Bandhavgarh National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh and is home to exotics wildlife including Asiatic Jackal, Barking Deer, Sloth Bear, Red-Faced Monkey, and Striped Hyena. However, the Royal Bengal tiger is the main attraction of Bandhavgarh National Park.
Bandhavgarh National Park provides its visitors with a unique experience to catch a glimpse of these majestic animals and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The overall ambience of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is captivating, with the ruins of the ancient fort and archaeological remains from the Kachin period. There are also countless prehistoric caves scattered throughout the park, providing a great tourist experience.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve was designated a national park in the year 1968. It was named after the historic fort of Bandhavgarh, where "Bandhav" means "brother" and "Garh" means "fort." The Bandhavgarh National Park was then extended across the Umaria and Katni forest divisions. Due to the important need to save the tiger population, it was designated a tiger reserve in the year 1993. With its present area coverage of 1536 square kilometres, this tiger reserve is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh.
It is situated between the enchanting Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges and features a fantastic blend of deciduous forests, flat green grasslands, lush green valleys, and rocky hillsides. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve was and continues to be a popular destination for tiger enthusiasts due to its high density of Bengal Tigers. The area has around 60 to 70 Bengal Tigers which increases the chance of seeing these magnificent animals.
The park is also known as "White Tiger Country," as the first sighting of a white tiger was made here. Maharaja Martand Singh caught the first white tiger named "Mohan" back in 1951 when this forested area of Bandhavgarh used to be the 'Shikargarh' or game reserve for the rulers of Rewa. The stuffed body of this very white tiger displayed in the Baghel museum is one of the most prominent attractions in this park and plays an important role in portraying the region's history. The Maharaja also contributed to the effective breeding of white tigers in Rewa by importing the cubs to other regions of the world. Thus, all white tigers living in the world today are the descendants of Mohan, and their roots can be traced back to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
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Wildlife of Bandhavgarh
It is home to a variety of deer species, including the Sambar deer, the largest deer in Asia. Chital, also called the Axis Deer. Barking deer etc. Apart from these, wildlife researchers from all over the world come to the park also to sight many more prominent herbivorous and carnivorous mammals such as the Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Blue Bulls (Nilgai or Rojda), Caracal, Chausingha, Chinkara, Common Langur, Dhole, Black Buck (Four-horned Antelope), Gaur, Gray Mongoose, Jungle Cat, Lesser Bandicoot Rat, Palm Squirrel, Pangolin, Porcupine, Ratel, Rhesus Macaque, Striped Hyena, the small Indian Civet Cats, Wild Pigs, and many more.
Among the omnivorous animals, there's the Sloth Bear, Wild Boar etc. They primarily come to the plains or downhill to eat grass and drink water. Due to the small population of Indian Bison or Gaur, around 50 of them were shifted from Kanha to this Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
Common Vine Snake, Fan-Throated Lizard, Forest Lizard, Indian Python, Krait, Monitor Lizard, Olivaceous Keelback, Oriental Garden Lizard, Ratsnake, Russels' Viper, Skink, Spectacled Cobra, and Striped Keelback are among the reptiles seen here.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is also very popular among bird enthusiasts as it has around 250 exotic species of birds, in 53 families, with approx 138 residents, 86 migrant birds, and 26 local migrants. Some of the prominent species are Alexandrine Parakeet, Asian Koe, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Black Bittern, Black Kite, Black Iblis, Brown-headed Barbet, Brown Fish Owl, Common Myna, Common Peafowl, Darter, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Great Cormorant, Greater Racketail Drongo, Green-headed Barbet, Hawk-Cuckoo, Indian Gray Hornbill, Indian Pond Heron, Indian Roller, Northern Pintail, Orange-headed Thrush, Oriental Turtle-Dove, Open-Bill Stork, Pied Harrier, Pied Kingfisher, Purple Heron, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Little Grebe, Racket-tailed Drongo, Red Wattled Lapwing, Red Jungle Fowl, Shikra, White Breasted Kingfisher, etc. All of them help to disperse seeds, pollinate flowers, and control the populations of insects and pests.
Predatory birds, or raptors, can also be seen in this tiger reserve park, including the Bonelli's Eagles, Brown Fish Owl, Crested Serpent Eagles, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Hen Harrier, Indian Vulture, Jungle Owlet, Shaheen falcon, Shikra, Marsh Harriers, and White-eyed Buzzard.
