WHERE TIGERS RULE

BANDHAVGARH

About
Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh National Park is a small system of protected forest that was once the shikargarh reserve of the Maharajas of Rewa province.

In the previous years, however, it has actually ended up being associated with the tiger similar to Ranthambhore or Kanha. Bandhavgarh is still teeming with tigers, despite the fact that the erstwhile rulers enthusiastically adhered to the belief that it was fortunate for the monarch to hunt 109 tigers.

For a long 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 after that the Rewas, who are believed to be their descendants. About 106 sq km of the reserve functioned as the hunting ground of the Rewas; each Rewa king was expected to shoot at least a 100 tigers. Despite this, the truth that so-called ‘commoners’ were not allowed inside the reserve helped in the conservation of other animals and the forest itself.
After Independence, the territory was taken over by the Madhya Pradesh Government. However, the maharajas retained their hunting rights until 1968, when the location was made a national park. Hunting was stopped, the tiger population increased, and in 1982, the reserve’ s area was extended.

The Royal Kingdom of Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh is a 446-sq km tract of land with a series of flat-topped hills on its flanks and the high hill of Bandhavgarh fort (811 m) in the centre, dominating the landscape. Large meadows such as Chakradhara and Sehra, and swampy ground like the Sidhababa Meadow, lie below. It is bounded by the Son river in the east, the Johilla river in the south, and drained by the Umrar river in the west.

the story of

s i t a 

Bandhavgarh’s connection with “Ramayana” led naming it’s celebrated female tigress as “SITA”.
Sita, along with the another famous male tiger Charger, made a significant contribution to the tiger population. Achieving a super star status, Sita ruled over Bandhavgarh for a long time.
Sita brought Bandhavgarh to the international limelight when her photograph cuddling her cubs was captured by Michael “Nick” Nichols in 1996 – 1997.
This was published as a cover page in the December 1997 issue of National Geographic.
Shortly after that, she was last sighted in 1998 to vanish forever in the mystic forest of Bandhavgarh.

Click here to listen to this experience shared by Nick himself.

BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK

ORIENTATION

Bandhavgarh is a 446-sq km tract of land with a series of flat-topped hills on its flanks and the high hill of Bandhavgarh fort (811 m) in the centre, dominating the landscape. Large meadows such as Chakradhara and Sehra, and swampy ground like the Sidhababa Meadow, lie below. It is bounded by the Son river in the east, the Johilla river in the south, and drained by the Umrar river in the west. The core of the tiger reserve in 695 sq km, including 105 sq km of the former hunting reserve of the Rewas and 246 sq km of the Panpatha Sanctuary. The core area is surrounded by a buffer zone of 820 sq km. The forest changes from sal and bamboo to grasslands in swamps and sandy patches. With the relocation of three of the five villages which were within the national park area, large new grasslands have been developed in the remotest parts of the park. There are four entrances to the main park: Tala, Bhadrashila, Gohri and Garhpuri, each of which leads into a different zone. Two roadways, the Umaria-Rewa Highway and the Parasi-Katni Roadway via Khitauli, pass through the park.

Bandhavgarh, and the adjacent Panpatha Sanctuary (also made part of the reserve), came under Project Tiger in 1993. In spite of the conservation efforts, Bandhavgarh has its share of problems, including industrial pollution in the Son river and bauxite mining nearby. As the park is surrounded by numerous villages, poaching and grazing of animals in the forest are common occurrences. The park’ s popularity with tourists is also a reason for concern, as the crowds disturb the animals.

On the upside, the park’ s size, the organized method in which it’ s run and the efficient information & dissemination makes it very likely that you will see at least one tiger over a stay of three or four days. On the downside, this does tend to provide an assembly-line quality to the experience, and needs less of tourists– for instance, the tigers in the park are quite used to jeeps and humans, which suggests that they are, in a sense, not as wild as other tigers might be. And naturally, travelers feel less constrained to modify their city-bred behavior; one of the most distressing things about the Indian jungle is that tourists continue to chatter incessantly whether or not in the presence of an animal. They shout to each other, and eat food within the sanctuary. Fortunately, the tendency to toss the wrappings on the forest floor appears to be declining now.

And, unfortunately, many tourists feel their trip has been wasted if they don’t see a tiger. They miss out on the many other things that make up an incredible forest experience; the smaller animals, like deer and wild boars, the birds, the crisp early morning air and the beautiful verdant forest environment itself. Even the most typical animal sightings can be wonderful– a stag standing rock-still in a clearing in the half-light, a wild boar mother leading her piglets carefully through the brush; and Indian roller taking flight with the sum, flashing its sky-blue wings. There is also the endlessly diverse charm of the forest itself, made different at every moment not just by terrain, but by the state of mind and ambience contributed by a trick of light, weather, or temperature.

