Slow Travel in Panna - A Gentle Exploration of Nature, Community, and Timeless Landscapes

Slow Travel in Panna begins the moment you choose not to rush through its forests, rivers, and monuments, but to stay, observe, and listen. Set in the Vindhya hills of northern Madhya Pradesh and known as the 'City of Diamonds', Panna truly is a gem. The city reveals itself gradually, rewarding those who travel with patience rather than urgency. This is a landscape where wildlife corridors meet ancient temples, and nomadic wisdom meets thoughtful conservation efforts. Here, rivers carve stories into stone over millennia.

Day 1: Arriving Slowly in the Vindhya Hills

As you check in to a comfortable resort, an authentic homestay, or MPT Jungle Camp in Panna, allow the first day to unfold without haste. Begin by settling in, absorbing the stillness, and letting the landscape reveal itself at its own rhythm.

Start by understanding Panna's geography and natural character. Plateaus, gorges, riverine forests, and dry deciduous woodland come together to form a distinctive mosaic of habitats. Gentle nature walks along the resort periphery offer an introduction to this terrain, while time spent by the Ken River (known in ancient times as Karnavati) reveals its role as the lifeline of the region, sustaining forests, wildlife, and local communities.

If your stay lies along the river, a boat safari on the Ken is a must-do experience. The slow movement of the boat allows for quiet observation of the river ecosystem, where over 200 bird species, including migratory visitors, can be seen. For birding enthusiasts, this unhurried exploration offers a rewarding introduction to Panna's remarkable biodiversity.

Day 2: Wildlife at a Measured Pace

Panna National Park stands among central India's most important ecological zones. Plan your jungle exploration in advance by booking safaris online for a seamless experience. Morning and evening safaris are available, and wildlife enthusiasts may choose to undertake more than one to fully engage with the forest's diverse terrain.

A wildlife safari in Panna is not about chasing sightings, but about learning the rhythm of the forest. As one of India's key tiger habitats, the park offers the possibility of encountering the elusive big cat, while drawing equal attention to the many other species that define this landscape.

Leopards, wild dogs, wolves, hyenas, and smaller wild cats move quietly through the undergrowth, while sloth bears favour rocky escarpments and undisturbed valleys. Neelgai, along with herds of sambar and chital, move steadily across open grasslands.

Of the nine vulture species found in India, seven can be seen here, often basking in the sun at Dhundwa Seha, a prominent gorge and viewpoint known as the main 'Vulture Point'. This exceptional biodiversity marks Panna as a critical conservation zone and encourages slow, conscious discovery of its wilderness.

Day 3 : Walking with the Pardhis - Learning the Language of Forest

Dedicate the day to one of Panna's most meaningful slow travel experiences: Walking with the Pardhis. This initiative places human stories at the heart of the wilderness. The Pardhi community, historically nomadic hunters, carry generations of intimate forest knowledge shaped by close coexistence with nature. With evolving conservation practices and collaborative efforts by the Forest Department, many Pardhis have transitioned from hunting to conservation-based livelihoods.

The guided walks, organised by the Last Wilderness Foundation & Taj Safaris, unfold as an immersive dialogue with the forest. Led by trained Pardhi guides, travellers move on foot, learning to read animal tracks, understand behavioural patterns, and recognise subtle ecological signs often missed during vehicle safaris.

Beyond the forest, the experience offers insights into the Pardhi way of life. Visitors gain an understanding of their daily routines, artistic expressions, and relationship with the land, along with the opportunity to taste locally sourced tribal food. The initiative not only sustains community livelihoods but also encourages a more thoughtful and empathetic way of engaging with both people and wilderness.

Day 4: Natural Beauty, Rivers, and Geological Landscapes

This day unfolds across some of Panna's most picturesque natural settings, where forests, rivers, waterfalls, and ancient rock formations come together to shape a quietly dramatic landscape.

Begin at the Ken Ghariyal Sanctuary, located at the confluence of the Ken and Khudar rivers. Established in 1985, the sanctuary plays a vital role in protecting the endangered gharial, a rare fish-eating crocodilian that can grow up to six metres in length. Watching gharials bask along the riverbanks is an exercise in stillness, best appreciated without haste. The surrounding riverine habitat also supports local wildlife, flora and avi-fauna.

