Pench National Park Safari Gates
Pench Tiger Reserve has separate safari entry systems in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department lists three main core entry gates—Turia, Karmajhiri and Jamtara—and five buffer/other entry points. Maharashtra's official Pench website lists eight tourist gates. Your permit determines where you must report, so confirm the state, gate and safari date before arranging transport or accommodation.
Last updated: 23 October 2026. Gate availability, timings, routes and seasonal rules can change. Confirm current details with the relevant Forest Department booking portal.
Madhya Pradesh Safari Gates
| Gate | State | Core / Buffer | Route / Nearby Reference | Approx. Distance from Nagpur |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turia | Madhya Pradesh | Core | Khawasa / Seoni route | 85 km |
| Karmajhiri | Madhya Pradesh | Core | Suktara route | 135 km |
| Jamtara (Jhamtara) | Madhya Pradesh | Core | Chhindwara route | 160 km |
| Khawasa | Madhya Pradesh | Buffer | Khawasa | 84 km |
| Khumbhpani | Madhya Pradesh | Buffer | NH44 Jabalpur-Nagpur Road | 85 km |
| Masurnala | Madhya Pradesh | Buffer | NH44 Jabalpur-Nagpur Road | 90 km |
| Rukhad | Madhya Pradesh | Buffer | Rukhad / Seoni route | 106 km |
| Teliya | Madhya Pradesh | Buffer | NH44 Jabalpur-Nagpur Road | 85 km |
Maharashtra Safari Gates
The official Maharashtra Pench website lists Sillari, Chorbahuli, Khursapar, Maudi, Kolitmara, Banera, Khubala and Surewani. Confirm the current zone, booking availability and reporting time on the official portal.
| Gate | State | Core / Buffer | Route Reference | Distance from Nagpur |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sillari | Maharashtra | Core | NH-44 / Paoni side | About 92 km from Nagpur Airport |
| Khursapar | Maharashtra | Core | NH-44 corridor | 85 km |
| Chorbahuli | Maharashtra | Core | NH-44 corridor | 52 km |
| Kolitmara | Maharashtra | Buffer | West Pench / Parshivni route | 70 km |
| Maudi | Maharashtra | Buffer | Nagpur-Ambhora Highway | 75 km |
| Khubala | Maharashtra | Core | NH-547 corridor | 43 km |
| Surewani (Nagalwadi) | Maharashtra | Buffer | NH-547 corridor | 58 km |
| Banera | Maharashtra | Buffer | NH53 Corridor | 163 km |
Core vs Buffer Safari: What Is the Difference?
Core and buffer are different tourism areas, and the gates available for each can differ. Core access is seasonal and may close during monsoon, while designated buffer areas may remain open under local rules. Exact dates, timings, fees, routes and vehicle availability are set by the relevant Forest Department and can change.
- Check the gate and area type on the permit, not just a zone name on a third-party page.
- Do not assume core and buffer safaris have identical routes, fees or availability.
- No gate can guarantee tiger or other wildlife sightings.
- Confirm seasonal closures and reporting times on the official portal.
Official references: MP Forest Department booking portal and Maharashtra Pench ecotourism information.
Which Pench Safari Gate Should You Choose?
Turia vs Karmajhiri vs Jamtara
These are the three core entry points listed by the MP Forest Department. Choose based on permit availability, route and accommodation—not a promise of wildlife sightings. Published road distances are about 85 km from Nagpur to Turia and 135 km from Nagpur to Karmajhiri. Check the Jamtara route from your actual starting point.
For first-time visitors and families
Confirm the available gate first, then choose accommodation with a practical transfer to it. Ask your property about travel time and early-morning pickup arrangements.
For photographers and wildlife enthusiasts
Compare permitted routes, session timings, current rules and availability. Wildlife movement is natural, so sightings cannot be guaranteed at any gate.
How to Reach Your Pench Safari Gate
Nagpur is a useful transport hub for many itineraries. Jabalpur, Seoni and Chhindwara may be more suitable for specific MP gates. Your best route depends on the gate printed on your permit.
Read how to reach Pench by air, train and road. Compare hotels and resorts near Pench.