnificent stones are found, you can go to the Majhgaon Diamond Mines. The price of tickets are usually ranging around Rs.50 to Rs.100.
3.Padmavati Devi Temple
This ancient temple, set in peaceful surroundings, is dedicated to Goddess Padmavati. The vibe here is calm and spiritual.
4.Raneh Falls (Near Khajuraho is worth visiting)
This natural waterfall is formed over unique volcanic rock formations. It’s a treat for the eyes and the soul.
5.Ken Gharial Sanctuary
It is located alongside the Ken River, and this peaceful sanctuary is home to the rare gharial (the long-nosed crocodile). It’s a great place for a calm nature walk, bird watching, or a relaxing boat ride on the river. You can spot many different birds, small animals, and even crocodiles soaking in the sun. The sound of flowing water and chirping birds makes it a perfect escape from busy city life. Early morning or evening is the best time to visit for cool weather and better chances to see wildlife. Don’t forget to carry water and a pair of binoculars.
Hidden Gems in and Around Panna
Let’s dig a little deeper into lesser-known spots –
1.Pandav Falls
Pandav Falls are located inside the Panna Tiger Reserve, this beautiful waterfall is linked to the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. It’s a peaceful place with cool breeze, lush green gardens, and flowing water that makes it perfect for a short picnic or quiet break. You can also take lovely nature photos here. Don’t forget to bring your camera and snapshot of yours.
2.Jugal Kishoreji Temple
This is an old temple, a peaceful and quiet environment, right in the middle of the town. It’s not very crowded, so it’s great for spending some quiet time or saying a prayer. The temple is clean, calm, and gives a spiritual feeling that makes your heart happy. Visit during the evening to see the soft glow of diyas and hear the bells ring.
3.Baldevgarh Fort
About 30 km distance, there is beautiful fort in Panna, this fort stands on a small hill and gives you a beautiful view of the nearby area. It’s a bit of a climb, but once you reach the top, the view and fresh air are totally worth it. You can feel the old-time charm of kings and battles here, like a mini time machine to history. Don’t forget to wear comfy shoes.
Taste the Local Flavours
Panna might be small, but the food scene is full of flavor and love. Here’s what to try
Must-Try Dishes –
- Dal Bafla – A soft wheat dough ball which dipped in desi ghee making it the paradise and served with spicy dal. A pure comfort food for your journey.
- Bhutte ka Kees – A delicious dish made from grated corn, milk, and spices. It must sound a simple dish, but its flavours are not just simple.
- Local Sweets – After having a lot of spicy food, it’s time to have sweets. Do not miss out on mawa bati, jalebi, and balushahi.
- Street Food Spots –
Panna doesn’t have big food places, but the taste lies in its small, local street food stalls.
- Bus Stand Market – A go-to place for samosas, poha, and tea. You will love it.
- Old Bazaar Area – A great place for evening chaat, kachoris, and desserts.
- Local Tea Stalls – Don’t forget to sip some strong local chai with bun-maska.
Any journey is incomplete without Shopping
Panna is best known for its handicrafts, gemstones, and traditional items.
Top Places to Shop –
- Local Handicraft Shops – These have good wooden toys, traditional jewellery, and bamboo items.
- Diamond Souvenir Shops – If you want to buy stuff which is similar to real diamond then you can visit these shops. They provide with small diamond items and replicas which are beautifully crafted. The prices are very much affordable and you can easily bargain.
Best Time to Visit Panna
The best time to visit Panna is from October to March. The weather is cool, the forests are green, and it’s the perfect season for safaris, sightseeing, and food hopping. Avoid summers (April-June) as it gets really hot, and during monsoon (July-September), the park remains closed.
Panna–A Diamond in the Rough
Panna is more than just a destination; it’s an emotion, a memory, and an experience that will stay with you forever. Everything about this place makes you feel good, from viewing a tiger in the wild to listening to the gentle ringing of temple bells, from tasting mouth-watering dal bafla to purchasing handcrafted goods.
Panna is waiting for you if you want to escape the chaos and noise of the city and take in something unique and relaxing.
Continue exploring and discovering with Outdoorkeeda till the next adventure.