Around 70 to 80 butterflies can be seen clustering around the beautiful, fertile green grasslands encompassing over 515 flora species. Among them, the floral species that are most popular in the Bandhavgarh area include Amla, Arjun, Babul, Bamboo, Banyan, Ber, Boswelia, Chila or Dhak, Dhok, Dhaora, Dhauda, Dhaman, Frankincense tree, Gamar, Haldu, Jamun, Kadam, Khajur, Khair, Kalasiris, Kusum, Lagerstroemia, Madhuca, Mango, Palas, Pterocarpus, etc. The Amla, Ficus, and Jamun trees provide nourishment to herbivores and birds living in the forest. The Bhirra, Khameer, Sal, and Salai trees grow among the dense foliage. Due to the obvious hot tropical climate in Madhya Pradesh, the Rajun, Saja, and Tendu trees can be found all over the Vindhyan Hill Range.
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Bandhavgarh National Park & Tiger Reserve Safari Zones
The jungle area of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is divided into two main sections, the Core Area and the Buffer Zone. The park is further divided into six zones, where the core zones are Khitauli, Maghadhi, and Tala, while the buffer zones are Damokhar, Johila, and Panpatha.
The core zone is the most essential part of the wildlife reserve and is bordered by the buffer zone. Tourists are permitted in only a small segment of it. The three tourist zones under the core zone are Tala (Gate-1), Maghadhi (Gate-2), and Khitauli (Gate-3).
Tala Zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Tala is the oldest and most diverse zone in terms of wildlife species, with tigers dominating. It is home to the well-known Bandhavgarh Fort, the 10th-century Bari Gufa cave, and the Shesh Shaiya, a highly regarded 10th-century statue of Vishnu. The Charan Ganga river is believed to originate from near this statue and runs through the park. This zone contains the well-known Chakradhara and Rajbhera meadows, where many notable tiger documentaries have been filmed, such as The Hunt and Dynasties. The Tala zone is distinguished by its gigantic sal forests, grasslands, and hillocks.
Maghadhi Zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
The Maghadhi zone is a dense mixed forest and grassland area that has recently emerged as the best spot in Bandhavgarh for tiger sightings. It has a variety of natural and man-made water points, including Charkpwaha, Dabhadhole, Murdhawa, and Sukhi Patiha.
Khitauli Zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
The Khitauli zone is more of a dry deciduous forest. Other than being a popular location for tiger sightings, it is also a place to see chinkara, four-horned antelope, and nilgai. A flock of migrant wild elephants also moved into this zone around a year ago and have made it their abode.
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Buffer Zone of Bandhavgarh National Park
The buffer zone is open to tourists all year. The buffer zone is the area that buffers the core areas and aids in the spreading or migrating of wild animals. These are multi-purpose zones in which human settlement and other events or activities are restricted. The three tourist zones under the buffer zone are the Pachpedi or Panpatha Zone (Gate-4), Dhamokhar Zone (Gate-5), and Johila (Gate-6).
Pachpedi or Panpatha Zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
The entrance of Pachpedi or Panpatha buffer zone is close to Pachpedi village. The area is an extension of the Khitauli zone. It is 25 kilometres from Tala village, and the forest is covered with deciduous trees and bamboo. Blue bulls, Chinkara, four-horned antelope, and even wild dogs are popular attractions in this area. A stream surrounded by Arjun trees serves as an ideal spot for tourists to have breakfast or lunch.
Dhamokhar Zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
The entrance of the Dhamokhar buffer is between Mahaman and Parasi village. The area is an addition to the Magadhi zone and the Tala village is 14 kilometers away from it. It includes the areas of Badawar, Jamunia, Jhanjh, Kadewaha, Kalwadhaar, Kehrawah, Madehavah, and Mudgudi. This zone contains Mudgudi Dam, a few natural caves in Kadewaha, Sehimaada grassland, and other areas perfect for spotting wild flora and fauna.
Johila Zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
The entrance to the Johila buffer zone is close to Chechpur village, on the way to Manpur-Shahdol. It is an addition to the Tala zone and is 35 kilometres from the Tala village. The zone gets its name after the Johila Waterfall, which flows from Amarkantak to the Son River. Other spots in this buffer zone include Badia Ghaat, Chindia Ghaat, Kuthulia Waterfall, Zurnar Ghaat, and others.
Bandhavgarh National Park & Tiger Reserve Wildlife Safari Types
Tourists could choose from four wildlife safari options: Jeep Safari, Canter Safari, Elephant Safari, Walk Safari, and Hot-Air Balloon Safari. Permits for these zones are available both offline and online on the park's website.
