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Bandhavgarh National Park – A Traveller’s Guide 2022

Madhya Pradesh

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About Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is rightfully called the Land of the Tiger. A famous hunting reserve for the Maharajas who ruled these lands, this area has to this day been preserved for shooting wildlife – with cameras. Come take a Tiger Safari in India with us at Bandhavgarh National Park.

An almost isolated park, it has a very few migration routes for dispersed male tigers looking to find a home for themselves, hence, along with suitable habitat and prey-base, it has retained a high density of tigers. Around 60 or so wild tigers are in this area.
Various dynasties have ruled the fort, for example, the Maghas from 1st century A.D. and Vakatakas from 3rd century A.D., Ever since then Bandhavgarh has been ruled by a succession of dynasties including the Chandela Kings of Bundelkhand who built the famous temples at Khajuraho. The Baghel Kings (direct ancestors of the present Royal family of Rewa) established their dynasty at Bandhavgarh in the 12th century. It remained their capital till 1617 when the center of court life moved to Rewa, 75 miles (120Kms) to the north. Without royal patronage Bandhavgarh became more and more deserted until forest overran the area and it became the royal hunting reserve. This helped to preserve the forest and its wildlife, although the Maharajas made full use of their rights. Each set out to kill the auspicious number of 109 Tigers.
At independence Bandhavgarh remained the private property of the Maharaja until he gave it to the state for the formation of the National Park in 1968. After the park was created poaching was brought under control and the number of animals rose dramatically.

Tigers at Bandhavgarh National Park

Its fame is owed to one of the most enchanting Tigress, Sita, and the most aggressive Tiger, Charger. Every wild Tiger has a short life span for which it remains dominant in the park; though Charger, was something different. He lived an unusually long life and ousted every male Tiger who tried to take over the reins in Bandhavgarh. However, it was only a matter of time when his age gave in. Two other Tigers B1 and B2, cousins to each other, tried to ambush his territory as he grew older and the latter succeeded. B1 died an uncertain death while B2 ruled as King for the next few years. He became the poster boy for Indian wildlife and put Bandhavgarh at a pedestal for wildlife tourism in India. BBC, Discovery, National Geographic and even Icon Films could not resist but share the stories of these true legends. Their anecdotes continue to resonate the park’s silence.

Types of Safaris at Bandhavgarh National Park

If you’ve decided to pay a visit to a national park, you know pretty well that you aren’t leaving without embarking on a wildlife safari tour. Lucky for you, the Bandhavgarh National Park has one of the most engaging tiger safari experiences among all national parks in India.

Canter Safari in Kanha

Canter Safari

Canter tiger safari in Bandhavgarh National Park happens in all zone. This has encouraged tour operators to set up canters that can hold larger groups of people for longer tiger safari tours.

Jeep Safari in Kanha

Jeep Safari

Jeep tiger safaris in Bandhavgarh National Park are considered to be the best way to truly experience the flora and fauna of the landscape. You can choose a solo tiger safari tour or go with a small group in an open-air jeep. The tiger safari experience happens throughout the day and lasts for about 3 hours on each occasion. These tiger safaris  in India can either be a full day or a half day. Full-day tiger safaris entail you spending the entire day within the park and half-day safaris are regular morning and afternoon jeep tiger safaris in India.

Every park is divided into 3 kinds of zones: Core, Buffer ad Reserved. Core zone is the protected area of the jungle. It acts as a referral point on the natural state of the ecosystems represented by the biosphere reserves. Wildlife and natural resources are strictly protected by the forest department. Buffer zone is where animals and a percentage of human life co-exist peacefully. Lastly, reserved forest acts as a virtual boundary for the forest. That being said, animals don’t know what a “zone” is. They roam around freely in the entire forest for it is their home.
Bandhavgarh has 3 core zones, Tala, Maghdi and Khitauli. Tala is the oldest zone. Bandhavgarh Fort, Badi Gufa, Shesh Shaiya and Chakradhara Hide are a few places that make this zone extremely special. Maghdi and Khitauli lie opposite each other, with excellent Tiger sightings as well. They are referred as Gate no.2 and Gate no.3 respectively. With excessive tourist foot fall in Tala, Maghdi and Khitauli act as a breather, with a completely different perspective of Bandhavgarh. Tala provides great landscape and picturesque views, while Maghdi and Khitauli give you true jungle chills.
It is often said that it is the best place to see tigers in the wild in the world. The Tiger Reserve is spread over 1100 sq.km with a core area of about 440 sq.km.

