If you have a penchant for exploring the beauty of nature then you should not miss a visit to Bandhavgarh National Park. Bandhavgarh National Park, where nature weaves art with its adroit hands, is located in the district of Sahodol in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh! Bandhavgarh National Park came into existence in the year 1968 when the Maharaja of Rewa gave the land to Government. This park is situated at a distance of 197 km north-east of Jabalpur.
Bandhavgarh National Park is a wildlife retreat located for away from Kanha. The series of ridges running through it and the ambience of the Vinhyan ranges makes the park a nature lover’s paradise. In the earlier stage this park was a hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. Today it serves as a hub for many wild animals including the suave white tigers. The park boasts to have about 46 to 52 tigers at present. It is Rewa the white tigers were first discovered, and Bandhavgarh National Park lies well near Rewa. Rocky hill ranges, grassy swamps and forest valleys gives a natural charm to Bandhavgarh National Park.
If you are in search of a park that is compact and full of game, you should not miss the Bandhavgarh National Park. Statistics reveals that Bandhavgarh National Park contains the highest density of tiger population in India.
The presence of white tigers in this area gives the name ‘Wild Tiger Country'. One can find the stuffed figure of the last known captured white tiger, Mohan, in the palace of the Maharajahs of Rewa. This white tiger was captured by Maharajah Martand Singh in 1951. It is the ancient fort in this area that gave the name Bandhawgarh to this park.
Bandhavgarh National Park is a dense reserve(448 sq. km) of bamboos groves, grasslands, sal trees, various species of birds and animals and more. For more than 22 species of wildlife Bandhavgarh National Park is the home today. For the bird watchers this will serve as a haven since he can find more than 250 species of birds here. The Bandhavgarh fort that lies within the park adds to the ethereal beauty of the park with its looks. From the terrace of the fort you can have a stupefying view of the park. The beauty of flora and fauna mixed with the presence of wildlife animals will make the visit to the park worthwhile.
Bandhavgarh jungle acts as a living self-sustaining organism by providing climate, water, nutrition and atmosphere of its own. The park also has a sleep wake cycle!
Stupefying Wildlife Attractions
When you roam in the park on elephant back chances are high that you will find a predator in its majestic self. The animals found in the park are Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara and if you are lucky you can spot a fox or jackal.
Among the birds you can also find the migratory birds such as steppe eagle, various aquatic birds and more. Other beauties that are found here are Mynahs, Peacock, Paradise fly catchers, Jungle Fowl, Golden and Black headed Orioles, Red-vented Bulbuls, Blue Jays, Purple Sunbirds, Green Barbets and Yellow Ioras.
Monkeys that are found here include Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaque. Carnivores like striped hyena, jungle cat, sloth beat, Ratel, Gray Mongoose, Leopard and more could be found here. Mammals found here include Dhole, the smallIndian, Lesser Bandicoot Rat and Civet, Palm Squirrel. Wild Pigs, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chausingha, Nilgai, Chinkara and Gaur are the artiodactyls that are seen most commonly.
Go For A Ride Round The Park
Well, to go around in the park you have two options- a ride in a motor vehicle or a ride on an elephant back. Though the animals are habituated to both it is recommended to talk in lower voice and not to make quick movements. Since the animals are most active from dawn to about 10 in the morning and from 4 in the evening till dusk taking a jeep safari at this time is the best choice.
With the assistance of the forest department guide, you can have a well understanding about the wildlife. Fascinated in tiger tracking? Then the best to opt for is the elephant ride. No safari is guaranteed with sighting. Thus don't miss any safari when you are at the park. Another exciting attraction that guarantees sighting is the tiger show. Once a tiger is spotted the elephant will take you to the spot from your lodge.
Plant Life In Bandhavgarh
In the initial stage the park was located in an area of 105.10 sq kms. Today it spreads over an area of 437 sq kms and also boasts about having the high density tiger population. More than half of the forest is covered with sal trees. And in the higher hills one can find mixed forests. In the northern side bamboo groves and grasslands could be found.
