About Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh is Tiger reserve spread at Vindhyachal hill in state of Madhya Pradesh with a declared area of 448.55 sq.km.. As it is a Tiger Reserve (under Project Tiger), it is based of core-buffer strategy: core area of 105sq. km.(Tala range) and  buffer area of approximately 400 sq.km.. Park ride is conducted in core zone area and most of the resorts and villages are situated in buffer-zone area. The density of the Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India. Bandhavgarh is a National Park since 1968 and is included in Project Tiger Network in 1993.

More than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds found in Bandhavgarh National Park. 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(Blue-bull), Chinkara. Mammals such as Dhole, the smallIndian Civet, Palm Squirrel and Lesser Bandicoot Rat are seen occasionally. Gaur(Indian Bison) was found here before 1998 and now forest dept. is trying to reinstate them.

Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968. It was the former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. This is also White Tiger country. These have been found in the old state of Rewa for many years. The last known was captured by Maharajah Martand Singh in 1951. This White Tiger, Mohan, is now stuffed and on display in the palace of the Maharajahs of Rewa. The last known White Tiger was captured by Maharajah Martand Singh in 1951.

At the center of the park is the bandhavgarh hill, rising 811 meters above sea level and surrounding it are a sloping valleys. At the top of the bandhavgarh hill, we can see Bandhavgarh Fort. There is no records remain to show when Bandhavgarh Fort was constructed. It is thought, however, to be some 2,000 years old, and there are references to it in the ancient books.the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Siva Purana. Various dynasties have ruled this fort: for example, 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 AD, the Baghels took over, ruling from Bandhavgarh until 1617, when Maharajah Vikramaditya Singh moved his capital to Rewa. The last inhabitants deserted the fort in 1935. About 39 ancient caves are also present in park territory.

About Bandhavgarh Park Safari Timing

Generally park remains open from 1st of Oct. to 30th of June, every year. But form October, 2009 Bandhavgarh National Park is likely to open from 16th of October every year. In special conditions these dates may vary like park roads are under repair.

Geographical Details of Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh is Tiger reserve spread at Vindhyachal hill in state of Madhya Pradesh with a declared area of 448.55 km2. The main hill of Bandhavgarh is surrounded by 32 other small hills. Prominent ones are : Bandhaini, Badi Dogari, Hanuman-Manch, Bamniya, Ganesh Hill, Mahamaya, Baluhai Dongari and Seeta Mandap.

What to see inside the Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh is indeed an example of natural beauty. There are many hills and very dense forest, even sun rays could not reach the surface of earth. Bandhav Bandhaini are very famous hills. Many tanks, springs and waterfalls are present here. Atleast 39 caves are found within 5 km. surrounding of Bandhavgarh. After visiting following unmatched Tourist spots inside Bandhavgarh National Park, every visitor, whether it is Indian or Foreigner tourist, concludes its visit: cost-efficient, memorable and suggestive.

History Bandhavgarh National Park
Fort of Bandhavgarh is counted among oldest forts of India. It was always been the desire of Muslim rulers and great Kings to conquer the fort. The fort was very important from defensive point of view. The natural surroundings had made the fort unique and unconquerable.  Record of 2nd and 3rd century of Bandhavgarh tells us that this area was ruled by Magh rulers whose Kingdom was spread towards north river Jamuna & Koshawi. Here several caves are prepared by engraving and cutting rocks by humans beings which shows that in past Bandhavgarh was important religious centre of Hindus, Jains. These caves are used by monks for meditation and other purposes.

After Magh dynasty, Bhar-Shiva-Nag dynasty rulled this area. In 5th century Sengar Dynasty rulled this area followed by Kalchuris. The rule of Haihay Kalchuris can be called the golden period of this area. Kalchuris arrival in Baghelkhand was in 9th century. 

Bandhavgarh Lodges & Resorts
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve have number of luxury wildlife resorts and lodges. Among them Taj's Mahua Kothi in Bandhavgarh is considered sexiest wildlife resort in the world. Taj's Mahua Kothi do not require any introduction. Similarly, some other luxury wildlife resorts in Bandhavgarh are : Bandhvvilas, Tree House, Anant Van, Samodhe Bandhavgarh Resort are among some best wildlife resorts in Bandhavgarh. In addition to it wildlife resorts & lodges like Tiger Den, Nature Heritage, Camp Mewar, Mapple Bundela Bandhavgarh, Jungle Mantra, Kings lodge, Bandhavgarh Jungle lodge, Bagh Sarai, Maharaja Royal Retreat are some other options available for visitors. Many Bandhavgarh Resorts offers some best Bandhavgarh Tour Packages also which includes, Bandhavgarh Park Safari, Accommodation in Bandhavgarh and Ground Transfers.

Access to Bandhavgarh National Park

• Nearest Airport is in Jabalpur city at a distance of 200 kms.
• Nearest Railway Station is Umaria at a distance of 37 kms.
• Nearest city is Umaria at a distance of 35 kms.

For those who would like to visit tiger reserve by charted plane, can land at Umaria Runway at a distance of 40 kms from Bandhavgarh (Tala village). Apart from Jabalpur Dumna Airport, Khajuraho Airport is another option at a distance of 275 kms.

Nearest railway sataion other than umaria is Katni - Murwara railway station. It is on Mumbai - Howrah track. Trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata stops here. Katni railway station is at a distance of 100 kms from Bandhavgarh Tala village.

For those who are coming by their own vehicle, they can reach either Umaria via Katni, Rewa or Satna. Regular bus service is operating between Umaria (often called Chandia-Umaria) and Katni. From Umaria one can reach Bandhavgarh bus seperate mini-bus service regularly operating between them. Their are more than one town with name of Umaria in Madhya Pradesh so in case of any confusion, call it as Chandia-Umaria..