Situated in Vindhya Hills of Central India in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park derives its name from an ancient fort ‘Bandhavgarh’, perched on a hilltop in the center of the park. Spreaded over total area of 450 Sq Kms, with center zone of just 105 Sq Kms, makes Bandhavgarh is one of the smaller tiger reserves in India in comparison to its larger counterpart at Kanha 255 kms away. Forest around Bandhavgarh was a favorite hunting ground for Maharaja of Rewa, which was later handed over to the state government for Tiger conservation. The ruins of the fort make terrific hideouts for wild animals. Following the success of Project Tiger, Bandhavgarh National Park is thought to have the densest population of tigers in India, which makes it easiest place to spot tigers in India.
For safari purpose, bandhavgarh safari is divided into 3 regions of Tala, Maghdi and Khitauli zones. The majority of the jungle is covered with dense Sal and Bamboo vegetation, but grasslands are available on higher planes. Spotting of birds and animals could be explored using open air jeeps. Lush green foliage and rocky terrain create these jungle safaris a thrilling experience! Safaris can be taken at the first morning at the break of the dawn as well as in the late afternoon resulting in dusk. These are the ideal time zones when animal actions and movements are in peak. Besides spotting wild life during jungle safaris, an individual may also see’ Bandhavgarh’ fort to explore the ancient ruins. The fort is thought of as nearly 2000 years old and has been cited in a number of the ancient Hindu texts. ‘Shesh Shaiya’ is just another place of interests within the park, where a 65 ft long statue of Lord Vishnu is located reclined horizontally, on a seven headed serpent, called Shesh Naag.
The playground is open to people from 15th October to 30th June. Tiger sightings are relatively simple in April and May due to the drying of a plant. Unlike Kanha, thick forest of Sal in Bandhavgarh keeps it cooler in compression, during summertime, though substantial humidity levels in May and June are not as welcoming. The safaris ought to be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment at a later stage. The amount of jeeps permitted in the park was reduced drastically and odds are you may not receive any safari under current booking during heavy tourist seasons. Stay at one of the properties of Madhya Pradesh Tourism, located right within the core zone of the park, creatures can be heard and seen right from the hotel balcony. It finishes a true wild life experience. Do make friends with a few of those guides or hotel owners and spend a night of bliss around bon fire, listening to their tales of fights involving tiger and a bison, a leopard chasing a bison or a leopard stealthily after among the forest guards on duty!