Bandhavgarh National Park – A Comprehensive Guide
About - Bandhavgarh National Park
Nestled in the heart of the Vindhya Hills in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is an iconic wildlife destination in India. Often referred to as the “Land of the Tiger”, it is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and one of the highest tiger densities in the world, making it a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Spread across an area of over 1,100 sq. km, encompassing 624 sq. km of core area and 537 sq. km of buffer zone, Bandhavgarh is a part of the Central Indian Highlands. The park is home to a unique ecosystem of tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, and open grasslands that provide the perfect habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Steeped in history and mythology, Bandhavgarh is also the site of the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, believed to have been built over 2,000 years ago. Legend has it that the fort was gifted by Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana, as mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Over centuries, the fort and surrounding areas were ruled by several dynasties, including the Maghas, Vakatakas, and Chandelas.
In the modern era, Bandhavgarh was the exclusive hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Rewa, who played a significant role in preserving its wilderness. The park was declared a national park in 1968, and in 1993, it became a Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger initiative, marking a significant milestone in wildlife conservation.
Today, Bandhavgarh stands as a testament to India’s conservation efforts and offers visitors an unforgettable experience of natural beauty, historical grandeur, and thrilling wildlife encounters.
Geographical Details
Altitude: 440m to 811m above mean sea level
Vegetation: Tropical moist deciduous, dry deciduous, and scrub forests
Water Resources: Son and Umrar rivers, along with numerous rain-fed streams
Core Area: 624 sq. km
Buffer Area: 537 sq. km
Coordinates: 80°47’15” to 81°11’45” E
Rainfall: 1175 mm annually
Temperature:
Winter (Min): 2°C
Summer (Max): 44°C
How to Reach Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh is well-connected via air, rail, and road, making it accessible from major cities across India. Here’s how you can get there:
By Flight
The nearest airport to Bandhavgarh is Jabalpur Airport, located approximately 200 km away. Jabalpur is well-connected to major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore through regular flights. From Jabalpur, you can hire a taxi or opt for a private transfer for a scenic 4-hour drive through the Vindhya Hills to the park.
Other Nearby Airports:
-
Khajuraho Airport (250 km): Ideal for travelers combining a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho Temples with a wildlife safari.
-
Nagpur Airport (450 km): A good option for visitors exploring multiple parks in Central India.
By Train
Bandhavgarh is accessible via multiple railway stations:
-
Umaria Railway Station (37 km): The nearest station, just a 45-minute drive from the park.
-
Katni Railway Station (100 km): A 2-hour drive, with excellent connectivity to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
-
Jabalpur Railway Station (180 km): A 4-hour drive, offering frequent trains from cities across India.
By Road
The park is well-connected by road and can be reached via private vehicles or taxis. The drive through Madhya Pradesh’s rural landscapes offers picturesque views of rolling hills, forests, and quaint villages.
Distances from Major Cities:
-
Umaria: 37 km (45-minute drive)
-
Katni: 100 km (2-hour drive)
-
Jabalpur: 190 km (4-hour drive)
Best Time to Visit Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh offers unique experiences throughout the year, depending on the season:
Winter (October – February)
This is the most popular time to visit Bandhavgarh, thanks to its cool and pleasant weather. It’s an ideal season for safaris, birdwatching, and exploring the park’s scenic beauty. The lush greenery post-monsoon adds to the charm, and it’s also a great time for family vacations.
-
Temperature: Ranges from 2°C to 15°C.
-
Highlights: Migratory birds, cool temperatures, and stunning landscapes.
Note: Early November may witness occasional post-monsoon showers, so plan accordingly.
Summer (March – June)
Summer is considered the best time for tiger sightings, as the dry season forces animals to gather around waterholes, increasing the chances of encounters. While the heat can be intense, the wildlife activity is unparalleled, making it a favorite season for avid photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
-
Temperature: Can soar up to 44°C.
-
Highlights: High visibility of wildlife, fewer tourists, and excellent photographic opportunities.
