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With a large density of tigers, the wildlife safari in the Bandhavgarh National Park makes for a unique experience

| Sight-seeing | Things to do | Getting there | | Park Details | Wildlife Safari Tips |

Tiger country as Bandhavgarh is often called is one of the finest National Parks of India. Bandhavgarh is located in Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh and derives its name from the most prominent hill Bandhavgarh of the Vindhya Range. It is said that lord Rama gave this hill to his brother Laxman to keep a watch on Lanka – thus the name Bandhav (brother) + Garh (fort). Bandhavgarh is among the few parks with large density of tigers. And precisely that is why a wildlife safari in Bandhavgarh makes for a unique experience. On an average stay of 2-3 days, you may surely be able to see a tiger crossing your way or disappearing in the woods. But be aware tiger sightings are purely conditional.

Bandhavgarh National Park is also a white tiger country. A number of white tigers have been found in the old state of Rewa. A white tiger named Mohan was captured in 1951 by Maharaja Martand Singh. You can see this white tiger now stuffed and on display in the Baghel Museum.

Spread over an area of over 400 sq km, Bandhavgarh has a core area of 105 sq km. The topography of Bandhavgarh National Park varies between steep ridges, undulating forest and open meadows.  The Bandhavgarh National Park is bounded by the Sone in the east, the Johilla in the south, and by the Umrar River in the west.

Besides the Tiger, other animals spotted in the park include Indian Bison, Barking Deer Nilgai, Wolf, Hyeana, Cheetal, Indian Gazel, Leopard, Wild Dog, Wild boar, Sloth Bear and Common Langur. The park is also home to about 242 species of birds. Commonly seen are Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Grey Hornbill, Common Teals, Red Wattled Lapwing, Crested Serpent Eagle, White Breasted Kingfisher, Lesser and Adjutant Stork.

Historical records suggest that the Bandhavgarh Fort (in the centre of Bandhavgarh National Park) was the centre of Chandela Dynasty in the 12th century. Later, it came under the Baghels, and then the Rewas. About 106 sq km of the reserve was the personal hunting ground of the Rewa kings. After Independence, the area was taken over by the government but the maharajas retained their hunting rights until 1968, when the territory was declared a National Park.

› Signt-seeing

Bandhavgarh Fort: No historical records confirm the origin of the Bandhavgarh Fort, though it is believe to be more than 2000 years old. There are references to it in the ancient books – the Narad Panch Ratra and Shiv Puraan. Many dynasties from the first century AD ruled the fort, which included the Maghas from the 1st century AD, the Vakatakas from the 3rd century; the Sengars from the 5th century and the Kalchuris from the 10th century. In the 13th century, the Baghels took over, ruling from Bandhavgarh until 1617, when Maharajah Vikramaditya Singh moved his capital to Rewa. Things to do Since no sighting is guaranteed, it is best to try every possible safari. Each has its own unique charm. Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari are good ways of explore the park. If you wish to try both, opt for one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The Bandhavgarh Fort sits atop the Bandhavgarh Hill, from which the park gets its name. It’s the only area inside the park where you are allowed to walk on foot. In fact it is a tough half-hour hike on the hill. The road will take you up to the Shesh Shaiya, a large statue of Vishnu reclining on a seven-hooded serpent, located in a green pool of water. This pool is believed to be the source of the Charanganga River. It is believed that Charanganga originates at the feet of Lord Vishnu. On your way to the fort, a little off the main path, you will see statues of the 10 avatars of Vishnu. Also there are three small 12th century temples. At the top are the grand palaces of the Baghel royals, the last of whom left the fort in 1935, and a water tank over which has an enormous Peepal tree. The temple near the palace is where the pujari lives. He is said to be the only man authorised to walk through the park to get supplies. The Caves: Besides the Bandhavgarh Fort, about 35 sandstone caves that bear the Brahmi inscriptions in the northern area of the park are worth a visit. Some caves also have figures of animals like tiger, pig and elephant. Badi Gufa, as the name suggests is the largest cave. It has a broad entrance, nine small rooms and several pillars. Baghel Museum: Check out the museum, located near Tala Village, here you can see Mohan, the white tiger cub captured by Maharaja Martand Singh in 1951, stuffed and mounted. Timings 10 am-4 pm Souvenir Shop: Bring back memories of your Bandhavgarh trip; visit the small souvenir shop at the entrance to the park in the Tala Range that sells books, maps and T-shirts. › Excursions Bird lovers can head to the nearby Panpatha Sanctuary, located 20 km from Tala. Ghapudi Dam, located about 10 km from the park is also a good place for bird watching.

About Bandhavgarh National Park: Facts & Information

Altitude 440 – 811 meters Temp Summer 45 (Max) & 30(Min) Degrees Celsius Winter 25 (Max) & 2 (Min) Degrees Celsius Best time to Go October – June for Tiger Sightings, November to March for Birds Monsoon July to September Summer April to June Winter Dec-January Clothes Cottons in summer & light woolens in winters Nearest Airport Khajuraho – 270 km / 6hrs Nearest Railway Station Umaria - 35 km / 40mins Bus Station Umaria -35 km / 40mins Places to see Bandhavgarh Fort, Baghel Museum, Village Tala, Mahaman Pond, Ketkiha - Pendanus Point, Climber’s Point, Bari Gufa, Three Cave Point, Rajbahera