Season To Visit Bandhavgarh National Park
The best time to visit the park is from mid November to mid June and also from January-April. However the park is open from October 1st to June 30th only. It remains closed in the rest of the year.
Climate at Bandhavgarh National Park
One can find climatic condition that varies between the two extremes here. If it is winter the visitors find rescue in thick woolen clothes and the ride in the morning hours of winter will give you a never before experience. In the early morning the temperature of the forest dips as low to zero! When the summer comes, things go the other way round.
From November to February temperature varies from 0 to 20 degrees centigrade. And in the summer the temperature shoots up to 46 degrees centigrade. Since heavy downpour is expected towards late summer, one is advised to carry the necessary protective gears for yourself and your things!
Resorts at Bandavgarh
Nature Heritage Resort, Bandhavgarh: Natural heritage resort is located in the hills of Madhya Pradesh. This resort lies in the close proximity of the park. Luxury cottages, verandahs, attached bathrooms, are the added advantages of the cottage and lies in 3 acres of mature forest. The fun activities at the resort are nature walks, elephant Safaries, slide shows and informative lectures by naturalists.
Royal Tiger Resort, Bandhavgarh: Royal Tiger Resort is another well equipped resort that is located in Tala village, 400 yards from Bandhavgarh National Park. This resort is 240 km away from Khajuraho and 35 km from Umaria. Modern facilities of 3 star class is the highlight of this resort. The breath taking natural landscape surrounding and gardens promises you a pleasant stay here.
Timings to Visit
Morning tour: 0630 to 1000 hours.
Afternoon tour: 1430 to 1800 hours.
Only 6 persons + 1 driver + 1 guide is allowed in one Jeep.
Admission Fee To The Park
Indian Visitors Rs. 20/-
Visitors from aboard Rs. 200/-
Guide fee Rs. 75/-
Automobile entry Rs. 100/- (Park - round charges will be applicable extra)
Camera Rs. 25/- per Day
Video recorder camera Rs. 200/- per Day
Elephant ride:
Indian Visitors Rs. 60/- for one Adult per hour and Rs. 40/- for one Child (below 12 years) per hour
Overseas Visitors Rs. 300/- for one Adult per hour and Rs. 200/- for one Child (below 12 years) per hour
Cine documentary film Rs. 12,000/- per day
Documentary film(Video) Rs. 6,000/- per day
Access to the park
For those who wanna see the majestic tigers in their natural habitat, heading for Jabalpur by jeep, bus, train or plain will be the best option. From Jabalpur go 165 km northeast to reach Bandhavgarh National Park! The nearest airports are Khajuraho (210 km away) and Jabalpur. If you travel by bus to Bandhavgarh from you will reach the destination in 5 hours.
At the railhead in Umaria, which is 30 km from Bandhavgarh; you can get trains to the cities in Madhya Pradesh and other states, including Delhi. You can also avail private and state bus services and taxies to Bandhavgarh from the nearest towns. The entrance is located in a small settlement called Tala. This settlement also provides you necessary facilities.
To drive around in the park you can hire vehicles from the nearby towns. Private vehicles also are allowed inside the park. If lady luck is your calling, you can spot a tiger when you are on an elephant ride.
Other Highlights At Bandhavgarh National Park
Archaeological Remains of Kalchuri Period
For those who are interested in studying the archeological remains of Kalchuri period this is the best destination to visit.
Fort of Bandhavgarh
The Bandhavgarh Fort, which is believed to be of more than 2000 years old, lies within the park. Inside the fort one can find numerous caves that belong to the pre historic period. You can find caves having the Brahmi inscriptions that date back to the first century B.C.
Baghela Museum
At the Baghela museum you can find the private collections of the Maharaja of Rewa. Military weapons, hunting stuffs are the other highlights of the museum. The timings of the museum are 10 AM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM.
Would you like to witness the mind boggling beauty of Bandhavgarh national park? Just contact us and ensure a hassle free adventurous tour avoiding the lengthier queues!!!
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