Monsoon (July – September)
The park remains closed during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall. However, this is a time of renewal for the park’s flora and fauna, as the rains rejuvenate the forest and water bodies.
-
Temperature: Ranges from 20°C to 30°C.
-
Highlights: Closed for tourism but vital for the park’s ecosystem.
Wildlife at Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh is a biodiversity hotspot, offering a rich variety of flora and fauna. Its unique ecosystem includes tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, and open grasslands.
Mammals
-
Royal Bengal Tiger: The park’s star attraction, known for its high density and frequent sightings.
-
Indian Bison (Gaur): The largest wild cattle species in Asia, often seen grazing in the grasslands.
-
Leopard: Elusive and nocturnal, leopards are often spotted in the quieter zones of the park.
-
Sloth Bear: Shy and nocturnal, these bears are a rare but exciting sight.
-
Axis Deer (Chital): Commonly seen grazing in herds, they are a favorite prey for predators.
Birdlife
With over 250 recorded species, Bandhavgarh is a haven for birdwatchers. Some notable avian species include:
-
Asian Paradise Flycatcher
-
Golden Oriole
-
Indian Pitta
-
Indian Vulture
-
White-Capped Bunting
Reptiles
The park is home to a variety of reptiles, including cobras, pythons, monitor lizards, and several species of turtles.
Places to Visit Near Bandhavgarh National Park
Enhance your visit to Bandhavgarh by exploring these nearby attractions:
1. Bandhavgarh Fort
Located within the park, this ancient fort offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
2. Baghel Museum
Discover the artifacts of the Maharajas of Rewa, including the stuffed remains of the first white tiger spotted in the region.
3. Khajuraho Temples
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Khajuraho Temples are renowned for their intricate sculptures and are located approximately 300 km from the park.
4. Panna National Park
Known for its waterfalls, boat rides, and apex predators, Panna is a hidden gem just a few hours away.
Types of Safaris in Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh offers multiple safari options to suit different preferences:
1. Jeep Safari
-
Description: Private or shared Jeep Safaris allow close encounters with wildlife.
-
Timings:
-
Morning: 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM
-
Evening: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
-
-
Capacity: Up to 6 visitors, a guide, and a driver.
-
Best For: Tiger sightings, photography, and exploring deeper areas of the park.
2. Canter Safari
-
Description: Larger open vehicles used for group safaris.
-
Timings: Same as Jeep Safaris.
-
Capacity: 12–20 visitors per canter.
-
Best For: Budget-friendly group safaris.
3. Walking Safari
-
Description: Guided walking tours in the buffer zones of the park.
-
Availability: Restricted to certain areas for safety.
-
Best For: Birdwatching and experiencing the park’s biodiversity on foot.
4. Night Safari
-
Description: Conducted in the buffer zones to explore nocturnal wildlife.
-
Timings: After sunset, typically from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
-
Best For: Spotting nocturnal animals and unique experiences.
Safari Zones in Bandhavgarh National Park
The park is divided into several safari zones, each offering unique wildlife experiences:
1. Tala Zone
-
Description: The most popular and scenic zone, rich in tiger sightings.
-
Key Attractions: Bandhavgarh Fort, Chakradhara Meadows.
-
Best For: First-time visitors and photographers.
2. Magadhi Zone
-
Description: Known for its dense forest cover and waterholes.
-
Key Attractions: Tiger sightings and birdwatching.
-
Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts seeking diverse biodiversity.
3. Khitauli Zone
-
Description: Famous for leopards, sloth bears, and bird species.
-
Key Attractions: Stunning landscapes and waterfalls.
-
Best For: Birdwatching and exploring lesser-known spots.
4. Panpatha Zone
-
Description: Located in the buffer area, offering a peaceful experience.
-
Key Attractions: Herbivores, smaller mammals, and fewer crowds.
-
Best For: Visitors seeking tranquility and unique experiences.
Accommodations in Bandhavgarh National Park
Tathastu resort
Tiger Trail resort
Kings Lodge
Kipling Camp
M.P. Tourism Bison Resort
Shergarh Tented Camp
Tiger Trails Resort