Jeep Safari
A Jeep safari is one of the best ways to explore Bandhavgarh National Park's mesmerizing wilderness. The park is open twice a day for tourists, i.e., in the mornings and evenings. In most cases, 4WD gipsies are used in jungle safaris. A total of six people could very well ride in a jeep with a tour guide. The Full-Day Jeep Safari, on the other hand, allows you to book the whole jeep for yourself, accompanied by your guide and a driver. The jeep will enter 15-20 minutes before other safari vehicles. You'll return 15 minutes after the rest of the safari vehicles have left.
For the issuing of a full-day jeep safari, you must receive approval, together with a demand draft for a security deposit, from the Field Director of Bandhavgarh National Park 7 to 10 days in advance
Canter Safari
Canter vehicles are an inexpensive option for tourists to go on a Bandhavgarh Wildlife Safari. This particular Canter Safari is managed by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. It takes place in a minibus with a capacity of 12 individuals. It is open to tourists on an unreserved "first come, first served" basis. The Canter safaris are permitted in the Khitauli, Magadhi, and Tala Zones.
Elephant Safari
The Elephant safari is yet another exciting way to explore wildlife at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. However, this safari is often not open and must be booked in advance online.
Walk Safari
Bandhavgarh National Park's Buffer Zone also offers guided walk safaris with a tour by a forest official or naturalist. It is best suited for those tourists who want to get a close look at nature.
Hot-Air Balloon Safari
Bandhavgarh National Park is the first in India to offer a 'Hot Air Balloon Safari' for visitors. Tourists will now be able to enjoy a thrilling aerial view of the restricted areas of the core zone and buffer zone and discover the hidden beauties of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
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Wildlife Safari Planning & Reservation
Private vehicles are not permitted inside the park. So the Jungle Safari is conducted only with registered vehicles by the administration of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. It is always a good idea to book safaris ahead of time, especially on weekends. The safari timings for winter are in two shifts: the morning shift is 6:00 to 11:00 am (5 hours) and the afternoon shift is from 3:00 to 6:00 pm (3 hours). Similarly, the safari timings for summers are also in two shifts: the morning shift is from 5:30 to 10:30 am (5 hours) and the afternoon shift is from 3:30 to 6:30 pm (3 hours). On Wednesdays, the afternoon shift of Jeep safari in Bandhavgarh is closed to tourists. Morning and afternoon shifts stay closed during the Holi festival in March. Every tourist's full name, age, gender, and nationality, as well as their identity proof such as a passport, driving license, PAN card, or voter I.D. card, must be provided for safari reservations. When visiting the national park, tourists must bring the same ID proof in original form.
Wildlife Safari Travel Advice
Summer temperatures in Bandhavgarh can reach 45° Celsius, while winter temperatures can reach 2° Celsius. So, tourists must dress appropriately for the season. Tourists are advised to dress in dark colours, particularly dark browns, greys, and greens, which do not draw the attention of wild animals. Otherwise, you can also wear neutral (khaki, green, or brown) coloured clothing, preferably very light cotton in summer, and a warm jacket, sweater, fleece, gloves, and warm cap for winter. A windbreaker or windcheater can be worn during weather with chill winds or light rain. Aside from proper attire, some essential items can enhance your safari experience. Insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, a Safari hat, a cap, and water bottles are all items that can be brought along. To defend yourself from heat and dust, wear a stole, buff, or scarf. Boots or closed shoes are also recommended. Don't forget to bring binoculars to watch animals and birds from afar without bothering them. Tourists must know that smartphones and radios are not permitted within the park.
Key Tourist Attractions of Bandhavgarh National Park
The Best Tourist Attractions or Spots in Bandhavgarh are as follows.
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Bandhavgarh Fort of Bandhavgarh National Park
The 10th-century Bandhavgarh Fort is among India's most ancient forts. It was also called "Moti Mahal" when it was under the Bahela Rajputs. Since it is unoccupied now, the fort occasionally houses tiger cubs and a tigress. Multiple caves in the fort are adorned with scripts and paintings. In addition, there is a 35-foot-tall statue of Lord Vishnu. A trip to this fort is really exciting and provides a lot of information about the history of Bandhavgarh.
Baghel Museum of Bandhavgarh National Park
The Baghel museum is essentially a royal treasure trove containing all of the personal possessions of the Maharaja of Rewa that are showcased for tourists to experience both the royal history and wildlife of Bandhavgarh. The museum also houses some of the Maharajas' old hunting tools, as well as some military equipment. However, the stuffed body of the very first white tiger spotted in Bandhavgarh by the Maharaja of Rewa is the main attraction here.
Bandhavgarh Hill of Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh Hill is the highest point in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, rising 807 meters above sea level. This hill range is made up of sandstone. Many streams and springs flow from this hill.
