Bandhavgarh National Park - बांधवगढ़ राष्ट्रीय उद्यान

Sanctuary Name Bandhavgarh National Park District Umaria & Jabalpur State Madhya Pradesh Near By Cities Varanasi,Allahabad Area of Park 448.85 Sq. Km. Date of Establishment 1982 Co-ordinates 23.584126, 80.419922 Wikipedia Links http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandhavgarh_National_Park Bandhavgarh National Park Reviews Mouthshut.com

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Bird - Wildlife in IndiaCheck out the place where firstly and formostly the white Tigers of Rewa were discovered Bandhavgarh. This park is some of the left out preserved wild pockets of Madhya Pradesh of what were once splendid forests that extended across the whole of Central India.
Bandhavgarh National Park is spread across the Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh, over a coverage area of approximately 437 Sq km. The topography of the park is characterized by sharp ridges, surging forests and open meadows. The main attraction of the Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary of India is its significant population of tigers. Infact, the park boasts of the highest concentration of tigers throughout the country. One can also hope to see white tigers roaming in the jungles of Bandhavgarh.

National Park with a Rich Historical Past

A wildlife retreat, where history and nature meet, Bandhavgarh is not too far away from Kanha. Set amidst the Vindhyan ranges, the Park has a series of ridges running through it. Initially just 105.40 Sq. km. in area, Bandhavgarh with 25 resident tigers, was noted for its high density tiger population. Today, it has been extended to an area of 437 Sq. km. About half the Park is covered with fine stands of sal, while mixed forests are found in the higher reaches of the hills. Stretches of bamboo and grasslands extend to the north. The main viewing area is still in the core of the Park with its 32 picturesque, wooded hills.

An ancient fort up on a precipice, 800 metres high, dominates the Park. Bandhavgarh's history goes back 2000 years in time and the earliest signs of habitation can be seen in the National Park.

About Bandhavgarh National Park

The thick forest of Bandhavgarh National Park sits in a bowl encircled by cliffs and wooded Vindhyan mountains, and its plains have a number of grass and reed covered wetlands where Kingfishers dive and Egrets sit poised, hunch-backed, in the shallows. Up above, vultures nestle in holes in the sheer cliffs.

The Bandhavgarh jungle, when it is large enough, becomes a living self-sustaining organism providing its own climate, atmosphere, water and nutrition through its recycling systems. It even has a sleep wake cycle. As more light fills the sky, Bandhavgarh begins to awaken.

Bandhavgarh National Park is located in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh was declared as a national park in 1968 when the Maharaja of Rewa handed over the area to the government for it's formation. Bandhavgarh National Park consists of a core area of 105 sq km and a buffer area of approximately 400 sq km and its topography varies between steep ridges, undulating, forest and open meadows. Bandhavgarh National Park is also known for the white tiger country and has the highest tiger population density all over India.

Situated in Shahdol and Jabalpur districts, the park with an area of 437 km was set up in 1968. The nearest town from the park is Umaria, 35 km away. This town is also the nearest rail head. The nearest airport is at Jabalpur at a distance of 160 km.

The park contains moist deciduous forests with Sal and other trees with large stretches of grass lands with bamboo groves. The fauna consists of tiger, panther, leopard, gaur, chausingha, nilgai, chinkara, sloth bear, bear, wild boar, and a variety of birds. March to June are the ideal months for visiting the park.

The Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the district of Sahdol in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India. The dense forest of Bandhavgarh National Park is nestled among the Vindhya hills. Once the hunting ground of the royal family of Rewa, Bandhavgarh Natioanal Park was declared a park in the year 1968. The entire area consists of Sal forests, which is the main tree of the areas along with Bamboo. In the year 1993, the Bandhavgarh National Park was finally declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger.

Topography of Bandhavgarh National Park

Much of the park is covered in Sal forest, replaced by mixed forests in the higher elevations of the hills. It is only in the slightly higher reaches that it changes to a more mixed vegetation of sali, saj, saja, dhobin etc. In the northern region of the park, there are vast stretches of grasslands and bamboo forests. A lot of this is what appears to be young bamboo, which can be seen from it's green and slim appearance. This northern region also consists of a series of rocky ridges with deep crevices cut by perennial streams. In the south, the extensions, which were included into the park in 1986, consist of low hills covered with forest but interspersed with grasslands that were formerly agricultural land. The central portion of the park, which consists of the original 106 square kilometers and the fort, is still the main sighting area. This area consists of 32 hills and also some marshy stretches divided by large grasslands and a few water bodies.

