Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park

The Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the most popular and well known National Parks in India. It is located in the Vindhya Hills of the Umaria district which lies in Madhya Pradesh, the center of India.

The Bandhavgarh National Park was declared as a National Park in the year 1968. The National Park is spread across an area of 105 sq km. The Bandhavgarh National park has proven to be of large biodiversity. The Bandhavgarh National Park is also well known for its large number of Tiger population in India.

The Park is also well known for its immense wildlife species such as leopards and deer. The Bandhavgarh National Park attracts tourists from different parts of India and abroad just because of the bestowed natural beauty and wildlife. The Bandhavgarh National Park is divided into three major zones such as the Tala, Magdi, and Bamera. The Tala zone attracts a majority of tourists which actually offers most of the tiger sighting opportunities. In the Magdi Zone, Elephant shows are organized for better tourist attraction. The temperature out here in Bandhavgarh reaches 42 degrees in summers while in winters it goes down to 2 degrees.

Why to Visit Bandhavgarh National Park

The National Park has its own assigned attractions especially the Jeep Safari and the Elephant Safari. The Bandhavgarh National Park Safari will cover some of the lush greenery of the deepest forest regions with wildlife species in surroundings. With Elephant Safari and the Jeep Safari, there are beautiful glimpses of some of the most beautiful creatures and the Majestic King of the Jungle.

The main attraction among the wildlife includes White tigers, Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Sambar, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Gaur, Chausingha, Chikara, Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth bear, Striped Hyena, Ratel, Grey Mongoose, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Wild Pig, Spotted deer etc. Some of the avifauna found here are egret, sarus crane, crested serpent eagle, black kite, Egyptian vulture, black vulture, common peafowl, red jungle fowl, dove, parakeet and Indian roller are also found in the Bandhavgarh National Park. Some of the reptiles found here include the cobra, viper, rat snake, krait, python, turtle and a large variety of lizards.

Some of the floral species found here are sal, saj, dharma, tendu Arjun, amla, palas, salai, mango, jamun, babul, banyan, ber, dhok, dhak, jamun, khajur, chair, bamboo madhuca, boswelia etc which are also nurturing the scenic beauty of the National Park.

Where is Bandhavgarh National Park Located?

The Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Vindhya Hills of the Umaria district which lies in Madhya Pradesh.

How To Reach Bandhavgarh National Park

To reach Bandhavgarh National Park, one can Fly from Delhi, Agra or Varanasi or even travel via passenger trains till Khajuraho and Umaria respectively. From Khajuraho, one can easily book a cab which takes around 7-8 hours to the Tala Park entrance which is also considered the main entrance. The nearest airport is Khajuraho and the nearest railway station is Umaria. From Umaria, it takes around 40 minutes drive to the Nature Heritage.

Best time to Visit Bandhavgarh National Park

The best time to visit the Bandhavgarh National Park is from the month of February to June.

Opening and closing hours of Park and Safari Timing

The Bandhavgarh National Park remains open from 15th of October to 30th June.

There are four Safari zones such as the Tala zone, Magadhi Zone, Khitauli Zone and the Panpatha Zone.

In the Morning shift, the Tala zone offers 25 Safari Jeeps, the Magadhi Zone offers 66 Safari Jeeps, the Khitauli Zone offers 35 Safari Jeeps and the Panpatha Zone offers 35 Safari Jeeps.

In the Afternoon hours, the number of Safari Jeeps remain the same as of the morning shift.

The Safari timings are from 6.30 in the morning to 11 am during the months of October to February and afternoon 2.30 to 5.30.

From February to March, the morning shift is from 6 am to 11 am and afternoon timings are from 3 pm to 6 pm.

While from April to June the timings in the morning session are from 5.30 am to 10 am and the afternoon hours are from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Bandhavgarh National Park Safari Timing

  • October to February : From 6.30 in the morning to 11 am and Afternoon 2.30 to 5.30.

  • February to March : The morning shift is from 6 am to 11 am and afternoon timings are from 3 pm to 6 pm.

  • From April to June : The timings in the morning session are from 5.30 am to 10 am and the afternoon hours are from 4 pm to 7 pm.

There is the Elephant Safari which is also included alongside which has certain advantages such as :

  • Opportunity to experience the tiger tour in a detailed pattern.

  • Safe and Vigilant tour in the back of an elephant.

  • Riding simultaneously alongside the tiger tour.

Charges of Safari and Other Fee

  • Canter Safari charges are of Rs 2400 for foreigners which can involve 12 people and for Indians it will be around Rs 1200.

  • Elephant Safari has limited and different charges according to the season.

  • Jeep Safari in the Tala Zone will charge Rs 5550 for Indians and Rs.7550 for Foreigners. Jeep Safari in the Magadhi Zone will charge Rs 4500 for Indians and Rs 6500 for Foreigners. The Khitauli Zone will charge Rs 4450 for Indians and Rs 6450 for foreigners.

Essential Tips for the Visitors

  • Carrying a first aid kit.

  • Carrying water bottles and re-hydration liquids.

  • Elephant safari is the safest medium for tiger tour.

  • Disturbance and any type of loud voice are prohibited inside the National Park.

  • Photography is allowed inside the park but using of a flashlight is prohibited.

  • Patience and careful observation should be maintained by the visitors.

During the winter months, warm clothes, jackets, gloves, and mufflers should be carried by the visitors so as to resist the cold in the morning safaris. During the summer months, light-colored clothes are preferred for the tourists. Binoculars and Cameras play a big advantage in the forest during the safari sessions. Tourists should play a mandatory role in the proper use of such technical goods during their visit to the Bandhavgarh National Park.

Nearby other Attraction of Park

Nearby attractions of the Bandhavgarh National Park includes the Bandhavgarh Hill, Monuments such as the Shesh Shaiya, Caverns, and caves such as the Bandhavgarh Ancient Caves, wildlife areas such as the Panpatha Wildlife sanctuary, the Baghel Museum and the Climbers Point.