Climbers Point of Bandhavgarh National Park
Climbers Point, which is located 13,005 feet above sea level, is a scenic place atop the hill in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. From this point, you can enjoy an aerial view of the whole park, full of bamboo and sal trees. This location is also enveloped by some unique dense shrub species such as Bauhinia Vahlii, Butea Superba, etc.
Cheshpur Waterfalls of Bandhavgarh National Park
Cheshpur Waterfalls is a fresh waterfall on the River Johila located 50 kilometres from Bandhavgarh and is also a popular picnic spot for tourists. For nature lovers, this soothingly attractive sight for spotting birds and taking pictures.
Village Tala of Bandhavgarh National Park
Tala Village is the chief entry point to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. It is made up of many mud houses that are surrounded by natural landscapes. The village is also the lowest point of the tiger reserve park and has many resorts, inns, and souvenir shops that attract visitors.
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Shesh Shaiya
Shesh Shaiya is famous for its 65-foot-tall statue of Lord Vishnu sleeping on the seven-hooded snake "Shesh Naag". The old statue, situated close to a green pool, is thought to be the source of the Charanganga River. Residents in Bandhavgarh consider the waters to be sacred. With ample fruit-bearing trees filling the place, Shesh Shaiya is an excellent location for viewing birds such as the Malabar pied hornbill.
Bari Gufa
The Bari Gufa, which translates as "The Giant Cave," is a primitive monument in Indian history. The Bari Gufa is thought to be the reserve's largest man-made cave, dating back to the 10th century.
The Ancient Caves of Bandhavgarh
There are 39 exquisite caves which are located approximately 5 kilometres from the Bandhavgarh fort. They date back to the first century AD. Tourists enjoy observing the engraved animals in these caves, such as elephants and tigers. The possible explanation for the construction of these caves is unknown. However, many archaeologists believe that the caves were used for strategic reasons by armies in ancient times.
The Temple of Jwalamukhi
The 10th-century Jwalamukhi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Jwalamukhi, is the most visited in Madhya Pradesh. It is situated by the River Charan Ganga. The temple is a religious gathering place for those who wish to pay their respects to the deity.
The Fossil National Park
Another tourist attraction is the Fossil National Park, which is about 110 kilometres from Bandhavgarh. The park, as the name implies, brings all of its plants in their fossil form that existed in India between 40 and 150 million years ago. Popular plant fossil collections include palms, gymnosperms, angiosperms (monocotyledons), and bryophytes.
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Best Time to Visit Bandhavgarh National Park & Tiger Reserve
From October to June, the Bandhavgarh wildlife tiger reserve is open to tourists. However, the ideal time to visit this park is between November and March.
The summer season in Madhya Pradesh begins in March and lasts until June. Due to the overall scorching heat and humidity, the vegetation is dry and wild animals go to water holes to quench their thirst. These are great spots to see animals, including tigers. However, throughout these months. The state's temperature ranges from 32 to 44 °C. Tourists must also exercise caution when travelling with children at such times.
In Madhya Pradesh, the monsoon season begins in July. Like most national parks in India, Bandhavgarh is closed during these times of the year and ends in September. Winter is also an ideal time to visit Bandhavgarh. Many tourists, however, prefer to visit between November and March, when the landscape is lush after the monsoon and temperatures range from 2 to 25 degrees Celsius. Also, many migratory birds fly into this park, which visiting bird lovers can spot on their safari. Tourists should dress warmly in December and January, particularly when going on the open-sided jeep drives.
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Bandhavgarh National Park & Tiger Reserve Travel Directions
Bandhavgarh National Park is located approximately 4.5 hours (200 kilometres) from the closest major city, Jabalpur. The details on how to reach the Bandhavgarh National Park & Tiger Reserve are listed below.
By Road
Bandhavgarh has excellent road access to major Indian cities. The SH11, SH22, and NH43 connect towns and cities including Jabalpur, Katni, Khajuraho, and Umaria.
By Air
Jabalpur, the city closest to Bandhavgarh, has proper air connectivity with major Indian cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore Mumbai, Kolkata, and Pune. Private planes can land near Bandhavgarh National Park, and the Umaria district has a small airstrip for charter planes.
By Train
The closest railway station to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is the Umaria Train Station, on the South-Eastern Railway, which is 35 kilometres away. Other nearby train stations include Jabalpur (164 kilometres), Katni (102 kilometres), and Satna (120 kilometres) on the Central Railway. To get to your final destination, the Bandhavgarh National Park, you can easily take a cab or taxi from the station.
