Mr. Vishal Chauhan and Payal Chauhan visited Pench National Park and Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary on March 19, 2025, for an exciting two-day jeep safari perfectly timed during their Maharashtra wildlife trip.
Despite the warm summer conditions, their safari delivered multiple tiger sightings and beautiful forest views, including sightings of leopards, deer, and birds. The experienced guide ensured comfortable timing and prime safari zones for maximum wildlife action.
Report by Mr. Sudhir Sharma
Mr. Vishal and Payal Chauhan – Wildlife Safari Tour Report (March 2025)
To ensure they still had an exceptional wildlife experience, we closely monitored daily sighting reports and conducted detailed research. Based on this analysis, we recommended two alternative destinations: Pench National Park and Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, both conveniently located near Nagpur.
After reviewing the options, it was decided…
Safari Experience
The first safari took place on 19th March 2025 in Pench National Park, specifically in the Turiya Zone—one of the most important and sought-after zones of the Pench Tiger Reserve, located in the Madhya Pradesh section of the park.
This prime zone is known for its rich biodiversity and frequent tiger sightings. The safari offered a quality wildlife experience, with good sightings and immersive jungle exploration.
Safari Experience
The first safari took place on 19th March 2025 in Pench National Park, specifically in the Turiya Zone—one of the most important and sought-after zones of the Pench Tiger Reserve, located in the Madhya Pradesh section of the park.
This prime zone is known for its rich biodiversity and frequent tiger sightings, and the safari did not disappoint. During this excursion, Mr. Vishal and Ms. Payal were fortunate to spot two tigers at close range.
The first sighting was of the Pad hey Cortana dev female Tigress (T4)—a well-known and iconic tigress of the Surya Range. Later in the drive, they encountered a sub-adult female cub of the Junevani female Tigress, marking a rare and thrilling double sighting within a single safari.
Both tigers were observed from a close distance, allowing for excellent photo opportunities. Some beautiful images were captured during this memorable outing.
After completing the morning safari, the guests returned to the hotel for a break, followed by lunch and a refreshing shower. Later that afternoon, they set out for their second safari of the day—this time in the Khursapar Zone.
Khursapar lies within the Maharashtra side of Pench Tiger Reserve, bordering the Madhya Pradesh region. While the Turiya Zone is part of the Madhya Pradesh area, zones like Khursapar and Sillari fall within Maharashtra’s jurisdiction. Khursapar is considered one of the top zones for sightings in the Maharashtra part of Pench, ranking just after Turiya in terms of wildlife activity and tiger visibility.
Second Safari – Khursapar Zone
The second safari, held in the Khursapar Zone of Pench on the afternoon of 19th March 2025, also proved to be highly rewarding.
The initial plan was to track Tigress Baras and her new cubs, a promising but elusive sighting. Despite efforts, the team was unable to locate her during this drive. Undeterred, the group shifted focus based on the expertise of their guide, Ram Prasad, who suggested heading toward the territory of the B2 Tigress, known to have three cubs.
Following his lead, the safari vehicle navigated through multiple tracks in B2’s area. After a patient wait of more than 45 minutes, the group was rewarded when the B2 Tigress appeared with all three of her cubs, moving calmly and confidently around the vehicle. The proximity and grace of this tiger family created a powerful and memorable experience for everyone on board.
Second Safari – Khursapar Zone
The second safari, held in the Khursapar Zone of Pench on the afternoon of 19th March 2025, also proved to be highly rewarding.
The initial plan was to track Tigress Baras and her new cubs, a promising but elusive sighting. Despite efforts, the team was unable to locate her during this drive. Undeterred, the group shifted focus based on the expertise of their guide, Ram Prasad, who suggested heading toward the territory of the B2 Tigress, known to have three cubs.
Following his lead, the safari vehicle navigated through multiple tracks in B2’s area. After a patient wait of more than 45 minutes, the group was rewarded when the B2 Tigress appeared with all three of her cubs, moving calmly and confidently around the vehicle. The proximity and grace of this tiger family created a powerful and memorable experience for everyone on board.
First Safari – Umred Karhandla (20th March Afternoon)
The decision to visit Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary was largely driven by a promising development in the Gautamgaon Zone: the S2 Tigress had recently given birth to five cubs, reportedly some of the smallest and youngest tiger cubs currently known in any of Maharashtra’s national parks. Sightings of the mother and cubs had been consistent since late November 2024, making it an exciting opportunity.
After lunch, the guests prepared and proceeded to the park gate for the afternoon safari on 20th March. Despite high hopes, the sighting this time was modest. From a distance, they were able to spot two of the cubs, but the view was obstructed and too far for quality photographs. As is the nature of wildlife experiences, some days offer full encounters, while others remind us of nature’s unpredictability.
Although tigers were not seen clearly during this safari, the group enjoyed observing other wildlife, including sambar deer, spotted deer, and a variety of migratory and water birds near the sanctuary’s water bodies.
First Safari – Umred Karhandla (20th March Afternoon)
The decision to visit Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary was largely driven by a promising development in the Gautamgaon Zone: the S2 Tigress had recently given birth to five cubs, reportedly some of the smallest and youngest tiger cubs currently known in any of Maharashtra’s national parks. Sightings of the mother and cubs had been consistent since late November 2024, making it an exciting opportunity.
After lunch, the guests prepared and proceeded to the park gate for the afternoon safari on 20th March. Despite high hopes, the sighting this time was modest. From a distance, they were able to spot two of the cubs, but the view was obstructed and too far for quality photographs. As is the nature of wildlife experiences, some days offer full encounters, while others remind us of nature’s unpredictability.
Although tigers were not seen clearly during this safari, the group enjoyed observing other wildlife, including sambar deer, spotted deer, and a variety of migratory and water birds near the sanctuary’s water bodies.
