A Insiders Travel Guide 2024 for Bandhavgarh National Park
About Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Bandhavgarh National Park is rightfully called the Land of the Tiger. A famous hunting reserve for the Maharajas who ruled these lands, this area has to this day been preserved for shooting wildlife – with cameras.
Come take a Tiger Safari in India with us at Bandhavgarh National Park.
Ideally, Bandhavgarh National Park is known as the “Land of the Tiger.” This region has been kept for photographing animals, complete with cameras, and was formerly a renowned hunting reserve for the Maharajas who governed these areas. Come along on a Tiger Safari with us at Bandhavgarh National Park in India.
Due to its near isolation and scarcity of migratory routes for dispersed male tigers seeking a place to call home, the park has managed to hold onto a high tiger population in addition to a suitable habitat and prey base. This region is home to about sixty wild tigers.
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History & Mythology
- The fort was held by several dynasties, including the Maghas in the first century AD and the Vakatakas in the third. Since then, Bandhavgarh has been ruled by numerous dynasties, including the Chandela Kings of Bundelkhand, who constructed the well-known temples at Khajuraho.
- In the twelfth century, the Baghel Kings—the current Royal line of Rewa’s direct ancestors—founded their dynasty at Bandhavgarh. Their capital remained there until 1617, when the court’s administrative centre relocated to Rewa, 75 miles (120 km) to the north.
- Without royal support, Bandhavgarh grew increasingly desolate until the forest took over and it was turned into the royal hunting reserve. Even though the Maharajas used their privileges to the fullest, this contributed to the preservation of the forest and its fauna. Everybody set out to eliminate the lucky number of 109 Tigers.
Before the Maharaja donated it to the state in 1968 for the creation of the National Park, Bandhavgarh was still his private property at the time of independence. Once the park was established, poaching was curbed, and the wildlife population increased significantly.
Tigers in the National Park of Bandhavgarh
Sita, one of the most captivating Tigresses, and Charger, the most ferocious Tiger, are responsible for its popularity. All wild tigers have a limited lifespan during which they maintain their dominance in the park; nonetheless, Charger had unique characteristics. He outlived all other male tigers vying for leadership in Bandhavgarh and led an exceptionally long life. But his age eventually caught up with him. When the older Tiger grew older, two other Tigers, B1, and B2, who were relatives, attempted to attack his area; the latter was successful. While B2 held the throne for a few years, B1 passed away under mysterious circumstances. He elevated Bandhavgarh to the top of the Indian wildlife tourist pyramid and became the face of the country’s wildlife. The tales of these real-life legends were too compelling not to be shared by the BBC, Discovery, National Geographic, and even Icon Films. The stillness of the park is still resonant with their stories.
Kinds of Safaris available at Bandhavgarh National Park
If you have made the decision to visit a national park, you are probably aware that you will not be leaving without taking a wildlife safari excursion. You're in luck since Bandhavgarh National Park offers one of the most interesting tiger safari experiences in all of India's national parks.
Canter Safari
In the Bandhavgarh National Park, canter tiger safaris take place in all zones. The ability to accommodate bigger groups of passengers for lengthier tiger safari trips has prompted tour companies to build up canters.
Jeep Safari
The greatest method to fully appreciate the nature and animals of Bandhavgarh National Park is said to be through Jeep tiger safaris. You can take an open-air vehicle trip with a small group or opt for a solo tiger safari excursion. The tiger safari adventure takes place throughout the day and lasts around three hours each time. There are half-day and full-day options available for these tiger safaris in India. Half-day safaris are standard morning and afternoon jeep tiger safaris in India, whereas full-day safaris require you to spend the entire day in the park.
How to select the safari zones in Bandhavgarh ?
Circumscribing (zoning in) the Experience of Bandhavgarh National Park
- There are three types of zones in every park: Core, Buffer, and Reserved.
- Core Zone: The core zone of the rainforest is its protected region. It serves as a resource for information on the ecosystems’ natural condition as reflected by the biosphere reserves. The Forest Department rigorously protects natural resources and wildlife.
- Buffer Zone: The buffer zone is the area where some human life and animals coexist harmoniously. Last but not least, the conserved woodland serves as the forest’s imaginary border. Nevertheless, animals lack the understanding of what a “zone” is. Since the forest serves as their habitat, they are free to move around in it.
Important Facts for Core Safari Zones at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
- The three main zones of Bandhavgarh are Khitauli, Tala, and Maghdi.
- Zone Tala is the oldest. This zone is quite remarkable because of a few locations, including Bandhavgarh Fort, Badi Gufa, Shesh Shaiya, and Chakradhara Hide.
- Opposite each other are Maghdi and Khitauli, with good chances of seeing tigers. Gate No. 2 and Gate No. 3 are the names given to them, respectively.
- With Tala seeing an abundance of tourists. Maghdi and Khitauli provide a respite, offering an entirely new viewpoint of Bandhavgarh.
- Tala offers stunning scenery and magnificent terrain, while Maghdi and Khitauli will give you the real jungle feel.
Safari Route Map of Bandhavgarh
Why tourists should visit Bandhavgarh ?