History of Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park, now a famed protected area, once served as the hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. It was in the year 1968 that the Maharaja gave away his preferred hunting grounds to the Indian government, to be developed as a wildlife sanctuary. At that point of time, the fauna of the park was facing an increasing threat of poaching. The development of the Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary resulted in a reversal of this trend and the population of wild animals started showing an upward trend.

In the year 1982, extensions to the park were carried out, both northward as well as southward. The Sal forests were included in the total area of the Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. It was finally given the status of a tiger reserve, under Project Tiger, in 1993. The main viewing area of the park still comprises of its core area, consisting of 32 wooded hills.

Bandhavgarh National Park (Visiting Season)

Visitors can visit the park during the time period of Mid November to mid June, still the best period to come is January-April. Park is open from 1st of October to 30th June only. After that it is closed. Travel Tips : Consult the Doctor before you leave for the trip. Get enough information about the place you are going to visit.

Wildlife in Bandhavgarh National Park

The wide variety of wildlife, 22 species, seen in the Bandhavgarh National Park is sure to leave its visitors mesmerized. However, most of the tourists come here to watch the tiger in its full glory. If you are planning to roam around in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of India, it is better to do so on the back of an elephant. Your chances of coming across the Royal Bengal tiger will increase to quite an extent. The other wild animals that can be seen here include Common Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Leopard, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Nilgai, Chinkara, Small Indian Civet, etc.

Wild life Bandhavgarh National Park Madhya Pradesh

There are more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds. Common langurs and rhesus macaque represent the primate group. Carnivores include the Asistic Jackal, Bangal fox, sloth bear, ratel, grey mongoose, striped hyena, jungle cat, leopard and tiger. The artiodactyls frequently sighted are wild pig, spotted deer, sambar, chausingha, nilgai, chinkara and gaur. Mammals such as dhole, the small Indian civet, palm squirrel and lesser bandicoot rat are seen occasionally. Among the herbivores, gaur is the only coarse feeder. The vegetation along streams and marshes is rich in birdlife. The common ones are little grebe, egret, lesser adjutant, sarus crane black ibis, lesser whistling teal, white-eyed buzzard, black kite, crested serpent eagle, black vulture, Egyptian vulture, common peafowl, red jungle fowl, dove, parakeet, kingfisher and Indian roller. Reptilian fauna include cobra, krait, viper, ratsnake, python, turtle and a number of lizard varieties, including varanus.

Wildlife Viewing

There are two main ways of getting about in the park-in a motor vehicle or an elephant back. Many of the animals are by now accustomed to both; even so, it is best to talk quitely and not make rapid movements.

Jeep safaris are best undertaken from dawn until about 10 am and from about 4 pm until dusk, as the animals are most active during these periods. A forest Department guide must always accompany you. This guide will be able to direct you and point out wildlife.(Safari Packages in India) Elephants are used every morning by the Forest Department for tiger-tracking. If a tiger is found, then the elephant will take you directly to the tiger either from the Lodge or from a nearby point reached by jeep/car.

Birding in Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is also famous for bird watching. It has more than 140 bird species. The main bird species at bandhavgarh national park are Plum Headed Parakeet, Orange Headed Thrush, Brown Headed Barbet, Coppersmith Barbet, Common Myna, Alexandrine Parakeet, Indian Grey Hornbill, Rock Pigeon, House Crow, Carrion Crow, Little Egret, White Rumped Vulture, Indian Robin, Olive Backed Pipit, Dark Black Crow, Laughing dove, Greater Cormorant, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Long Billed Vulture, White Browed Fantail Flycatcher and etc.

Wildlife Safari in the Bandhavgarh National Park

Visitors to Bandhavgarh are allowed into the park twice each day for 3-hour Jeep safaris, once at dawn, and again in late afternoon. These are times when animal activity is most visible. The commonly used safari vehicles are open 4WD Gypsys, which provide the exhilaration of being one with the forests & wildlife. Driving slowly on the dirt tracks is the best way of getting around and observing the animals without alarming them. Coming across one, two and possibly more tigers on these drives, is an unforgettable moment - already enjoyed by so many satiated visitors from all over the world.

