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bandhavgarh national park banner

Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh. With one of the highest densities of tigers, it is an extremely popular tiger reserve in the country. As per the tiger census report published in 2019, Madhya Pradesh is the state with the highest population of tigers (526) in its reserves. It is no wonder that many people visit the sanctuary, as the chances of spotting the wild beast in its natural surroundings are excellent. The Bandhavgarh reserve is spread over 1536 sq. km. which includes the 716 sq. km. core zone and 820 sq. km. of the buffer zone. The altitude of the national park lies between 400 to 800 metres. The magical land of tiger is nestled in Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh.

Bandhavgarh has the status of sheltering highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers in the world. It is said that the jungle was replete with white tigers and the origin of all white tigers in the world can be traced to Bandhavgarh. However, no white tigers have been reported from the region in the past 50 years. Apart from the tiger population, the area is also rich in biodiversity. More than 30 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, 70 species of butterflies, reptiles and insects are found in the region. The flora of the region comprises majorly evergreen Sal forests, mixed forests and grasslands. More than 500 species of plants are found in the forest area. The lush vegetation of the park attracts several birds and ornithologists can have a great time here. With the help of trained naturalists you can easily spot some of the common birds in the area.

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Tourist Attraction in Bandhavgarh

bandhavgarh fort

Bandhavgarh Fort

Apart from safari, the other attractions which visitors can enjoy on their trip to Bandhavgarh include the Bandhavgarh fort. The fort lies in the centre of the 32 hills in the park with its cliffs going as high as 800 m. There are several caves in and around the fort dating back to prehistoric times. The oldest fort in India, the Bandhavgarh Fort unfolds the legendary of Shri Rama in Ramayana when Shri Rama upon returning to his state back after conquering the war from Ravana stayed at this place and built this fort to gift his dear brother Lakshamana. The name “Bandhavgarh” has been derived from there only which significantly is the combination of two words: ‘Bandhav’ means brother and ‘Garh’ is the fort.

baghel musium

Baghel Museum

Baghel Museum in Bandhavgarh is one of the must visit place while you are touring this wildlife destination. This museum preserves and showcase of the assets of the Maharaja Rewa. The Baghel Museum of Bandhavgarh is a great royal mansion where the accoutrements and other belongings of the Maharaja of Rewa are being kept intact for display his legacy. This museum also showcases the stuffed body of the first white tiger, called Mohan which was spotted by the Maharaja of Rewa. It has also preserved the ancient equipment used for the hunting by the Maharaja. The museum showcases ancient equipment used for hunting by the Maharaja. This has the property of Shikargarh that the travellers certainly want to discover at Bandhavgarh.

bandhavgarh safari zones

Best Safari Zones

The Bandhavgarh National Park is divided into a core and buffer zone. The core zone forms the central part of the tiger reserve and is divided into three zones. The three core zones of Bandhavgarh National Park are Tala, Magadhi and Khitauli are spread in a 716 sq. km area. The buffer zone is also divided into three zones - Dhamokhar, Johila (Kalwa) and Panpatha (Pachpedi) which are spread in the remaining 820 sq. km. Tala, Magadhi and Khitauli are the main core zones of the Bandhavgarh National Park where jeep safari is preferred most.

tala village bandhavgarh

Village Tala Bandhavgarh

Village Tala is one of the most reiterated location the tourist prefer to visit in Bandhavgarh. It brings the total reflection of an Indian village which still brings the most ethnic way of living. There are many delighting glimpses a tourist can explore while spending a day at this village. The modest dwellings, the mud clustered houses, elders smoking hookahs sitting on a cot are such magnificent scenes that brings a standstill on the time. The lowest region of Bandhavgarh- the Tala Village brings many captivating landscapes all around the location. Along with that while visiting the village the tourists can find different hotels and resorts for magnificent accommodations in the village.

shesh shaiya bandhavgarh

Shesh Shaiya – The Vishnu Statue

The Shesh Shaiya- a magnificent statue of Lord Vishnu lying on the Shesh Nag dates back to the 10th century and attracts several tourists. Apart from the statue of Lord Vishnu, statues depicting Brahma and Shiva (Shivling) are also here, completing the Holy Trinity. The river Charan Ganga originates from the foot of Lord Vishnu. The locals walk barefoot to the Ram-Sita temple located in the Bandhavgarh fort twice a year. The Climbers point offers a stunning view of the amazing natural beauty of the place.

Top Things to do in Bandhavgarh

Spread across a vast area of 1150 square kilometres, Bandhavgarh National Park is popular as one of the best places to spot tigers in India. It has got the status of sheltering highest densities of tigers living in the world.

bandhavgarh

Visit to Shesh Saiya

The specified design of this resting statue of lord vishnu on the seven topped serpent is the well articulated vintage architecture.

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bandhavgarh jeep

Jeep Safari in Bandhavgarh

Jeep safaris keep one enthralled for the adventure and provide the flexibility to explore the jungles of Bandhavgarh.

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bandhavgarh visit

Visit to Bansagar Dam

Bansagar Dam across the Sone River was constructed near the Deolond village in the Shahdol district surrounded by Satna, Katni and Rewa districts.

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birds in bandhavgarh

Birds Watching

The birding trip is equipped with many aspects and novice birdwatchers know to cover everything even the unplugged areas of Bandhavgarh.