It is always a great idea to go on every possible safari, since no sighting is guaranteed, and no sighting is the very same. Alternatives are plentiful, from jeep to elephant rides. If your concept of holiday does not include getting up at the crack of dawn, do at least a minimum of make use of the afternoon. Either way, there’ s lots of time before and after safaris to unwind around the camp, and consume around the bonfires that the majority of hotels organize.

the best place to see tigers in india

bandhavgarh national park

History of Bandhavgarh National Park & Mohan, the father of all Bengal white tigers

For the admirers of the spectacular tigers & those interested to know more about Mohan – the founding father of the white tigers of Rewa – this story is a must read for you.
Known as the first ancestor of Bengal’s white tiger population, Mohan’s narrative begins in being caught in the wild as a cub & thereafter, raised in captivity.

Climate & best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park

If you are looking for something different from your regular beach holidays this winter, it’s time you headed out to Bandhavgarh.
The season is just so perfectly ambient for a relaxing holiday in the midst of nature’s green.

Geography Location & Area of Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park s located In The Eastern Satpura Hill Range Of Umaria And Katni Districts.
Well located in the Central Indo – Malayan realm, Bandhavgarh National Park falls in the Oriental region zoogeography – which basically includes the northern and central part of India. It originates from the foot hills of the mighty Himalayas and goes upto the Malabar coast. By virtue of it’s location, placed in the Deccan plateau, which is higher in the west and slopes gently eastwards, Bandhavgarh National Park is located between The Vindhya hills and the eastern part of the Satpura ranges.

Places to stay in Bandhavgarh National Park

The Forest Department offers accommodation in the forest colony at Tala.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism has a well located resort at Tala namely White Tiger Forest Lodge.

Wildlife of Bandhavgarh National Park

An adrenaline pumping desperate search for the elusive Bengal tiger combines with mixed flora & fauna available in Bandhavgarh.
The calm and peace of nature takes a shift as you ride through the national park to spot the main attraction of Bandhavgarh, that is, the Tigers.

Places to see in Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh Fort is an an hour long trek and worth every bit of your effort. The climb to the fort is a journey back in time as you discover the ancient monuments surrounding it.
Do take a guide with if you want to know all about the history and mythology of Bandhavgarh.

How to reach Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh is extremely well connected & is convenient to reach from all major cities of India.

Things to do & Activities in Bandhavgarh National Park

Things to See Inside the Park

  • Shesh-Saiya
  • Bandhavgarh ancient caves
  • Rajbehra meadows
  • Fort
  • Sita Mandap
  • Sehra
  • Sunset view from Ganesh Pahari

Things to Do outside the Park

  • Hot Air Baloon Ride
  • Jwalamukhi Temple
  • Baghel Museum

Tour Packages for Bandhavgarh National Park

Join us for an unparalleled experience in the the forest of Central India 

Your host in Bandhavgarh

- i4U Travel Services

i4u Travel Services is rated the No. 1 Tour Company by Tripadvisor for Madhya Pradesh tours. Recognized by MP Tourism, we are authorized to book MP Tourism Hotel & Resorts. We specialize in Wildlife Tours of Madhya Pradesh and offer the Best Tour Packages for Bandhavgarh National Park. i4u Travel Services is an one stop shop to fulfill all your travel needs for Madhya Pradesh tour.

For Your Eyes Only

Operation

Bandhavgarh remains closed for tourists from 1st July till 30th of September every year or as reviewed & decalred by the Forest department.

Weather

Winters ( Dec to Feb ) can be extremely cold touching sub zero. Summers are hot & humid.

Permits

Jungle Safari’s are allowed for tourists subject to availability of permits. It is advisable to pre book wildlife tours well in advance as issuance of permits are highly restricted & much in demand. 

Get in touch

Leave your name and email below along with what you are looking for in the message box. Or you can call us at +91 94251 57188

i4u Travel Services
Your Host in Bandhavgarh National Park

i4u Travel Services is an one stop shop to fulfill all your travel needs for Madhya Pradesh tour.

Let i4u Travel Services be your Madhya Pradesh Tour Guide to showcase the Best of Madhya Pradesh.

As a reliable travel agency for Madhya Pradesh tour, we offer our services in :

  • Booking of Hotels & Resorts in Madhya Pradesh
  • Local sight seeings in Madhya Pradesh
  • Transfers
  • Jungle Safari

Destination Brochure of Bandhavgarh

Get in touch

Leave your name and email below along with what you are looking for in the message box. Or you can call us at +91 94251 57188

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