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Bandhavgarh National Park is spread at vindhya hills in Madhya
Pradesh. Bandhavgarh National Park consists of a core area of 105 sq
km and a buffer area of approximately 400 sq km of topography varies
between steep ridges, undulating, forest and open meadows. Bandhavgarh National Park is known for the Royal Bengal Tigers. The
density of the Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known
in India.
Bandhavgarh National Park was the former hunting preserve of the
Maharaja of Rewa and at present is a famous natural hub for White
Tigers. White Tigers, now a major attraction around the world's
zoos, were first discovered in Rewa, not far from here. The terrain
is broken, with rocky hill ranges, running roughly east west,
interspersed with grassy swamps and forested valleys.
Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the finest national park in the
India and has the distinction of harboring the highest concentration
of tigers per unit area of forest. The Bandhavgarh National Park is
spread over on area of 448 sq km with a cross area of 105 sq km. At
the center of the park is the bandhavgarh hill, rising 811 meters
above sea level and surrounding it are a sloping valleys, These
valleys end in small, swampy meadows locally known as “bohera”.
Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968. Since then many
steps have been taken to retain
Bandhavgarh National Park as an unspoilt national habitat for a
variety of wildlife peculiar to the area. These includes gaur
(Indian bison), sloth bear, leopard, porcupine, wild boar, sambhar
and spotted deer, among others and of course, the tiger.
This forest nestled among the Vindhya hills came into existence in
1968 when the Maharaja of Rewa handed over the area to the
government for it's formation. At the time when it was handed over
to the government, the fauna was not faring too well due to the
difficulty in the control of poaching. Once this became a protected
area, the animal population took a drastic turn and began to
flourish. At this time, the entire park covered an area of 106
square kilometers whereas it presently consists of an area of 448
square kilometers. These much required extensions, to the northern
and southern areas, of the park were done in 1982. These areas
consisted primarily of Sal forests, which is the main tree-cover
found in the entire park along with Bamboo. It was finally declared
a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1993.
Total Coverage Area: 437 sq. kms / 44,884 hectares/ 168 sq. miles
Established: 1968 as a National Park.
Extended In: Extended in 1986.
Became A Tiger Reserve: In 1993.
A Day at Bandhavgarh
Days at
Bandhavgarh begin in the early morning; enter the park before
sunrise using the Gori Gate or Tala Gate. Initially we will be
looking for signs of Tiger movement, pugmarks and listening for the
alarm calls of Langur monkeys, Chital and Sambar Deer. If the
elephant teams have successfully tracked Tigers, leave jeep and
venture deep into the forest by elephant, to gain fantastic close
views of Tigers. Back in jeeps, continue game drive before returning
to lodge for breakfast. Time is now available to explore the lodge
grounds or simply relax. After lunch re-enter the park by jeep
looking for wildlife and Tigers. Just before sunset predator
activity increases and Tigers, Leopards and Sloth Bears may be
spotted. Returning to lodge there is time for a shower before
dinner.
When the sunsets wandering Chital Deer, Wild Boar and Jackals, are
attracted into the peaceful grounds and the well-established fruit
trees attract many resident birds. While nearby the Indian Wolf and
Wild Dog have been spotted. As we sip a pre-dinner drink, the
evening chorus of the Mottled Wood Owl in the branches of the Sal
trees and packs of communicating Jackals begins.
In-between game drives explore forest trails, which lead into
thicker jungle and to traditional tribal villages.
November to
June
-NIL-
|
Park Charges
(in Indian Rupees) |
| |
Indian |
Foreigners |
|
Entry Fees |
20.00 |
200.00 |
|
Vehicle |
100.00 |
100.00 |
|
Still Camera |
20.00 |
20.00 |
|
Video Camera |
200.00 |
200.00 |
|
Cine
Documentary (per day) |
12000.00 |
12000.00 |
|
Video
Documentary (per day) |
6000.00 |
6000.00 |
|
Guide Charges |
75.00 |
75.00 |
|
Elephant
Safari (per hour - adults) |
60.00 |
300.00 |
|
Jeep |
650.00 |
650.00 |
(Rates are subject to
change)
By Air :
Khajuraho is the nearest well connected airport. Indian Airlines
flies from Delhi to Khajuraho seven days a week. Jet Airways has a
daily connection between Khajuraho-Delhi via Varanasi.
By Rail :
The nearest railhead is Umaria located on the Katni-Bilaspur
section of South-Eastern Railway. From Jabalpur, a short journey by
bus from will take you Tala, near the entrance of the park.
By Road :
Bandhavgarh National Park is situated on the Satna-Umaria &
Rewa-Umaria highway. Madhya Pradesh State Transport Bus Services are
available from Rewa, Satna, Katni and Umaria. Another option is to
hire cars from Katni, Umaria, Satna or Bilaspur and hit the bumpy
road. The road trip from Khajuraho to Bandhavgarh is an interesting
one which passes through the Ken river, a crocodile sanctuary. It
then moves on to the diamond mining industry of Panna and Satna
before branching off on a subsidiary road across the ridges of
Vindhyachal to Bandhavgarh.
Distances from Major Cities
Umaria : 35 km
Khajuraho : 270 km
Jabalpur : 190 km
Satna : 120 km
Katni : 102 km
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Tips & Important Information |
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The small town of Tala,
located near the park, provides most of the basic facilities
including vegetable vendors, cigeratte shops, liquor store, a fuel
pump and a small hospital with basic medical facilities. The park
office is also located here near the northern gate.
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The park has four main
entrances, Panpatha in the north, Tala in the east (most of the
hotels are located here), Dhamokar in the south-west and Khitauli in
the west. Two roads, Umaria-Rewa highway and Parasi-Katni road via
Khitauli pass through the park.
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The best way to track
tigers is on an Elephant back. Elephants belonging to the forest
department can be booked from the park office near the gate on
Umaria road. Be sure to make your bookings well in advance to avoid
disappointment.
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Watchtowers are located
all over the park for animal viewing. The one in Bhadrasila is good
for watching Gaur.
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A compact pair of
binoculars of 7x or 8x magnification is a must-carry along.
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The park timings vary
according to season, generally depending on the time of sunrise and
sunset
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You can also travel
around the park in your own vehicle, but assisted by a forest
department guide.
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Jeeps can be rented at
the park office. Jeeps enter the park from 6:30 to 10 AM and from
2:30 PM till 6. Only 6 persons + 1 driver + 1 guide are allowed in
one jeep.
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Shopping options include
maps, books and pictures related to the wildlife of the park which
can be bought from the souvenir shop at the main entrance of the
park.
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Do not stroll on the road
during night without a source of light and try not to visit the
place during Kali pooja as the animals get scared of fire cracker
noise and move deeper in to the jungle.
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Kings Lodge
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Tree House Hideaway
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Mewar Camp
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Mahua Kothi
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Bagh Sarai Resort
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Mogli Jungle Resort
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Wildlife Moments (12 Days)
à
Wildlife Delights (13 Days)
à
Wildlife Heart Throb (17 Days)
à
Wild Tour of Himalayas (21 Days)
à
Bengal Tiger with Taj Mahal (13 Days)
à
Exclusive Indian Wildlife (14 Days)
à
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