Bird Species of Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park of India boasts of more than 150 species of birds. This includes the migratory birds, like steppe eagle, that come here in winter. The main bird species are those of White Bellied Drongos, Black And White Malabar Hornbills, Blossom Headed Parakeets, Gold Fronted Leaf Birds, Minivets, Paradise Flycatchers, Black Vulture, White-eyed Buzzard, Red Jungle Fowl, etc.

Bandhavgarh Fort

Bandhavgarh Fort is believed to have been built around 2,000 years ago. There are references to the fort in the ancient books, like the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Siva Purana. The fort is believed to be the best place for getting a bird's eye view of the entire Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary of Madhya Pradesh.

No record remain to show when Bandhavgarh fort was constructed. It is thought, however, to be some 2,000 years old, and there are references to it in the ancient books, the Narad Panch Ratra and the Siva Puran. Various dynasties have ruled the fort: for example, the Maghas from the 1st century A.D., the Vakatakas from the 3rd century; the Sengars from the 5th century and the Kalachuris from the 10th century. In the 13th century AD, the Baghels took over, ruling from Bandhavgarh until 1617, when Maharaja Vikramditya Singh moved his capital to Reva. The last inhabitants deserted the fort in 1935.

The Bandhavgarhpark area is hilly and is dominated by the majestic Bandhavgarh fort, built in 14th century. The fort and the adjacent hills have a large number of caves belonging to the pre-historic period.

Tigers in Bandhavgarh National Parks

Jeep & Elephant Safari

One can enjoy viewing the wildlife by two ways in Bandhavgarh - Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari.. Jeep safaris are undertaken during the early morning hours till evening. A forest department guide is always their with the visitors on these jeep trips taken inside the park. Elephant safari trips are organised for tiger tracking early in the morning.

Flora and Fauna

The forest of Bandhavgarh can be classified as moist deciduous, and the National Park holds all those animal species which are typical of this habitat in Central India. Certain areas of the Park (particularly the south and west) are drier in character, and hold such species as the nilgai and the chinkara.

Sal forest occurs throughout the valleys, giving way to mixed forest which occurs where the soil is of relatively poor quality on the upper hill slopes, on rocky outcrops and in the south and west. Grassy meadow patches occur in the valley and along the nalas.

Initially just 105.40 Sq km in area, Bandhavgarh with 25 resident tigers, was noted for its high-density tiger population. Today, it has been extended to an area of 437-sq km. About half the Bandhavgarh park is covered with fine trees of Sal, while mixed forests are found in the higher reaches of the hills. Stretches of bamboo and grasslands extend to the north. The main wildlife viewing is still done in the core of the park with its 32 picturesque, wooded hills.

The Fauna

Bandhavgarh is renown for it's big cat population. The Bandhavgarh region is gifted with a large variety of natives in terms of animals. It is quite possible to sight tigers, leopards, gaur (Indian Bison-although some say this is no longer seen), chital (spotted deer), Sambar deer, Dholes, nilgais, wild boars, chinkaras, sloth bears, rhesus macaques, black faced langurs, jungle cats, hyenas, porcupines, jackals, foxes, wild dogs, chausinghas and ratels, among others as you venture into the forest area.

The Avi-fauna

As you sway on your Elephant, you will be captivated by several chirping birds passing from one to the other side. Bandhavgarh National Park, being a bird lover's paradise inhabits birds like - white browed fantails, steppe eagles, green pigeons, grey malabar hornbills, black and white malabar hornbills (quite a rare sighting), blossom headed parakeets, parakeets, blue bearded bee eaters, green bee eaters, white bellied drongos, owls, Jerdon's and gold fronted leaf birds, minivets, woodshrikes and the lovely paradise flycatchers. These creatures will surely delight you.

Safari In Bandhavgarh National Park Stay There

You will find good list of hotels here. Pick the one which is most ideal for you. There are numerous hotels ranging from luxurious to budget. You can also stay in the jungle resorts, as this will make your tour to the park more convenient. The jungle resorts are also well designed to provide complete satisfaction to you. Nearby Wildlife Lodges

Venture Into the Bandhavgarh

Jeep or Elephant Safari are the two ideal ways to explore the National Park. If you are interested in tiger tracking then go for the Elephant Safari or else go for the Jeep Safari. Both are ideally arranged by the forest department here. The forest department will also provide you a guide to tour through the region. If you rise-up late in the morning then be careful, as all the safaris start here early in the morning. Just wake up early in the morning, take bath, take your breakfast and then head for the safari.

