Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968, and later in 1993, it became a part of Project Tiger, India's major conservation program. Since then, the park has gained a reputation as one of the best places in India to spot a tiger in the wild. The park is not only a tiger reserve but also home to leopards, wild boars, sambar deer, barking deer, nilgai, Indian bison, langurs, and more than 250 species of birds.
In total, this park has more than 515 flora species, 47 species of animals, and more than 250 types of butterflies, along with more than 100 butterfly species. Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh is the best place to visit for nature and wildlife lovers. This spot is a combination of history, nature & wildlife. Here, you can visit the famous Bandhavgarh Fort and learn about the history of this 2,000-year-old spot. When you go for a safari in the park, you can see water bodies like the Charanganga River, which provides water for the animals living inside it.
One famous viewpoint inside the park is Shesh Shaiya, a beautiful and spiritual site where a huge statue of Lord Vishnu rests on a serpent near a natural spring. This site also has ancient carvings and marks the starting point of the Charanganga River.
Read more +Alright, let me tell you something really interesting about Bandhavgarh National Park. This place is not only famous because of animal sightings, but this park also has a unique history that attracts people to come here and explore. This place is full of tigers, old stories, and interesting history.
So first, let’s talk about the name. This place was actually named from two Hindi words: Bandhav, which means brother, and Garh, which means fort. There is an interesting story behind it. According to Hindu texts, the fort, which is inside Bandhavgarh National Park, was gifted by Lord Ram to his brother Lakshman. Can you imagine, he gifted the whole fort to his brother? I am talking about the God Ram from Ramayana. He gifted this to him so that Lord Laxman could guard Lanka from here. There is one more interesting fact about this spot: at that time, it was easier to come inside the fort, but to make it a secure one, the monkey-god Hanuman and his army built the walls of the fort higher.
So, there’s one thing for sure that this spot is thousands of years old. Even if you visit this fort then you can see old caves, carvings, and paintings on rocks that are super ancient and depict the history of Bandhavgarh National Park. Some archaeologists believe that these are from the time before Christ.
Now let’s fast-forward a bit. Many years ago, the local rulers of this area used to live in this fort. But after 1617, a royal family called Baghels moved their capital to a new place called Rewa. Slowly, people living around the fort moved too. The area became quiet, and the jungle started growing in this area. This place became a natural spot, and guess what, wild animals like tigers, leopards, and deer started coming here.
The kings left this spot, but they still didn’t let go of Bandhavgarh. They made this area a private hunting ground, called Shikargaah. Kings used to come here for hunting, and they took good care of the forest. It was their wild kingdom where the general public was not allowed.
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This is the most peaceful spot in this area. This spot is located at a distance of around 50km from the Bandhavgarh National Park and is formed by the Johila River. It truly looks amazing, and to go there, you have to go through the lush green area and villages. It’s the kind of place where you can pack some snacks and plan a fun little picnic with your loved ones.
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Going to this spiritual spot of Madhya Pradesh will add a spiritual touch to your thrilling adventure. This temple is located just 11km from the park and is a peaceful spot to visit. This is located on the banks of the Charanganga River and dates back to the 10th century. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Jwalamukhi, and the locals of the place believe that if you pray here, your wishes will come true.
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This is the nearest city to Bandhavgarh National Park, which is around 166 km away. Here, you can enjoy going to the famous Dhuandhar Waterfalls, which create a misty, dreamy spray that looks like clouds rising from the rocks. This is a magical spot, and after visiting the falls, you can go to the famous Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat. There, you can take part in the scenic boat rides and enjoy the delicious
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After visiting the famous Bandhavgarh National Park, you can also go to another nearby National Park, which is Kanha. This park is just at a distance of around 255km, and trust me, going there is worth your time. There, you can enjoy sightings of wild animals just like Bandhavgarh, and also the rare Barasingha, or swamp deer, can be spotted there. This park offers the perfect wildlife sights for wildlife lovers,
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Now, this spot is the iconic one. When you go to Bandhavgarh then visiting Khajuraho should definitely be on your list. This town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the most famous temples. This spot is at a distance of 280 km from the park, and trust me, visiting there will give you a feeling of calmness. The temples of Khajuraho are known worldwide for their stunning erotic sculptures and incredible architecture.
DetailsTrust me, Bandhavgarh National Park is not just about tigers. This place is full of greenery and covers a huge area of 446 square kilometers. This area is covered in tropical forests, and the ground is moist. The weather here is perfect for trees to grow tall and healthy. Most of the area of this park is filled with moist deciduous forests, which means the trees here love the rain and stay green for most of the year. The valleys here are full of sal trees that look amazing growing together. The flora of Bandhavgarh mainly includes two types of trees. Sal trees can be easily seen in the valleys, and they look amazing growing together. And bamboo trees, which grow like green curtains in the lower slopes.
