Imagine yourself being amidst thick forest cover, perched atop the elephants back, right in front of a Tiger, who is completely oblivious to your presence, well aware of the visitors stalking it atop Elephants and in Safari jeeps but neither intimidated nor paying any attention at all, just guarding his territory.
This is what you may actually witness in Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve, one of the most popular wildlife reserves in India. The park consisting of thick forest cover spreading across the Vindhya hill range is home to a variety of flora and fauna, but inarguably the most famous is the Tiger. In fact, the reserve boasts of having the highest relative density of tigers amongst any park in India. Additionally, the park is located near other good excursion destinations, including the Khajuraho temples- the world renowned erotic art site. Excavations around the area and its mention in the ancient Hindu Scriptures- Shiva purana and Narad panch have proved its existence for over 2000 years! A well planned and protected area, the forest authority have included local villagers in the forest protection task, who take an active part in preserving the precious and endangered wildlife species.
Bandhavgarh is located within the district of umaria in central Madhya Pradesh, 197 kms away from the town of Jabalpur. Predominantly hilly and rugged area, some major places around the park are Khajuraho 230-km, Varanasi 340-km, Katni 75-km, Rewa 115-km, Umaria 30-km and Kanha 250-kms. Located at the lap of Vindhya hill ranges, the place used to be the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Rewa, whose game hunting, of tigers in particular, is believed to have cost over 100 tiger! In 1968, the Mahraja of Rewa handed over the area to the government of India, and as such it came into existence as an official Wildlife Reserve. Initially covering an area of 106 sq. km. the park was extended in north and southern parts and now sprawls over 440 sq. km. And in the year 1993, the park was declared as part of India’s famed 'project tiger'.
The place has a very interesting and mythological history, as it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama’s victorious caravan halted whilst returning from Lanka after defeating Ravana, and built the Bandavgarh fort as a sign of victory before handing it over to his brother Lakshmana, and the fort as such came to be known as Bandavgarh meaning (Bandhav = Brother, Garh = Fort). Do visit the Bandhavgarh fort whilst on a tour of the reserve, to feel first hand the historical structure's ambience. Take the jeep ride to its entrance or make the journey on foot on the way visiting a 35 foot statue of Lord Vishnu existing at its base, built in the 10th century and the three other 12th century temples where the great saint ‘Kabirdas’ used to live. While on your way to the fort, you may also come across the Tiger's pugmarks.
Apart from the majestic Tiger, other animals in the reserve are Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Flying Fox, Sambar, Golden Jackal, Indian Gazelle or chinkara. Not short on reptiles either, the park has over 13 species of snakes with the Rock Python, the Spectacled Cobra, the Common Krait and the Rat Snake most easily sighted. A bird watchers paradise, one can find over 200 species of birds including Bee-eaters, Dragons, Crested Serpent Eagle, white breasted kingfisher, wood shrikes and little Grebes.
Mammals - Major mammals found in the park are Chital, Barking deer, Nilgai, Hyena, Wolf, Wild boar and Leopard.
Birds - Most frequently sighted birds are Red Jungle Fowl, Lesser Adjacent Stork, Red Wattled Lapwing, and Crested Serpent Eagle.
Flora - The mixed flora consists of grasslands and thick Sal forests. Fruiting trees inside the park are Jamun (Syzigium cuminii), Ambla (Emblica officinalis) with Amaltas, climber, Mahua and Kapok constituting flowering trees.
Tiger (Panthera tigris), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Wolf (Canis lupus), Jackal (Canis aureus), Indian Fox (Vulpes bengalensis), Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus), Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus), Ratel (Mellivora capensis), Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), Chinkara (Gazella gazella) and Chowsingha (Tetraceros quadicornis). Amongst birds are Malabar Pied Hornbill and amongst reptiles Indian Varanus (Varanus bengalensis) and Python (Python morulus).
Wildlife inside the park can be experienced in two ways- Take the jeep safari accompanied by a forest guide which are operational from early morning to evening. Explore the wildlife from close quarters best viewed in open jeeps. You may also opt for the Elephant safari, more preferred to sight animals, especially the Tiger as the mahouts are well aware of where to sight them.
The period between Mid-November and June is considered the best time for visiting the park, although the park is remains open from October till June. Cool season which extends here from December to Mid-February is regarded more comfortable to make wildlife trips. Like many of India's other wildlife preserves, national parks and sanctuaries, Bandhavgarh National Park too is closed to the public during the monsoon season extending from July to October.
The best option is to head for Jabalpur by road, train or plane and from there proceed towards Bandhavgarh National Park, situated 165 km northeast.
The nearest airports are in Khajuraho (210 km) and Jabalpur (165 km). Flight from all major cities in India can be boarded to Khajuraho from where it will take a drive of around 7-8 hours to reach Tala Park, the entrance spot of Bandhavgarh.
The nearest railhead Umaria is at 30-kms, while another convenient railhead Satna is at a distance of 117-kms. These stations are connected to all major Madhya Pradesh and with other cities like Varanasi, Khajuraho, etc.
Situated on the Satna-Umaria & Rewa-Umaria highway, the place is well connected by network of roads. Buses from Khajuraho to Bandhavgarh ply every five hours, and you can take the State Transport, private transport or hire a Taxi from other towns in Madhya Pradesh to get to the park.