From here, continue to Pandav Falls, a 30-metre cascade descending into a heart-shaped pool within the national park. Fed by the Ken River and framed by ancient caves, the site is closely associated with Mahabharata legends. Even during the monsoon months, the falls retain a calm, contemplative atmosphere, inviting travellers to listen, and linger.

Later in the day, visit Raneh Falls, often referred to as the 'Grand Canyon of India'. Carved by the Ken River, Raneh falls reveal the striking crystalline granite in shades of pink, red, and grey. Formed through ancient volcanic activity. The gorge displays five distinct rock formations, a rare geological feature in Asia. Seasonal waterfalls transform the canyon during the monsoon, while post-monsoon months reveal intricate rock patterns and calmer flows, rewarding those who take time to understand the land's geological memory.

For travellers with additional time and an inclination towards adventure, Brihaspati Kund may also be explored. Located approximately 25 km from Panna, this dramatic natural depression is recognised as the highest waterfall in the region. The site holds geological and mythological significance, with nearby diamond deposits, medicinal flora, and a cluster of sacred ponds including Suraj Kund, Parvati Kund and Pattaliya Kund, adding to the raw and untamed natural character of the area.

Travellers may explore these experiences at their own pace, selecting stops based on time, interest, and energy.

Day 5: Temples, History, and Local Flavours

The final day shifts from landscapes to living heritage, as Panna, often called the City of Temples, reveals its rich tapestry of sacred and historic sites.

Begin with the Mahamati Prannathji Temple, a significant spiritual centre for the Pranami community, where its marble domes and symbolic architecture create an atmosphere of devotion, especially during Sharad Purnima. Then visit Baldeoji Temple, inspired by Roman architecture, with its raised platform and imposing Maha Mandapa; dedicated to Lord Balram, its black shaligram idol adds profound spiritual weight.

Continue to the Jagannath Swami Temple, nestled within the royal complex, where wooden idols brought from Puri reside in a traditional medieval-style temple, celebrated for its annual Rath Yatra.

If time permits, explore Siddhnath Temple, associated with Lord Ram and Agastya Rishi, followed by Vishnuvarah Temple at Puraina, an ancient site linked to Lord Vishnu's Varaha avatar, set beside an old stepwell. Those interested in ancient temple architecture can also visit Chaumukhnath Temple at Nachna, one of the earliest surviving stone temples of central India, reflecting classic North Indian design.

As travellers move through Panna town for darshans, the flavours of the region unfold just as effortlessly. The streets around the temples offer easy encounters with Panna's understated culinary delights - refreshing Mango Pana, locally prepared Amla Murabba, the layered sweetness of Khurchan, and Gakkad Bharta, slow-roasted over an open fire for its smoky, earthy flavour. Simple and deeply local, these tastes are woven into everyday life and are easily found while exploring the town.

Day 5 gently brings together faith, history, and food, allowing travellers to explore each site at their own pace and according to their time and interests, leaving Panna with not just memories of places, but an intimate sense of its everyday rhythms.

Note : Perched atop the Vindhya hills, Ajaygarh Fort offers a rewarding climb for thrill seekers, where the remnants of Jain temples along Ajay Palka Talab and the fort's Chandela-era remnants invite a slow, immersive exploration, letting history reveal itself gradually.

When and How to Explore Panna

Panna is especially pleasant during the Post Monsoon to Winter months, when its natural beauty can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace. However, for wildlife enthusiasts seeking stronger chances of animal sightings, the summer months - though extremely hot; offer rewarding safari experiences and closer encounters with wildlife.

Overall, the most favourable time to visit Panna is from October to June, a period that allows travellers to experience the destination in its entirety, from memorable wildlife safaris to its heritage sites and natural landscapes. Panna is well connected by both rail and road networks, with regular transport services linking it to other major cities.

To truly experience Panna at an unhurried pace, balance safaris with riverside moments, guided walks, village visits, and cultural exploration. Safari permits can be booked online, with different pricing for weekdays and weekends.

Book Here : https://forest.mponline.gov.in/Index.aspx 

Travellers can further enrich their journey by opting for rural and tribal homestays, which offer an authentic glimpse into local life and traditions. These community-run stays provide an affordable, immersive, and refreshing way to understand the land and its people.