If you climb a little higher, then in the upper hills, you’ll see other types of trees and plants. The soil is different there, and the trees are more mixed.
read moreNow let’s talk about the exciting part, the wild animals means the fauna of Bandhavgarh National Park. This park is famous all over the world because of its high number of tigers. This park is home to nearly 60 tigers who live here freely, and spotting one is the dream of every wildlife lover. But, this place does not just have the normal tigers; it once had white tigers too. The last one seen in the wild, named Mohan, was found right here in 1951 by the king of Rewa. Today, a statue of Mohan can still be seen in a museum nearby.
But this spot not only has tigers, but this is also filled with amazing wild animals. The Fauna of Bandhavgarh includes over 47 kinds of mammals. Leopards roam here in the denser parts of the Jungle, sloth bears can also be seen, and wild elephants can be seen near the water bodies chilling with their families. here
read moreThe best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park is from October to March. During these months, the weather remains cooler, and safari rides become more pleasant and exciting. The morning remains chilly, the afternoon is mostly warm, and the evening feels cozy. These things make the trip a memorable one. During the winter months, the chance of spotting tigers, leopards, and other wild animals gets really high because they often come out to bask in the sun. You can also see herds of deer, langurs swinging on dry trees, and you can even see a tiger on your safari path. All in all, during these months, the animals remain more active. Winter comes after monsoon, so the entire park looks fresh and green like a painting. Even this time is perfect for birding, as many migratory birds come to the park during winter. You can even listen to their cooing, which makes the early morning safaris magical. Staying near the forest in comfy lodges feels way better than any month because of the good weather. You can also enjoy bonfires, have hot chocolate, and enjoy the recreational activities at your resort. Visiting this wild spot in winter is the best decision that one can ever make if they truly want to enjoy the nature and wildlife sightings of Bandhavgarh National Park.
There are two ways to explore this green spot, canter safair and gypsy safari. Both rides offer different experiences, and they are amazing in their own way.
Gypsy safari offers a private and thrilling jungle ride experience. These are open gypsies that can seat upto 6 people (with separate area for guide and driver). You can go on shared gypsyes also if you’re solo travelling. Gypsys offers more thrilling experience as they can even go inside the denser areas because they are short and you can spot the animals clearly. Gypsy safaris happen twice a day, morning and evening and each safari lasts fppr around 3 hours. They cover more area faster than a canter safari, so you get a good chance to spot a lot of wildlife. But kindly make your Bandhavgarh online booking for safari in advance to avoid future disappointments of not getting a safari slot.
( Canter Safari )If you’re coming to Bandhagarh National Park in a big group and can’t get a gypsy then don’t worry. Canter safaris are also there in Bandhavgarh that offer another fun way to explore Bandhavgarh. These are bigger open vehicles that can seat around 16–20 people, and they’re also allowed inside the park with trained guides and drivers. They don’t go into much deeper areas, but still offer a great safari experience. You can enjoy the fresh air of the Jungle, listen to the stories by guides, and enjoy an exciting safari in Bandhavgarh. Canter safaris also happen in both morning and evening slots, and just like gypsies, they last for about 3 hours.
Do’s inside
Bandhavgarh
Always have a valid permit to enter this wild spot. You need permission to be there, whether you’re going for a gypsy safari or a canter ride. Without that, you simply can't explore the forest.
Carry a litter bag with you because it’s important to keep the jungle clean. It’s your duty as a tourist. Don’t toss wrappers or bottles out of the vehicle. Just use your litter bag and empty it in a dustbin after the safari.
Drive really slow inside the park. The maximum speed which is allowed is 20 km/hr, and the roads are wild trails, not highways. Animals can come out at any time, so for safety reasons, please drive slowly.
Go inside the park with a registered nature guide. They know the jungle like the back of their hands and can read pugmarks, identify animal calls, and help you understand the forest better.
It’s necessary to respect animals because you are in their home. Don’t get too close or call out to them. Even if a deer looks friendly or a monkey looks curious, keep your distance.
Try wearing clothes in dull or natural colors like olive green, brown, or khaki. Bright colors might look cool in photos, but they actually disturb the animals.
Also, try to stay quiet during your safari. Loud voices or shouting might scare away the animals. If you make noises, then you won’t be able to see them from close.
Always listen to your guide. If they tell you to stay still or move back or stay quiet, then listen to them. They’re trained for safety, and their instructions can make your safari better.