Bandhavgarh is densely covered by variety of trees. It is an excellent assemblage of trees and foliages. As you start your safari, you will be welcomed by fine trees of Sal, and as you reach the higher lands of the forest you will come across mixed forests. The higher lands boasts of mixed vegetation of sali, saj, saja, dhobin etc. As you move northward you will be surrounded by the stretches of bamboo and grasslands. The main wildlife viewing is still done in the core of the park with its 32 picturesque, wooded hills.

Safari In Bandhavgarh National Park Additional Punch It would be a relishing tour if you go to Kalchuri Archeological Remains, Bandhavgarh Fort (14th century fort), which are close to the National Park. Also visit Khajuraho (via Satna) 230 km, this will give a proper change over from the wildlife. But, if want to see more of the Indian Wildlife then visit Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary (250 km).

Extend the Trip

Madhya Pradesh is in the central part of India. So, you can extend your trip to any of the places you wish to visit in India. However, the closest of the major attractions are Taj Mahal at Agra, Varanasi about 340 km via Rewa.

Few Difficulties

This part is situated at the central part of India, So, you may not face too many difficulty. But, you may not be able to speak to the local people, as only the educated one can speak English.

Few Suggestions

Don't get into any unknown or illegal activity. Do not disturb the local culture and local atmosphere. Try to be well informed about the routes and the place you are going to visit. Contact us when and where needed, while on a wildlife India Tour.

If you want more information on Wildlife India Tour then get back to us, whenever needed. Let us know your requirements, so that we can make your trip to India Wildlife completely exceptional and exciting.

Major Wildlife Attractions - Bandhavgarh

Once a hunting reserve of the royal family of Rewa in more recent times, Bandhavgarh was declared a park in 1968. This is also the site where the fanmous White Tigers of Rewa were discovered.

Wandering through the Bandhavgarh national park on an Elephant Back, the chances of seeing a tiger are quite good. Among the other wild attractions include, Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara, Wild Boar and sometimes a Fox or Jackal.

Other Attractions In Bandhavgarh

Kalchuri Archeological Remains : Beside the wildlife, Bandhavgarh is also famous for the archaeological remains of the Kalchuri period that have been found here.

Nilgai

Nilgai caves excavated from the cliffs to the north of the fort. Brahmi inscriptions here, date back to the 1st century BC. A hunting reserve of the royal family of Rewa in more recent times, Bandhavgarh was declared a Park in 1968. This is where the famous white tigers of Rewa were discovered. Wandering through the Park on elephant back, the chances of seeing a tiger are quite good. Also to be seen here are nilgai, chausingha, chital, chinkara, wild boar and sometimes a fox or jackal.

Other inhabitants of the Park include the muntjac, jungle cat, ratel, hyena, porcupine, the rhesus macaque and the black-faced langur. About 150 species of birds are also found here and include the migratory birds that arrive in winter like the steppe eagle and various water-birds. It is possible to climb up to the Bandhavgarh fort for a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the Park and there is also a small population of black buck that lives here, protected from the predators below.

Mammals residents of the park

Rhesus Macaque

Hanuman Langur

Golden Jackal

Wolf Bengal

Fox Dhole Sloth Bear Ratel

Small Indian Civet

Common Palm Civet

Small Indian Mongoose

Indian Grey Mongoose

Ruddy Mongoose

Striped Hyena

Jungle Cat

Tiger

Wild Boar

Indian Muntjac

Chital

Sambar

Nilgai

Four-horned Antelope

Gaur

Blackbuck

Indian Gazelle

Indian Pangolin

Northern Palm Squirrel

Indian Porcupine

Indian Hare

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airports are at Jabalpur and Khajuraho. Khajurao at 230 km is the most convenient airport connected by various domestic airline services with Agra, Delhi, Varanasi.

The most convenient route to Bandhavgarh is by air to Khajuraho from where it is a five-hour drive (237 km). Though long, the drive interesting; the road crosses the Ken river, some stretches of which have been declared a crocodile sanctuary famous for the ghariyal, a rare fish eating crocodile; and goes past Pana town, famous for its diamond mines, to Satna, the midway-point, from where it branches off on a subsidiary road across ridges of the Vindhyachal to Bandhavgarh.

