Bandhavgarh National Park – Tigers Galore in the Heart of India

Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and is commonly called the Tiger’s Den. The Maharajas of Reway used to use it as a hunting ground, and it was later converted into a tiger reserve. The National Park has expansive vegetation and is rich in wildlife. Almost 50 tigers were reportedly living in Bandhavgarh National Park in the year 2012. Also, as many as 22 species of mammals and 250 species of avifauna have been recorded.

Tiger is, of course, the most famed predator in the region. Some of the other carnivores that can be spotted here are Asiatic jackals, foxes, grey mongoose, sloth bears, ratels, striped hyenas, leopards, and jungle cats. Apart from these, other animals to be found here include deer, monkeys, Nilgai, Chinkara, Gaur, and wild boar. One can take a jeep safari to get a closer view of these animals in their natural habitat. Bandhavgarh National Park takes its name from the Bandhavgarh Fort, which is situated atop a hill at a height of 800 m. Though the fort is now in ruins, one can climb up to the fort and get a majestic view of the city from the top. The climb takes roughly an hour.

Jungle Safari

A jungle safari is the best way to get to know the forest and its inhabitants better. The ideal months to visit Bandhavgarh National Park are from October to May. Authorities provide three different arrangements for jungle safari, making it an experience unlike any other jungle safari in the country. Travelers can choose from jeep, canter, and elephant as their mode of transport to witness the jungle. Jeep and canter safaris are more conveniently available and less costly as compared to elephant safaris, and thus these are more popular among people.

Elephants take tourists to the point where there are greater chances of spotting tigers. Elephant safaris are only available during the morning shift, and on a first come first serve basis. Usually, 4 passengers can be seated on one elephant, and in addition, there is a mahout and a naturalist. The elephant will take the passengers to a spot where they can view the tiger in its natural surroundings.

Jeep safaris usually operate in 2 shifts during the day – one in the morning and one during the afternoon. The morning shift starts very early, around 5.30 AM, and lasts for about 4 hours. The evening shift also lasts about 4 hours and ends at sunset. As taking a safari in Bandhavgarh National Park is very popular, visitors are advised to book jeep safari in advance so that they do not miss out on the opportunity. Only a limited number of jeeps are allowed in the zone in every shift, and so a safari is not guaranteed. A jeep can accommodate 6 passengers at a time, apart from the driver and the naturalist. Usually, no jeeps are allowed to enter for a safari on Wednesday afternoons. It is believed that the Tata region is the favorite for spotting tigers.

The third mode for jungle safari is Canter. These safaris are better for groups as they can accommodate up to 12 people. It is usually not possible to get a canter safari if not booked in advance. The cost per seat on the canter may vary depending on the zone. Depending on the month of the year, you may also get to bargain a little on the rates.

What to Eat

There are several places where you can try out different things to eat during your adventure trip to Bandhavgarh National Park. Typically, you will find Indian cuisine along with Continental and Chinese cuisine as well. However, one must try out some items from the local cuisine during one’s stay here. Some of the popular delicacies of Madhya Pradesh include Biryani, Kebabs, Korma, Dal Bafla, Poha, Rogan Josh, Ladoos and Jalebi. You can also try some beverages including lassi and sugarcane juice, which are freshly prepared.

Flora and Fauna

The flora and fauna found in Bandhavgarh National Park are diverse. During your visit here, you may spot animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger, White Tiger, Rhesus bears, leopards, jackals, mongooses, wild pigs, jungle cats, monkeys, spotted deer, barking deer, etc. The flora is deciduous and dry, dominated mostly by sal and bamboo trees. There are also some rare birds that you can spot during your stay here. To name a few, one can see doves, parakeets, serpent eagles, black vultures, and common peafowl. Pythons, turtles, ratsnakes, and vipers are some of the reptiles found in this region.

Location and How to Reach

Bandhavgarh National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh, which is known as the heart of India owing to its strategic location. It is easily reachable by road, rail, and air.

By Road: The road network is efficient around Bandhavgarh National Park. The closest town from the National Park is Umaria. However, there are several other cities in the vicinity, from where travelers can easily commute without any hassles. These include Jabalpur, Katni, and Khajuraho.

By Rail: The nearest train stations from Bandhavgarh National Park are Umaria and Katni. Jabalpur, which is at a distance of 170 km is the nearest major railway station, from where one can get trains to all major cities of India. From Jabalpur or Katni, one can easily hire a cab to get to Bandhavgarh National Park.

By Air: For national and international travelers traveling by flight, Jabalpur is the nearest airport. However, it is a domestic airport so foreign tourists cannot fly in directly. Another domestic airport, which is close to Bandhavgarh National Park, is Khajuraho located at a distance of approximately 120 km. The closest international airport is in Varanasi, which is located at a distance of approximately 350 km. One can easily hire taxis from any of the airports.

Distance of Bandhavgarh from Major Cities:

· Umaria to Bandhavgarh: 22 km

· Khajuraho to Bandhavgarh: 222 km

· Jabalpur to Bandhavgarh: 170 km

· Satna to Bandhavgarh: 135 km

· Katni to Bandhavgarh: 100 km

Best Time to Visit Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is open for visitors every year from the 15^th of October to the 30^th of June. Since the weather is pleasant during the winter, the most popular time to visit is from October to March. October is a very beautiful month to visit Bandhavgarh National Park as the monsoons lend greenery to the region. From March to June, the vegetation is mostly dried up. However, tiger sightings are relatively more common during this time. The tiger is usually spotted near the water reserves in the national park.

Although summer at Bandhavgarh brings with it a better chance of spotting tigers, the weather can get a little difficult to endure. In May and June, temperatures can go up to 45 degrees. Rains start by the second half of June and temperatures drop slightly. Winters last from November to February and the temperatures can go down to approximately 20 degrees. Visitors should consider getting warm clothes and stay indoors during the early hours of the morning. The safari timings are also adjusted slightly in accordance with the weather.

Things to Do in and Around Bandhavgarh National Park

There are numerous things to do in and around Bandhavgarh National Park, so you’ll be surprised if you thought that a trip to Bandhavgarh was all about the Jungle Safari. Although it is the most important thing to do here, some of the other activities that you can try are-

Experience a Luxurious Stay in the Jungle

There are several luxurious properties in and around Bandhavgarh National Park. A stay at these properties are bound to give you the break you need from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can also ask the resort management to arrange an open sky candlelight dinner for you if they have a provision for the same.

Shop in Bandhavgarh Market

There are several shops around the park where you can purchase artifacts and souvenirs. You can get t-shirts, books about wildlife, and many other interesting products. There is also a shop in the museum that you can consider visiting.

Trek to Bandhavgarh Fort

If you wish to enjoy a panoramic view of Bandhavgarh, visiting the Bandhavgarh Fort is a good idea. The hike takes approximately an hour, but the view from the top is completely worth the hard work.

Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts from all across the world visit Bandhavgarh National Park to get a sight of the Asiatic Tiger and Royal Bengal Tiger. However, there are things in store for visitors who do not want to visit only for the wildlife aspect of the region. There is endless natural beauty, and other notable places to see in the region. You can always visit with your friends and family and get some respite from the rush of city life and some quiet time in the jungle.