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Although tourists have the option of exploring the region through elephant and canter, Jeep Safari in Bandhavgarh is extremely popular. Tourists can undertake three-hour safaris two times in the day

Geographical Details about Park

bandhavgarh map
  • 1. Total Forest Area – 1536 Square Kilometres
  • 2. Core Area – 716 square kilometres
  • 3. Type of Forest – tropical moist, deciduous forests with sal, mixed forest and grasslands.
  • 4. Rivers – Johilla, janadh, charanganga, Damnar, Banbei, Ambanala and Andhiyari Jhiria
  • 5. Hills – Bandhavgarh hill, rising 811 meters above sea level
  • 6. Temperature – maximum 40 degree Celsius in summer and 8 degree in winter
  • 7. Annual Rainfall – The average rainfall of Bandhavgarh National Park is 1133mm

Road Distance from Bandhavgarh to following Cities

  • 1. Distance from Delhi – 912 Km
  • 2. Distance from Maihar – 195 Km
  • 3. Distance from Jabalpur – 200 Km
  • 4. Distance from Katni – 100 Km
  • 5. Distance from Khajuraho – 250 Km
  • 6. Distance from Nagpur – 490 Km
  • 7. Distance from Umaria – 35 Km
  • 8. Distance from Varanasi – 350 Km>
  • 9. Distance from kanha – 250 Km
  • 10. Distance from Agra – 224 Km
  • 11. Distance from Kanpur – 267 Km
  • 12. Distance from Jaipur – 180 Km
  • 13. Distance from Lucknow – 430 Km

How to reach Bandhavgarh

Reaching Bandhavgarh by Air: Though Khajuraho is the nearest airport; the flight frequency is comparatively less. Around 200 km from the Bandhavgarh National Park is the Jabalpur Airport (JLR) which offers excellent flight connectivity from Delhi and Mumbai. Regular flights by major operatives run from these metropolitan cities for Jabalpur. From Jabalpur airport (114 km away), taxis can be hired to reach the Bandhavgarh National Park. It takes around 4.5 hours by road to reach the destination.

Reaching Bandhavgarh by Rail: To reach the Bandhavgarh National Park, the nearest railway head is Umaria which is 35 km from the reserve. Apart from Umaria, the other station that is close to the national park is Katni. Both the stations are well connected to major cities of the country including Delhi, Agra and Jabalpur etc. You can easily hire cabs from outside the station to take you to your destination. It takes an overnight journey of 12-14 hours from Delhi to reach the station.

Reaching Bandhavgarh by Road: Though there are no bus services available that will take you from Jabalpur to Bandhavgarh National Park, you can easily hire taxis or take private vehicles. The tiger reserve is easily accessible by road for cars. Thanks to excellent roads, the Bandhavgarh National Park is well connected to other parts of the country.

Nearby places or cities

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bandhavgarh National Park is open for tourists from 15th October to 30th June. However, the best time to visit the national park is from November to March.

The Bandhavgarh National Park is divided into three zones (Tala zone, Magadhi zone, and Khitauli zone) which then take on different routes. Amongst the three, the most popular zone for tiger sighting is the Tala zone.

The Bandhavgarh National Park boasts of around 60-70 tigers in its forests. Depending on your luck, you might be able to spot one during your safari.

Bandhavgarh National Park was the hunting ground of the erstwhile royal family of Rewa. The Maharaja of the princely state used to hunt tigers here. The national park is well known for the high density of tigers in its forests.

The Bandhavgarh National Park was the hunting ground of the Rewa royal family. as a result, it has a strong connection with wilderness, ancient art, history, and religious beliefs. Various tourist attractions of the wildlife tour include Ancient Caves, Badi Gufa, Bandhavgarh fort, Bandhavgarh Hill, Shesh-Saiya, and the Tala village.

The Bandhavgarh National Park is a delight for birdwatchers as several beautiful species of birds can be spotted in the forests of the park. The most common birds spotted in this Madhya Pradesh national park include the Indian grey hornbill, green-headed barbet, Alexandrine parakeet, orange-headed thrush, common myna, etc.

Apart from the national animal, the Royal Bengal Tiger, the other animals that can be spotted by tourists in the Bandhavgarh National Park include leopards, sambar, nilgai, barking deer, gaur, wild boar, chinkara, chausingha, etc.

The Royal Bengal Tiger is an elusive animal and spotting it is not easy. however, if you plan your trip to Bandhavgarh National Park in the months of April-June, your chances of spotting the tiger are high. This is because extreme heat forces the wild animals to look for waterholes to quench their thirst and beat the heat. However, you should be prepared to bear the heatwave and high temperatures. Alternatively, you can also try your luck during the winter months of December to March.

Spotting a tiger in its natural surroundings is a matter of chance. If you are a wildlife enthusiast and nature lover, you can plan a 3-5 dayBandhavgarh National Park trip. This provides you with ample time to explore the surrounding attractions of the region. Moreover, you also get several chances of taking the safari to increase your odds.

Bandhavgarh National Park can be reached by road, train, and air. The nearest domestic airport is at Jabalpur (160 km) and Khajuraho (225 km). Well-connected roads and the availability of public and private transport make it easy for people to reach the national park from these cities. The nearest railway station is Umaria and Katni which are respectively 22 km and 100 km from the Bandhavgarh National Park. Travelers can hire cabs to reach the destination from any of the major cities of Madhya Pradesh.

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