Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve located in the eastern Satpura hill range of Umaria and katni districts. Mythologically the name “ Bandhavgarh” means (Bandhav = Brother and garh = Fort) and was acquire the name Bandhavgarh with the name of the fort. This fort was built and given to brother Lakshman by Lord Rama, to keep a watch on lanka and hence it acquired the Reference to this is also found in the Narad Panch Ratna and Shiva Sanhita Puran. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is of vital importance considering its Flora and Fauna diversity. The Tiger Reserve is Known for the healty population of tigers and variety of herbivores. This area is unique from the point of biodiversity, as it comprises hills,valley, rivers, marshes and meadows to give rise to diverse vegetation. Apart from tiger, as many as 34 species of Mammals have been listed and nearly 260 species of birds and 70 species of butterfly
General information
Core: 716.90 Sq Km
Buffer 820.03 Sq Km
Total: 1536.93 Sq Km
Bandhavgarh National Park is a small tract of protected forest that was once the shikargarh (game reserve) of the maharajas of Rewa. In the past decade, however, it has become as synonymous with the tiger as Ranthambhore or Kanha. Bandhavgarh is still teeming with tigers, despite the fact that the erstwhile rulers enthusiastically adhered to the belief that it was lucky for the monarch to hunt 109 tigers.
For some time in the 12th century, the Bandhavgarh Fort, in the centre of the reserve, was the seat of power of the Chandela Dynasty. Later, it came under the Baghels, and then the Rewas, who are believed be their descendants. About 106 sq km of the reserve functioned as the hunting ground of the Rewas; each Rewa king was supposed to shoot at least a 100 tigers. Despite this, the fact that so-called ‘commoners’ were not allowed inside the reserve helped in the conservation of other animals and the forest itself.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has three Tourist zone namely Tala, Magadhi, Khitauli are in Core area and three are in Buffer areas of Tiger Reserve adjoining the core namely Dhamokhar, Johila and Panpatha.
Daily there are two rounds of safari’s, the morning one from dawn to around 11.30 am & the noon one from 3 pm till dusk. The timings are rescheduled as per the season. Please be advised that there are no afternoon safari’s on Wednesday evenings & the day of Holi & Diwali, the Park remains restricted for tourists.
4x4 customized gypsies, pre registered with the Forest Department are used for the game drives.
It is mandatory to have a guide, registered with the Forest Department, during the excursions. The guides, although local, are well versed in the flora & fauna of the Park & showcase the Park aesthetically.
The best time to visit the Reserve is from 1st Oct to 30 June.
According to Koppen’s Scheme, this park lies in Monsoon type with Dry Winter Climate. The mean temperature and precipitation of this park is 23 degree C and 101cm respectively. May is the hottest month while December is the coldest month having mean maximum temperature of 41.6 degree C and 4.2 degree C respectively. August is the wettest month which receives 30.4 cm of rainfall.
The Park remains closed from 1st of July to 30th of September each year. However, during this period, the buffer zones are open for tourism. Wildlife sighting is extremely high during summers whereas winters offer a spectacular view of the fog & mist settling on the meadows. The forest is also lush green during this period.
The permits which authorize a tourist to avail the safari’s are under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh. There is also a restriction on the number of permits issued each day & each zone. Hence, they are very sought after & exhaust soon. It is advisable to plan the trip well in advance. i4u Travel Services assists & facilitates tourists in arranging the safari. We also offer pickup & drop from the resort for all the safari’s.
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