If you are planning a real happening escape from Delhi, this blog is just for you. This article is about a journey to history and wildlife in Madhya Pradesh in 6 days. Reading this blog, you will find yourself in Gwalior and Bandhavgarh Park. Gwalior has several ancient structures and the massive Gwalior Fort, which represents the glory of the bygone era. Bandhavgarh National Park, on the other hand, is a prominent wildlife reserve, popular for its tiger population. This 5-night and 6-day journey is a perfect pick, beginning with grand forts and royal architecture, and slowly moving towards dense forests and raw wilderness. The best part of this tour is that you can plan your commute by train. The railway network is commendable from Delhi to Gwalior and to Jabalpur or Umaria. The train journey is budget-friendly, too, compared to road trips and flights.
Day-wise Itinerary from Delhi to Bandhavgarh via Gwalior
Day 1 - Arrival at Gwalior from Delhi
Board an early morning train from Delhi to Gwalior. It usually takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach Gwalior. It is a short and comfortable trip. Check into a hotel and freshen up. Gear up with a relaxed start. You can head out for some casual exploration or visit the local markets of Gwalior.
Day 2 - Gwalior Sightseeing
This day is all about exploring the tourist attractions of the trip. Gwalior is full of historic sites, from massive forts to ancient temples. Places to cover in Gwalior in one day include - Gwalior Fort, Gujari Mahal, Man Mandir Palace, Teli ka Mandir, Tomb of Tansen and Jay Vilas Palace. After the whole day of Gwalior sightseeing, you will board an overnight train from Gwalior to Umaria or Jabalpur.
Day 3 - Transfer to Bandhavgarh and an Afternoon Safari
Alight at Umaria, which is the nearest railway station to Bandhavgarh. The alternative option is to take a train to Jabalpur. From Umaria, the park is just 32.5 km away, while from Jabalpur, it is around 169 km. After reaching Bandhavgarh National Park, the vibe of the trip changes completely. After completing the check in formalities and lunch, head out for your first safari in the afternoon. Bandhavgarh is one of those places where you can truly experience the tiger safari in India. It is going to be an enthralling experience for sure.
Day 4 - Full-Day Bandhavgarh Safari
This day is the highlight of the Bahandhavgarh trip. You go for both morning and evening safaris today, which increases your chances of spotting wildlife. Bandhavgarh has popular core zones like Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli. The thrill of tracking animals in their natural habitat, by embarking on jeeps is unmatched. You must explore the Tala Zone, the most popular one in Bandhavgarh. Also, the Bandhavgarh Fort and the Shesh Shaiya statue bring a unique charm to the wildlife safari. Proper planning with an advance Bandhavgarh jeep safari booking plays a key role in making the entire tour smooth and well-organised.
Day 5 & 6 - Return Journey to Delhi
You can opt for an optional Bandhavgarh wildlife safari. Then, you will travel back to either Umaria or Jabalpur and board an overnight train to Delhi. By the next morning, you reach Delhi. If time permits, you can spare an additional day at Jabalpur exploring the beautiful city.
