Bandhavgarh National Park, which is well known for its Tiger Reserves is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh National Park has rich wildlife and spreads over Vindhya Mountains. Till 1967 the area of Bandhavgarh National park served as the hunting grounds for Rajas of Mewar. Later in 1968 it was declared as National park. It was dedicated for the project “Project Tiger Reserve” in 1993. Therefore this park today stands as one of the most tiger populated areas. This area earned the sobriquet “Tiger Country”, after 1st White Tiger being spotted in this area. Bandhavgarh National Park consists of diverse wildlife with more than 250 species of Birds and 22 species of Mammals. If you are looking forward to take a picture of Tiger on your Safari, then there is no place better than Bandhavgarh National Park.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park stretches across a vast area of 1131 Km2, where 694 km2 was exclusively reserved for Tiger protection. This park was located at an altitude of 410-810 meters above sea level. This park has nearly 32 hills and a Natural fort at the centre of the park. The total park was divided into several zones, out of them four zones namely Tala, Magdhi, Khitauli and Panpatta are principal ones.. The zone of Tala houses the most number of Tigers in the park. The vegetation of Bandhavgarh National Park is Moist Mixed Deciduous forest, which is a dominant form in Central India.
Bandhavgarh National Park receives an annual rainfall of 120 cm. The whole region experiences Tropical climate, where the nights will of freezing temperatures both during summer and Winter Season. Since Monsoon period is the breeding season for animals, the park will be closed for tourists during this time.
Bandhavgarh Fort
This is one of the oldest forts in India, located in the Tala zone of the park. This fort is said to be built in 3rd century by Lord Rama on his way back to home after crushing Ravana in a fierce battle. It was gifted to his brother Lakshamana by him, where even the name Bandhavgarh implies the same meaning. The word Bandhav literally means Brother and Garh means Fort. This ort had been the ruling centre for many great dynasties in the region like Solanki, Kalchuri, Kuruvanshi and Vaktak. Near to this fort a gigantic 12 meter statue of Lord Vishnu can be seen in a pool. There are many old temple constructed within this for which are dedicated to several incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Baghel Museum
It is located 100m away from the National Park. The belongings of Rajas of Mewar were displayed in this museum; this includes several weapons used by them for hunting. The special attraction here in this museum is stuffed White Tiger, which was captured by Maharajah Martand Singh of Mewar in 1951.
Bari Gufa and Three Cave Point
These are some of the cave made by the man, some dating back to pre-historic times. They stand as a testimony for the craftsmanship of early human. Today these caves are serving as a shelter to many wild animals.
- Fossil national Park– It is located 110 km away from the National Park. This park was named so because every tree which is existing in India today, can be seen in fossil form here in this area.
- Cheshpur Waterfall – It is on the course of River Johila and Situated about 50km away from Bandhavgarh National Park. It is an ideal spot for planning picnics.
- Village Tala– It is a wonderful destination which mirrors the true and beautiful way of life of villagers in India. There are many resorts located here in this region.
Bandhavgarh National Park Safari
Safari at Bandhavgarh National Park is a true treat for nature lovers, where you can see a wide array of Flora and Fauna. There are 3 zones at present dedicated for Safari. Visitors will be taken on Safari either on Open jeeps or Elephants according to their wish.
Dominant Flora at Bandhavgarh National Park
There is breathtaking Flora in this park. Dominant Flora include- Amla, Tendu, Jamun, Dhok, Salai, Bamboo, Khair, Khajur, Boswelia, Mango, Saj, Kadam, Dhaora, Banyan, Ber, Babul, Pterocarpus and Madhuca.
Dominant Fauna at Bandhavgarh National Park
Since major portion of the area is reserved for Tiger protection, Tiger can be seen more in number. Besides Tiger other animals found in this region include- Bengal Tiger, Bengal Fox, White Tiger, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Sambar, Gaur, Chinkara, Asiatic Jackal, Ratel, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena and Leopard etc.
Avi-Fauna – This Park is natural habitat for more than 152 Bird species. Several Migratory birds flock to this region during winter season. Common birds which can be found here include- Malabar pied hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Rufous Treepies, Red Vented Bulbul, Crested Tree Swift, Egyptian Vulture, Ashy Crowned Sparrow, Ashy Prinia, Plum, Parakeet, Tawny Pipit, Laughing Dove, Hawk Cuckoo, Asian Paradise Flycatcher.
Bandhavgarh National Park Map
How to Reach Bandhavgarh National Park
Airways: Jabalpur Airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 200 km away from the Bandhavgarh National park.
Railways: Umaria Railway Station is the nearest Railway station located at a distance of 37 kilometers away National Park. From here you can reach Bandhavgarh National park by a private cab or government operated Vehicles.
Roadways: This Park is well connected to major towns in the region through road network. A good number of government and private travels are operated in the region which will take you to the Bandhavgarh National Park.
Bandhavgarh National Park Accommodation
There are number of Hotels and Resorts located near Bandhavgarh National Park. Price per night starts from 1000 Rs and ranges till 30,000 rs.
Best Time to Visit Bandhavgarh National Park
The period between November To April is the best time to visit Bandhavgarh National park.
