Bandhavgarh National Park
About Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park, the most popular national parks in India is located in the Vindhya Hills of the Umaria district in Madhya Pradesh. Declared as a national park in 1968 the Bandhavgarh National Park is spread across the area of 105 km². The name Bandhavgarh has been derived from the most prominent hillock of the area of Umaria. The area of Bandhavgarh is being flourished with a large biodiversity, the place which is also being famed to grip highest density of tiger population in India. Similarly, the park also beholds the largest breeding population of leopards and various species of deer. Over the years, the park has shown a great number of increases in the count of the tiger species and this is the reason why tiger tours is so famed to attract large amount of tourists at its vicinity.
The park has been divided into three major zones named as Tala, Magdi and Bamera out of which the Tala zone attracts major number of tourists by offering the tiger sighting opportunities. The park authorities are also focusing on the Magdi Zone by providing more opportunity to spot tigers. Elephant shows are also organized in Magdi zone of the Bandhavgarh national park to increase the chances of spotting the elusive king of the jungle.
Bandhavgarh National Park consists of mixed vegetations ranging from tall grasslands to thick Sal forest and so is the perfect habitat of variety of animals and birds. Due to varied topography, the Bandhavgarh national park provides ample opportunity to spot the majestic Indian tiger and some rarely seen animals like leopard and sloth bear. Due to high wildlife sighting it is becoming popular amongst tourists visiting India.
Wildlife in Bandhavgarh
There are more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaque represent the primate group. Carnivores include the Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Gray Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard and Tiger. The artiodactyls frequently sighted are Wild Pigs, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chausingha, Nilgai, Chinkara and Gaur. Mammals such as Dhole, the smallIndian Civet, Palm Squirrel and Lesser Bandicoot Rat are seen occasionally. Among the herbivores, Gaur is the only coarse feeder
There are two main ways of getting about in the park- in a motor vehicleoron elephant back. Many of the animals are now accustomed to both; evenso,it is best to talk quietly and not make rapid movements. Jeep safaris are best undertaken from dawn until about 10am and from about 4pm until dusk, as the animals are most active during these periods. A Forest Department guide must always accompany you. This guide will be able to direct you and point out wildlife. Elephants are used every morning by the Forest Department for Tiger- tracking. If a Tiger is found, then the elephant will take you directly to the Tiger either from the lodge or from a nearby point reached by jeep/car.
Safari in Bandhavgarh
Jeep Safari: Jeep Safari is one of the best ways to enjoy the enchanting wilderness of Bandhavgarh National Park. Wildlife lovers are allowed in the park twice a day, Morning and Evening. Normally 4Wd Gypsies are used in Jungle Safaris. Maximum 6 people are allowed to sit in a jeep with a professional Guide. The timings of the morning Safari depend on sunrise time.
- Single Jeep Safari – In Single Jeep Safari you will be accompanied by other tourists and a guide.
- Full Day Jeep safari – In Full Day Jeep Safari you can book the entire jeep for yourself with a driver and a guide and your jeep will enter 15-20 minutes earlier than other Safari vehicles. You will head back 15 minutes after all the other Safari vehicles have left.
Best Time to Bandhavgarh
Season:-
Monsoon- mid June to September
Winter- November to mid-February
Summer- mid March to mid June
The park is open from 16th October till 30th June.
Best Tourist Places to Visit Nearby Bandhavgarh
Kanha National Park – Kanha National Park is one of the most famous parks in Madhya Pradesh and is spread over an area of 940 sq. km. It was the site of the famous National Geographic documentary, “Land of the Tiger”. It is also reputed for saving Barasingha from extinction. Apart from tiger, it’s famous for being home to spots which are of mythological & historical significance.
Jabalpur – Jabalpur is one of those cities that are blessed generously by nature, and are dotted with enough historical sites to arouse anybody’s curiosity. This is where River Narmada makes a daring leap to form the Dhuandhar Waterfalls and huge rocks balance themselves precariously. There is the beautiful Dumna Nature Park, one of the biggest in India, and stylish marble rocks straddling the River Narmada in Bhedaghat, Jabalpur.
Khajuraho
The Khajuraho Group of Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most visited tourist places in Madhya Pradesh. These splendid masterpieces that so elegantly display sensuality were built by the rulers of the Chandela dynasty between 950 AD and 1050 AD. The depiction of women in the sculptures is also celebrated by historians and laymen. There are a group of Hindu and Jain temples which can be explored.
Panna National Park
There are many reasons to visit Panna National Park, one of which is the Royal Bengal Tiger. Its landscape, which harbours a rich variety of flora and fauna, is dotted with numerous waterfalls as well as places of cultural and mythological importance. It is also famous for being home to the gharial which can be spotted at the Ken Gharial Sanctuary.
Pench National Park
Tread carefully, for this is Sher Khan’s territory. Pench National Park is where Rudyard Kipling based his famous adventure in The Jungle Book. Part of Project Tiger since 1992, it is home to more than 285 migratory and resident birds. The park is home to four species of endangered vultures, while leopards are present in large numbers. The park also houses four species of endangered vultures, from white-rumped to king vulture.
