This is not a conventional wildlife tour, it’s an organized study program for guests who wish to understand the Indian wildlife in depth and experience the real wilderness.

This program enables you to understand the jungles closely unlike a regular tourist and get to know research work on wildlife and forests. You work hand in hand with the research team to collect and analyze data enabling you to work in the wild.


This program involves 8 Days and Nights in the field, nights will be spent at Ken River Lodge, Jhinna Safari Camp and Bahaarganj Jungle Village.

This program involves the following exercises:

Park Census. Walking specific lines within the parks and in buffer zones to map out the density and type of wildlife a particular habitat is holding. These transects will also be done by vehicle and data compiled on computers to show results. You will also learn how to use distance finder and Global Positioning System.

Foot Patrols. Enjoy walking in the park, a privilege not possible without official permission, under the guidance of forest foot patrol teams.

Vehicle Safaris. Morning and evening Jeep safaris in the park for wildlife viewing.

Village Visits. Visit the villages that have been relocated from inside the park and meet with the village elders, hear their stories and visit their homes.

Night Safaris. After an early dinner you will be taken on a night safari focusing on the creatures of the night including Hyenas, Jackals, Jungle Cat and Leopards in and around the buffer forest zone of the Park.

Tree House Observations. One evening you will have the opportunity to spend time in the local village on a Machaan or tree houses built simply in their crops and from where they guard their crops at night (from wild animals).

Eco-Development Trek. The Sabbal Shah Forest Society is based at Jhinna, adjoining the Panna Tiger Reserve. The society was created to protect and preserve the forest from illegal activities like timber theft, poaching and mining. 20% of forest produce by this area is shared by the society as a sustainable and economic incentive. You will trek in this forest with an expert tribal tracker who is member of Sabbal Shah Forest Society.

Day with the Park’s Elephants. An optional day, subject to park permission, with the park elephant team, from sunrise to sunset and involving all the activities that Mahouts have to undertake each day for their elephants, which are used both for patrolling and for tourism.

Boat trip on the Ken River. You will enjoy several boat trips on the Ken River trying to understand the importance and its life supporting system.

Plaster Cast Making. Learn to identify different pugmarks and make casts for comparison and souvenirs. (Picture on the right shows a team making casts.)

Scat Collection and Analysis. With the help of the team, you will learn different signs of the forests like collection of scat, identification and analysis.

Photo Traps. You will learn how to use photo trap technology as used by researchers all over the world and get to see results and use.(Pictures on the left show previous study program photo trap results.)



No previous experience is required, just a willingness to get involved, flexibility of attitude and a good sense of humor. Should expect 10 – 12 hours of work daily with long walks on few days.

Movies on Panna, slide shows and presentation on research and findings will be a part of the above program for orientation.

This program has been successfully operating from 2002. There are 3 such programs in season.