Panna sits right next to the Khajuraho temples, so it is the easy tiger add on to a heritage trip.
To go on safari you book a jeep permit in advance on the official Madhya Pradesh Forest Department site, forest.mponline.gov.in. The main gate is Madla, close to Khajuraho. Foreigners pay more than Indians. The park is open in the cooler months and closes in the monsoon.
Who needs to book
- Every visitor going into a safari zone, Indian or foreign, per person.
- You cannot take your own car inside. A registered forest jeep with a driver and a guide is part of the booking.
- Foreigners pay a higher fee than Indians, so the nationality on the booking must be correct.
The zones, in plain words
Panna is entered through a few gates, each with its own small daily limit.
- Madla. The main gate, closest to Khajuraho, so it is the usual choice on a Khajuraho trip.
- Hinauta. The other main gate, a little further out.
- Akola and the smaller entries. Additional gates that spread visitors out.
[The open gates and their daily limits are set by the forest department and can change season to season. Confirm on the official site. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
The Ken river
Panna is shaped by the Ken river, which runs through the reserve, and a boat ride on the Ken is a lovely, calm way to see gharial, crocodile, and birds when it is running. This is offered seasonally, alongside the jeep safari, and it is not always available. [Whether the Ken boat ride is open, and how it is booked, is to confirm on the official site at the time of your visit. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
How to book, step by step
- Go to the official Madhya Pradesh Forest Department site, forest.mponline.gov.in, and open the Panna safari booking service.
- Create a login, then pick the gate, the date, and the morning or afternoon session.
- Add each visitor with identity details, and declare the correct nationality.
- Pay online, then download the permit.
- Carry the permit and the same original identity, because it is checked at the gate.
What it costs
The cost is made of the entry fee per person, the jeep charge, and a guide fee. Foreigners pay a higher fee than Indians. The exact government figures are shown on the official site at the time of booking.
Following the honest rule of this resource, we do not print a fee we cannot see clearly on the official source. [Exact fees for Indians and foreigners are to confirm on the official site. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Documents you need
- One government photo identity per visitor at booking. Indians can use Aadhaar. Foreigners use a passport.
- The same original identity carried to the gate, matching the booking.
- A working mobile number for the booking.
Season and timings
Panna is best from about 15 October to 15 June. The monsoon arrives in mid June and the park closes. Safaris run in a morning session and an afternoon session, with the exact times set by the season. [The exact 2026 to 2027 opening and closing dates and the session times are to confirm on the official site. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking on a private look alike site that adds a fee. Use the official site, forest.mponline.gov.in.
- Assuming the Ken boat ride is always running. It is seasonal, so check first.
- Declaring the wrong nationality, then being stopped at the gate.
- Planning a monsoon visit, when the park is closed.
Questions people ask
Can I combine Panna with Khajuraho?
Yes, and most people do. The Madla gate is close to the Khajuraho temples, so Panna is the natural tiger add on to a heritage trip.
Which is the main gate?
Madla, the closest to Khajuraho.
Is there a boat ride?
Yes, a seasonal boat ride on the Ken river, when it is running. Confirm before you plan around it.
Do foreigners pay more?
Yes, foreigners pay a higher fee than Indians.
When is Panna open?
Roughly 15 October to 15 June. It closes for the monsoon. Confirm the exact dates on the official site.
Where do I book?
On the official Madhya Pradesh Forest Department site, forest.mponline.gov.in.