If you spot a tiiger or leopard walking toward your canter or gypsy then stay calm. Panicking or jumping around can disturb the animal or scare others in the vehicle.
Don't
inside Bandhavgarh
Never carry any kind of weapon or firearm inside the park. It’s strictly forbidden. This place is for wildlife protection, not hunting or harm.
Don’t smoke or light fires. Bandhavgarh is a dry forest in many parts, and even a tiny spark can cause a massive forest fire. It’s even illegal and dangerous for everyone.
Even if you spot a tiger or a group of deer, don’t shout or make noise. Animals get easily disturbed and may run away. The best sightings happen in silence.
Also, cooking inside the park is not allowed; you cannot even make a cup of tea. You can carry dry snacks or water, but no open flames or food smells that might attract animals.
Don’t play music or blow horns during the ride. Instead, you can listen to the sounds of the forest and melodious birds. Using horns or listening to loud music can disturb the natural vibes of the Jungle.
Never ask your driver to go off the designated safari route. Going off-track might damage plant life or disturb animal territories. It’s a punishable offence too.
Don’t feed or tease the animals. No matter how friendly a monkey looks or how close a bird gets. Do not offer any food, water, or anything!
Also, don’t try to enter a different zone or force your guide to go on a different route. Each permit is for a particular zone, and going to another is not allowed.
Passing of permits or switching of seats is not allowed. The park has strict rules, and breaking them can get you blacklisted from future safaris.
Do not try to pluck flowers, break branches, or touch any plants or trees inside the Bandhavgarh National Park.
Bandhavgarh National Park is divided into core and buffer zones. You can enjoy the canter and gypsy safai in Bandhavgarh, but before that, knowing the best zone for Bandhavgarh online booking is important:
The Tala Zone is the most popular and the oldest safari zone of Bandhavgarh. If spotting tigers is your top priority, this zone is the one for you. It has the highest number of wildlife sightings and is known for its thick forest and stunning landscapes. This one also has famous spots of the park like the Shesh Shaiya, Bari Gufa, Sita Mandap, and the most famous Bandhavgarh fort. Furthermore, it also has the Charanganga River, which attracts animals to come here often for drinking water. Because this zone is the most in-demand, it gets booked quickly. So, if you want to visit this zone, make Bandhagarh Online Booking at least 120 days in advance. With wildlife spotting, river, and attractions, this one is the best zone of Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
This one is just 12 km from Tala Bus Stop and is the second famous one for sightings of wild animals. This zone was created so that the crowd in the Tala zone can ease up. This zone has its own charm with natural and man-made waterholes, because of which a lot of animals are spotted here during summer. Hee, you can visit the famous points like Charger Point, Climber’s Point, and Dinosaur Rock. You might spot tigers, deer, and other animals near water bodies like Sookhi Talab and Mahaman Pond. It’s also under the core area, which means the chances of wildlife sightings are high.
This zone is best for nature lovers and birdwatchers. In this zone of Bandhavgarh National Park, one can see bamboo forests, which is why a lot of elephants can be seen here easily. Apart from them, this spot is a home for birds for the greenery this zone has. Besides birds and elephants, you can also spot animals like nilgai, chinkara, and chausingha here. Beautiful places like Garhpuri Dam, Umrar River, and Marjadgarh Tower make this zone a calming one inside the park.
Want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed safari? The Panpatha Buffer Zone is a great choice. It’s an extension of the Khitauli Zone and is filled with bamboo and deciduous trees, because of which a lot of herbivores like deer and nilgai are seen here easily. And of course, where herbivores go, the big cats (tigers and leopards) go for hunting. This area is also great for photography and nature walks, and it's ideal for people who love calm and quiet forest vibes.
This one is located between the Parasi and Mahaman villages and is located close to the Tala core zone of the park. This area is known among people because of its open grasslands, where you can easily spot animals like chital, sambhar, and wild boars. This zone is located close to Mudgudi Dam and caves, because of which it’s an interesting spot. Here, you can go to the Kadewaha grassland if you’re interested in spotting a lot of animals.
This zone of the Bandhavgarh National Park is perfect for a safari for nature lovers. This zone has Johila Waterfalls, which offer stunning views and a peaceful time. This zone is located at a distance of around 35 km from Tala village and is an extension of the Tala Zone. Here, you should definitely visit the Jolilla waterfalls, but other than that, peaceful spots like Badia Ghaat, Chindia, and Kuthulia Falls should also be visited by tourists. This zone is perfect for those tourists who want a relaxing but exciting day in the wild area of Bandhavgah National Park
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