Fly from Delhi, Agra or Varanasi to Khajuraho and drive (7-8 hours) to Tala park entrance at Bandhavgarh. Nearest airport from the park is Khajuraho.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Umaria. One can also take a train to Jabalpur and from there, take a taxi.The nearest railhead Umaria at 30 km is on the Katni-Bilaspur section of South-Eastern Railway. Another convenient railhead Satna (117 km) is on the Bombay-Howrah main line of the Central Railway.

The nearest railway stations near Bandhavgarh are Jabalpur (164 km), Katni (102 km) and Satna (120 km) on the Central Railway and Umaria (35 km) on the South Eastern Railway.

Nearest railway station is Umaria after Katani railway station, from there it is about 40 minutes drive to Nature Heritage. Alternatively, take the overnight train from Delhi to Umaria and drive (30 minutes) to the park. Only jeeps are available for transfers. Khajuraho / Bandhavgarh distance is 250 Kms, (8 hrs drive).

By Road

State/private transport buses ply between Katni & Umaria and from Satna and Rewa to Tala (Bandhavgarh). Taxis are available at Satna, Jabalpur, Katni, Umaria, Bilaspur (300 km) and Khajuraho.

Bandhavgarh National Park is situated on the Satna-Umaria & Rewa-Umaria highway. Some of the important road distances are: Khajuraho (via Satna)230 km, Varanasi (via Rewa) 340 km, Katni 75 km, Rewa 115 km, Umaria 30 km, Kanha 250 km. Madhya Pradesh State Transport Bus Services are also available from Rewa, Satna, Katni and Umaria.

Accommodation and Facilities

Most of the tourist accommodation is available at or near Tala. There are quite a few jungle resorts in Bandhavgarh National Park where you can enjoy your stay, the recommended ones are: A) Tiger Trails Safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh National Park
Set amidst lush jungles, Tiger Trails Safari is a mere 2 km. drive from the National Park. It has twelve cottages spread over an eleven-acre site. The lodge overlooks a private lake, which attracts a variety of resident and migratory birds. It has a well-stocked library and audio-visual shows on wildlife are arranged on request. Each bedroom has a private bathroom with shower and/or bath and toilet and telephone.

b) Tiger's Den Resort, Bandhavgarh National Park A jungle resort with twelve luxury cottages in the beautiful lush green and tranquil surroundings is another good accommodation option. It is located at a distance of 400 yards from the main gate of the Jungle. The balcony of the cottages overlooks the marvelous and gigantic hills of the Vindhyanchal range. The jungle facing cottages are wall-to-wall carpeted with twin or large beds. All the cottages have attached bathrooms with running hot and cold water. Cottages have 220 Volt of electricity (backed by generator) with standard 3-point plugs, and adaptors are available.

* White Tiger Forest Lodge (Madhya Pradesh Tourism Offices)
* Forest Rest House
* PWD Rest House
Wildlife Resorts or Hotels in Bandhavgarh National Park:

Tiger Den Resort

Nature Heritage Resort

Tiger Trails Safari Lodge

Maharaja Royal Retreat

Mogli Jungle Resort

Junglemantra Resort

Kings Lodge

Mahua Kothi

Wild Haven Resort

General Information

State : Madhya Pradesh, in the central part of India.
Nearest Town : Umaria (30 km)
Location : Vindhya hills in Madhya Pradesh, India
Total Coverage Area : 437 Sq. km / 44,884 hectares/ 168 Sq. miles
Established : 1968 as a National Park.
Extended In : Extended in 1986.
Became A Tiger Reserve : In 1993 .
Main Wildlife Found : Tigers, Leopards, Bears
Main Attractions : Has the highest density of the tigers in India
Best time to visit : November to June The Park closed from 1st July to 31st October
Climate : Bandhavgarh experiences climatic conditions that vary to opposite extremes. The temperature in the winters varies from 0 to 20 degrees centigrade between November and February. In the summers, the temperatures move to the other extreme and can go up to 46 degrees centigrade. Bandhavgarh has an average annual rainfall of 1200mm. The rains here give very little prior warning.
Winter Timing Summer Timing
Entry Exit Entry Exit
Morning: 07:30 hrs
Evening : 15:00 hrs Morning: 10:30 hrs
Evening : 17:30 hrs Morning: 06:30 hrs
Evening : 16:00 hrs Morning: 09:30 hrs
Evening : 18:30 hrs

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