Motives for Exploring the Bandhavgarh National Park
It’s frequently claimed to be the greatest spot on Earth to witness tigers in the wild. With a core area of around 440 sq. km., the Tiger Reserve is stretched throughout 1100 sq. km. With passionate guides and drivers, a tiger safari trip in Bandhavgarh is an exciting experience. The tracks formerly occupied by the tigers of the past are now being followed by their progeny, and visitors may learn about tiger tracking from the perspectives of the locals on an exciting tiger safari trip in Bandhavgarh.
Bandhavgarh National Park is a great place to go bird watching because of its exceptional bird visibility. There is a healthy population of vultures there, including White-Rumped and Indian vultures, which roost on the cliffs. The Asian paradise flycatcher, Indian Pitta, Golden Oriole, and the uncommon White-capped Bunting are all worth spotting.
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When should one visit Bandhavgarh ?
Ideal Time of the Year to spot Tigers in Bandhavgarh National Park
Organising your trip to Bandhavgarh National Park is essential as little decisions on the season, date, and place to stay may make or ruin your trip. There's simply no optimal time to visit, in terms of scheduling. It all depends on your preferences and the offerings of the park in that particular season.
- Winter visits to the park (October – February): Although this is the best season to explore Bandhavgarh, we advise not going there earlier than November 15. Because your tiger safari experience here may be impacted by unexpected post-monsoon rainfall.
- Monsoon visits to the park (July – September): The park stays majorly shut because of the monsoon season’s strong rains.
- Summer visits to the park (March – June): This time of year, when the park is open, is also considered by many tour companies to be the best time to visit. This is mostly because the summer months bring out the park’s abundant vegetation and animals. Yes, it becomes really broiling, but that allows the large cat to sleep farther between water holes and closer to the few.
Whats near Bandhavgarh ?
Attractions close to Bandhavgarh National Park
Come have a once-in-a-lifetime tiger safari adventure in Bandhavgarh, India’s best national park with a diverse range of natural and cultural events. Some of the most stunning natural vistas, man-made structures, and landscapes are close to Bandhavgarh National Park.
Museum Baghel
Experience a regal voyage by going to the Baghel Museum, which is close to Bandhavgarh National Park. The location serves as a warehouse for the Maharaja of Rewa’s personal items, which are on display. The preserved corpse of one of the first white tigers that the Maharaja of Rewa saw in Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the most remarkable sights to behold here.
Khajuraho
Home to the greatest collection of mediaeval temples embellished with many sculptures of astounding elegance and delicacy. Khajuraho is a must-visit destination, honouring the elegantly styled and courtly achievements of love, beauty, and the arts. The city’s temples, which date from 950 to 1050 AD, were formerly the Chandela Rajputs’ religious centre. The whole area is surrounded by a wall with eight gates, and two golden palms stand in front of each gate. Out of the approximately 80 temples that existed initially, only 22 have been impressively conserved.
Panna National Park
It is easy to refer to this area as the home of the largest predators, with towering waterfalls that pound the earth below. This park, an Indian diamond mine, has the incredible ability to soothe and excite you at the same time. All it takes is a boat trip on the Ken to realise that the forest is, in fact, a hidden jewel, guarding its land since the recent past of 2008. It harbours diversity in its belly. Panna is gradually growing into a popular tourist destination because of its proximity to Khajuraho, one of the most well-known tourist destinations in India. It takes somewhat more than an hour to reach the Fort of Kalinjar, which is of historical significance.
Reaching Bandhavgarh
By Air
Jabalpur Airport
Distance From Jabalpur To Bandhavgarh – 200 Km
Time To Travel From Jabalpur To Bandhavgarh – 4 Hrs
By Rail
Nearby Railway Station
Umaria Railway Station To Bandhavgarh – 35 Km / 45 Mins
Katni Railway Station To Bandhavgarh – 100 Km / 2 Hrs
Jabalpur Railway Station To
Bandhavgarh – 200 Km / 4 Hrs
Khajuraho Railway Station To
Bandhavgarh – 250 Km / 4hrs 30 Mins
Satna Railway Station To Bandhavgarh – 150 Km / 3 Hrs
By Road
Nearby cities
Jabalpur To Bandhavgarh – 200 Km / 4 Hrs
Katni To Bandhavgarh – 100 Km / 2 Hrs
Khajuraho To Bandhavgarh – 250 Km / 5 Hrs
Kanha National Park To Bandhavgarh – 250 Km / 5 Hrs
Umaria To Bandhavgarh – 35 Km / 45 Mins
Location
Frequently asked questions
FAQs about a trip to Bandhavgarh National Park
In the blazing heat, we advise visiting the park. When it comes to seeing tigers, the months of March through May are the most productive. The large cat spends long hours sitting at the few and far between water sources. Summertime concentrations of prey beside these water pools increase the likelihood of spotting a cat in the act of hunting.
Let the professionals handle this. We can arrange for the ideal tiger safari experience for you if you send us an email at info@tigersafaritoursindia.com with all of your preferences!
The national park should be visited for at least three nights. This provides you with more time and plenty of chances to explore every zone and go on every form of safari in the park.
Bandhavgarh is located in Madhya Pradesh state of India, in Umaria district. Nearest airport is Jabalpur, railway station is Umaria.
Bandhavgarh is famous of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Along with the tiger, other animals like Indian Bison, leopard, slot bear are also seen.
Bandhavgarh is better than kanha for tiger sightning as the tourism area to tiger area proportion is favourable.