tiger safari tour in Bandhavgarh, with enthusiastic guides and drivers, is a thrilling experience – the routes taken by the tigers of old are taken to this day by their offspring and one can learn about tracking these tigers through the eyes of the locals.

Though many might scoff at the idea of bird watching, Bandhavgarh National Park is an excellent birding destination with good visibility of birds. It has a very good population of vultures such as the Indian Vulture, White Rumped Vulture which roost along the cliffs. The Asian paradise flycatcher, Golden Oriole, Indian Pitta as well as the sight of the not so common White-capped Bunting.
bandhavgarh national park
Kanha Bird - Scarlet Minivet
Bandhavgarh Tiger Male Cub

Best Time to Spot Tigers at Bandhavgarh National Park

Planning a visit to Bandhavgarh National Park is a crucial step, as small details like date, season and lodging can make or break your vacation. When it comes to deciding when to visit, there really isn’t the best option. It entirely depends on your preference and what the park has to offer at that time of the year.

Things to Do in Bandhavgarh National Park

Tiger Safari Tours

Tiger Safari Tours: When in Bandavgarh, the most activity to do is taking a tiger safari tour. The tour can comprise of jeep safaris, walking tiger safaris, canter safaris and even birdwatching safaris in various zones of Bandhavgarh national park. A driver and an expert naturalist will be accompanying you through these safaris and imparting ample knowledge about wildlife present in this park.

tiger-sighing-in-bandhavgarh

Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Bandhavgarh National Park

Like most National Parks, this park has neighboring luxury lodgings. Some of them are:

Mahua Kothi

Mahua Kothi or homestead is named after the Mahua tree which is prized and revered in the region. The resort has 12 standalone luxury cottages blend into a 45 acre private forest on the periphery of the national park.

Tree House Hideaway

On and among the trees in our five tree houses there is a route to hide away of fantasies. In the 21 acres area of land lies an option of experiencing the snug life inside the rooms or venture out in the tiger-infested wild.

Samode Safari Lodge

The inspiration is the colorful vernacular architecture of the region, the decor and setting is distinctly Indian. Return to unmatched hospitality and luxury.

King's Lodge

The lodge is environmentally sensitive, harmonious with the natural features of the site and accentuates natural daylight to all facilities. Local knowledge and art has been incorporated in its development.

Places to Visit Near Bandhavgarh National Park

Come for the tiger safari experience of a lifetime, Bandhavgarh is India’s top national park for tiger safari & unique medley of nature and cultural experiences on offer. Bandhavgarh National Park is a neighbor to some of the most breathtaking landscapes, man-made monuments and natural vistas.

Trip to Bandhavgarh National Park: FAQs

We recommend hot summer months to visit the park. The months from March – May are the most fruitful months when it comes to tiger sightings. The big cat sits for long hours close to water holes that are only few and far in between. The prey concentration along such water pools is also high during summer, therefore one might just catch the cat in hunting action.
Leave this to the experts. Contact us by dropping in an email on [email protected] with all your requirements and we will be able to book the perfect tiger safari experience for you!
One should spend a minimum of 03 nights in the national park. This gives you ample opportunity and enough time to visit all zones and do all kinds of safaris in the park.

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Fixed Departure Group Tours 2024 - Unveil the Extraordinary Wildlife & Culture of India
1st December 2023
LUXURY SAFARIS IN INDIA
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