Bandhavgarh National Park: Everything you need to know about

Set in the low lying areas of wooden Vindhya Ranges encompassed with cliffs, the wetlands of Bandhavgarh National Park are covered with reeds and grasses to make it best living home of exotic species of flora and fauna. Nestled among the Vindhya Ranges, the national park was first introduced when Maharaja of Rewa passed its ownership to the Government of India in the year 1968. Today, the total land area of Bandhavgarh National Park is spread over 448 sq. km. The lands of the park are mainly covered by Sal forests which are known as the major tree covering in the whole park after Bamboo. The park was officially declared as a Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in the year 1993.

Routes to reach Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

By Air: Located at the close distance of about 230 kms, Khajuraho is considered to be the nearest airport which connects national park to Agra, Delhi and Varanasi.

By Rail: Lies in Katni-Bilaspur route of South Eastern Railway, Umaria is the nearest railway station with the total distance of just 30 km. Satna is another railway station with convenient distance of around 117 km on the Mumbai-Howrah route of Central Railway.

By Road: Lies on both Rewa-Umaria and Satna-Umaria highway routes, Bandhavgarh is connected with distinct cities – by 230 km from Khajuraho via Satna, by 340 km from Varanasi via Rewa, by 75 km from Katni, by 115 km from Rewa, by 30 km from Umaria, and by 250 km from Kanha. From Katni, Rewa, Satna and Umaria, you can reach the park by using Madhya Pradesh State Road Transport Buses.

Wildlife Attractions in Bandhavgarh

Flora: In the 1960s, the park was only extended to 106 sq. km. with only 25 tigers and then it has gained a highest population of tigers. Now, the park is stretched over the total lands of 448 sq. km. and about half of the jungles of Bandhavgarh are packed by lush green Sal trees and hills are surrounded with mixed forests. In the north, the grasslands and stretches of Bamboos are set in the core of park in its 32 naturally wooded hills.

Fauna: The Maharajas of Rewa have enjoyed hunting in this park as it was once a Shikargah for them. Since 1968, Bandhavgarh is National Reserve and hunting is totally banned. White Tigers were first spotted here by the Maharajas of Rewa. Apart from the tigers, Bandhavgarh is also a home of Nilgai, Elephants, Chausingha, Chinkara, Chital, Wild Boar and Jackal and Fox.

Best time to Visit

You can visit the reserve from the middle of November to June because the entry is not available from rainy season of July to early November. For accommodation, Bandhavgarh resorts offer almost all homelike facilities.

Options of Park Trip

You have two options of safari in Bandhavgarh – either Jeep Safari or Elephant Safari. From Early morning to evening, Jeep Safaris are available with a tour guide from forest department. On the flip side, Elephant Safaris are mostly available only in early morning especially to track tigers for which many tourists visit.

Visit tigergarhresort.com to book your stay in Bandhavgarh resorts and to know more about safari in Bandhavgarh