Key hubs
Panna airport and railway station
- Airport
- Khajuraho Airport (HJR), about 50 km from Panna; Panna's own airport is not operating
- Railway station
- Khajuraho (KURJ), about 45 km, or Satna Junction (STA), about 75-90 km depending on source
- Getting around
- A hired car and driver is the practical choice; the park needs a registered jeep and guide, booked in advance
How to reach Panna by air
The nearest working airport is Khajuraho (HJR), about 50 km from Panna by road, roughly an hour or a little more. Panna's own airport is not operating. Khajuraho has limited flights, so many visitors fly to Delhi or Varanasi first.
How to reach Panna by train
Khajuraho (KURJ) is the nearest station, about 45 km away, and Satna Junction (STA) is about 75-90 km depending on the source. Satna has the wider choice of long-distance trains; Khajuraho has a few services to cities such as Delhi and Jhansi.
How to reach Panna by road
Panna lies on the highway between Satna and Khajuraho, and buses run to cities such as Bhopal and Indore. Allow about an hour for Khajuraho and longer for Satna. A private car and driver is the easiest option.
Getting around Panna
Taxis and autos work inside Panna town, but the park requires a registered jeep and guide, booked in advance. Hire a car and driver for waterfalls, temples and longer trips such as Ajaygarh or Nachna.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Panna
- Pack a warm layer, scarf and hat: winter dawns in an open jeep are cold and summer afternoons are very hot.
- Skip Ajaygarh Fort and the long drive to Nachna if knees or stamina are a concern; the district site describes a steep climb of about 45 minutes.
- Carry any regular medicines, water and snacks, as facilities outside Panna town and Khajuraho are limited.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.