Bandhavgarh National Park

Where is the Bandhavgarh National Park?

The Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the School district in the central Indian street of Madhya Pradesh. Surrounded by the Vindhyachal Hill ranges, the park came into existence the Maharaja of Rewa handed over the area to the Government.

What is it famous for?

Bandhavgarh National Park is known all across the globe for the density of its big cat population. The park is also one’s chance to witness some of the larger specimens of wild boar, Sambhar, deer, and barking deer.

How will you gain access?

Jabalpur (164 km) and Khajuraho (273 km) are the closest airports. Umaria, 32 km from the park, is the nearest railhead, lying on the South Eastern Railway. For those coming in from Delhi, there is a train called Utkal Express that takes around 19 hours to reach Umaria. There are regular bus services available from the cities of Khajuraho and Jabalpur to all the major destinations of the country.

What constitutes the flora, fauna, and avifauna?

The forests at the Park are dominated by Sal trees. The higher reaches have vegetation consisting of Sali, Saj, Saja, Durbin, etc. In the northern region of the park, there can be found vast expanses of grasslands and bamboo forests.

The animal inmates of the park include tigers, leopards, Gaur (Indian Bison), Dholes, Nilgais (Blue bulls), wild boars, Chinkaras, sloth bears, hyenas, porcupines, jackals, foxes, wild dogs, Chausinghas and Ratels among others. Larger specimens of wild boar, Sambhar, and deer can be seen here.

The park is home to around one hundred and fifty species of birds. White-brow fantails, steppe eagles, green pigeons, grey Malabar hornbills, and black and white Malabar hornbills can be seen around. Blossom-headed parakeets, parakeets, blue bearded bee-eaters, green bee-eaters, white-bellied drongos, owls, Jerdon’s, and gold-fronted leaf birds are the other feathered inhabitants of the park.

What are the nearby attractions?

There are several nearby attractions that visitors to Bandhavgarh National Park can explore, including:

1. Khajuraho Temples – The Khajuraho Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 250 kilometers from Bandhavgarh National Park. These temples are famous for their stunning and intricate carvings depicting various aspects of life in ancient India.
2. Kanha National Park – Kanha National Park is another popular national park located about 240 kilometers from Bandhavgarh National Park. This park is known for its population of tigers, as well as its diverse range of wildlife, including barasingha deer, leopards, and sloth bears.
3. Panna National Park – Panna National Park is located about 170 kilometers from Bandhavgarh National Park and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and crocodiles. The park is also famous for its diamond mines and the Panna Tiger Reserve.
4. Bhedaghat – Bhedaghat is a scenic town located about 200 kilometers from Bandhavgarh National Park, known for its stunning marble rocks and the Dhuandhar Falls, which are located on the Narmada River.
5. Jabalpur – Jabalpur is a bustling city located about 200 kilometers from Bandhavgarh National Park. The city is known for its historic sites, including the Madan Mahal Fort and the Rani Durgavati Museum, as well as its natural beauty, including the Bhedaghat Marble Rocks and the Dhuandhar Falls.

Where to Stay

There are several accommodation options available for visitors to Bandhavgarh National Park. Some popular options include:

1. Jungle Lodges – There are several jungle lodges located in and around the national park that offer comfortable accommodation and organized wildlife safaris. Some of the popular jungle lodges in the area include Mahua Kothi, Taj Baghvan, and Tree House Hideaway.
2. Resorts and Hotels – There are also several resorts and hotels located in the nearby towns of Umaria and Tala. Some popular options include Syna Tiger Resort, Mogli Jungle Resort, and Bandhavgarh Meadows Resort.
3. Budget Accommodation – For budget travelers, there are several guesthouses and budget hotels located in the nearby towns of Umaria and Tala. Some popular options include Aranyak Resort, Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge, and Bandhavgarh Jungle Retreat.

It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season (November to March) to avoid any last-minute hassles.

FAQ

Sure, here are some frequently asked questions about Bandhavgarh National Park:

1. What is the best time to visit The Park?

The best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park is between November and March when the weather is cooler and drier, and the chances of spotting wildlife are higher.

2. How can I reach?

The nearest airport is Jabalpur airport, which is about 200 kilometers from the park. The nearest railway station is Umaria railway station, which is about 30 kilometers from the park. Taxis and buses are available from Jabalpur and Umaria to the park.

3. What is the entry fee for Bandhavgarh National Park?

The entry fee for Bandhavgarh National Park varies for Indian and foreign visitors. The fee for Indian visitors is around INR 250 per person, while for foreign visitors, it is around INR 1,250 per person.

4. What are the safari timings?

The safari timings in Bandhavgarh National Park vary depending on the season. In general, there are two safari slots per day – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The morning safari starts at around 6:00 AM and ends at 10:00 AM, while the afternoon safari starts at around 2:30 PM and ends at around 6:00 PM.

5. What are the rules and regulations for visitors?

Visitors to Bandhavgarh National Park are required to follow certain rules and regulations, such as maintaining silence and not littering in the park. Smoking and consuming alcohol in the park are strictly prohibited. Visitors are also advised to stay inside their vehicles during the safari and not to disturb the animals in any way.

Safari Details

Here are some details about the safari options at Bandhavgarh National Park:

Types of safaris:

Visitors to Bandhavgarh National Park can go on a jeep safari or an elephant safari. The jeep safari is the most popular option, as it allows visitors to cover a larger area of the park and increases the chances of spotting wildlife. Elephant safaris are also available, but they are less popular due to their limited availability.

Safari duration:

The duration of the safari depends on the type of safari chosen. A jeep safari typically lasts for around 3-4 hours, while an elephant safari lasts for around 1-2 hours.

Safari timings:

The safari timings in Bandhavgarh National Park vary depending on the season. In general, there are two safari slots per day – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The morning safari starts at around 6:00 AM and ends at 10:00 AM, while the afternoon safari starts at around 2:30 PM and ends at around 6:00 PM.

Safari booking:

Visitors are advised to book their safari in advance, especially during the peak season (November to March), as the demand for safaris can be high. Safari bookings can be made online or through the local tour operators.

Safari zones:

Bandhavgarh National Park is divided into three safari zones – Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli. Each zone has its own distinct topography and wildlife, and visitors can choose to visit one or more zones during their safari.

Safari rules:

Visitors are required to follow certain rules during the safari, such as maintaining silence and not littering in the park. Smoking and consuming alcohol in the park are strictly prohibited. Visitors are also advised to stay inside their vehicles during the safari and not to disturb the animals in any way.