Bandhavgarh National Park
Introduction of Bandhavgarh National Park
The Bandhavgarh National Park welcomes you into the heart of Umaria district along the Vindhya hills, to a world of sounds, sights, and experiences, that is so unique to the national parks of India. This Park has a deep-rooted history, and its glory is addressed in the epic historical stories of India. The earlier hunting ground for the rulers of India is now recognized as a National Park. It was officially acknowledged as a National Park is 1968, and it’s been the exotic tropical wonderland for the explorers since then. Let’s go on to explore the Park’s awe-inspiring scenery – its flora, fauna, and other places of interest.
Its history and strong suit :
This national park in Madhya Pradesh is a place of legendary historical significance. The history roots back to 2000 years, and the strongly laid mad-made caves, and rock paintings stand as promising proofs. The Bandhavgarh fort of this park holds a classical importance, as it is believed to be gifted by the mythological hero Ram to his brother Lakshman. And hence the name – Bandhav (brother) Garh (fort). The Park is not just flora and fauna. Interacting with locals is a vital part of the visit, as they’ve been protecting the custom, beliefs, and traditions of the 2000 years old culture.
The Park’s total land area is about 1536 square kilometers and includes Mixed Forest and Evergreen Sal Forest, which provides a lavish ecosystem for various tropical birds and exotic animals. The Park is home to about 515 species of plants, 242 species of birds and varieties of reptile and insects. Mammals like Leopard, Tiger, Wild dog, Hyena, Wild Cat, Wolf, Sambal, Chital, Rojda, Black buck etc., have also made these forests their home.
The sight of majestic tigers, in its natural habitat is sure to instigate the sense of awe you had at the sight of tigers in textbooks back in your childhood.
Weather and best time to visit :
Bandhavgarh National Park has a well-defined summer and winter seasons. Summers are usually hot, with a maximum temperature of 41 degree Celsius with high humidity, and it lasts from March to June. Monsoon begins mid-June with light rain showers. Winter sets in around November and lasts till February. December is considered to be the coldest month while May is tagged as the hottest month.
The Park is open for visitors from the mid of October to the end of June. The best time to visit the Park depends on tourists’ area of interest. For bird enthusiasts, October to January would the optimum period to visit the Park. April, May, and June are a huge yes for wildlife photographers and tiger fanatics.
Distance and Connectivity :
Road –This Park is the heart of central India,and the road journey will give you an enticing experience with jungle villages, attractive forests, and stunning landscapes. It is well-connected with other National Parks like Penna, and Kanha. The Park is well-connected by road from all major cities of India, and thus your transport by road will be an overall pleasant experience. Let’s look at the distance from some of the major towns to Bandhavgarh National Park.
- Delhi – 880 kms
- Umaria – 34 kms
- Satna – 112 kms
- Kanha National Park – 240 kms
- Varanasi – 475 kms
- Jabalpur – 220 kms
- Satna – 112 kms
- Khajurao – 280 kms
- Katni – 95 kms
Air –The nearest airports to the park are Khajurao, Jabalpr, and Nagpur. Jet Airways and Indian Airlines have daily flights from Delhi to Khajurao, from where the Park is at a distance of about 280 kms.
Rail – The nearest railways are Katni, Jabalpur, and Umariya, and they’re connected to all major cities of India.
Tiger Safari Specifics :
From Tigers to elephants, Chausingha, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chital, Jackal, fox and wild boar, there’s something invariably amazing always waiting around the bend to amuse you. Alongside the highly trained safari guides, go on to the 3-hour long safari ride to meet up with nearly 100 species of animals.
The entry and exit timing for the safari wholly depends on the season. Owing to limited daylight hours in winters, the entry time in the morning starts late, and the exit time in the evening is comparatively earlier.
Safari Timings:
During Winter: –
- Morning 6 AM – 11 AM
- Afternoon –3 PM – 6 PM
During Summer: –
- Morning 5.30 AM – 10.30 AM
- Afternoon – 3.30 PM – 6.30 PM
The Park is divided into 4 different zones for visitors: Tala Zone, Magadhi Zone, Khitauli Zone, and Panpatha Zone. Tala Zone among these is the oldest zone and is also rich in biodiversity and tigers.
Jeep Safari vehicles are mostly 4WD gypsies, that can occupy a maximum of 6 people. The Park entry fee for all the zones is 1750 INR, excluding the guide fee which is 500 INR. The jeep safari ranges anywhere between 2600 to 3200 INR per safari.
Climb aboard one the safari vehicles and roll out to explore the marvelous tigers of India.
Other points of Interest :
- Badi Gufa–Dating back to the 10th century, this is one of the largest caves in the Bandhavgarh National Park. These caves are sculpted out of hard sandstone rock and are believed to have served as shelter for the army back in the medieval period.
- Bandhavgarh Fort –You can witness the magnificent site on top of the highest plateau from the tiger safaris of the park.
- Sheesh Shaiya – Apart from its flora and fauna, the Park is a rich blend of natural and cultural heritage. You can witness the rare statue of reclining Lord Vishnu, that is said to exist from the 10th This is in the Tala Zone and can be reached via jeep safari.
- Three-Cave Point – This is the most mesmerizing spots of the park. This point has magnificent carvings and is home to tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.
