Bandhavgarh National Park India

The Former hunting ground of the Royal Family of Rewa, Bandhavgarh National Park is the home of white tigers in India. The Bandhavgarh Fort is an excellent place to see the entire forest region where tigers can be spotted easily. The National Park is spread over 450 sq. km. area with a core area comprising 105 sq. km. Situated at an elevation between 410-810 m, the forest area boasts around 20 streams that merge into the Son river, a tributary of the majestic Ganges. The Forest also has several lakes and caves as added attractions to the wildlife. The Forest has mixed vegetation; from tall grasslands to dense tropical forests which contributes to the variety of animals and birds found in the region. Since wildlife sighting is common here, the park is extremely popular among tourists, both Indian and foreigners.

The Bandhavgarh National Park, located in the Vindhyan range of Umaria, is divided into four zones; Tala, Magadhi, Khitauli, and Panpatha Tala attracts the most tourists because tiger sighting opportunities are huge in this zone. The Magadhi zone allows elephant shows as well as safaris to spot the elusive wild cats of the jungle.

The Best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park is from October to May. You can opt for a jeep, canter, or elephant safari to enjoy the wildlife of the region. The morning and evening safari timings are from 6.30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. from 15th October-15th February; 6.00 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m. from 16th February – 31st March and from 5.30 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. – 7.00 p.m. from 1st April – 30th June.

Jeep Safari – Compared to other forms of sighting wildlife, jeep safaris are preferred as they are cheaper, easily available, and the best way to explore the wilderness. These are available in 2 shifts; morning (around sunrise) and evening (close to sunset) for a duration of around 4 hours. Each jeep can accommodate 6 travellers apart from a guide and driver.

Flora–
Sal, Bamboo, Saj, Tendu, Arjun, Palas, Amla, Mango, Jamun, Khajur, Ber, Babul, Banyan, Dhak, Kadam, Neem, Mahua, Khejda, Kakera, etc.

Fauna–
Mammals: Royal Bengal and White Tiger, Asiatic jackal, Bengal fox, common langurs, rhesus macaque, sloth bear, grey mongoose, striped hyena, jungle cat, leopard, chausingha, nilgai, chinkara, gaur, mongoose, dhole, small Indian civet, palm squirrel, lesser bandicoot rat, wild pigs, spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer, wild boar, ratel, little grebe.

Reptiles: Python, turtle, rat snake, viper, cobra, turtle, and various lizard species including Varanus.

Birds: Dove, parakeet, crested serpent eagle, black vulture, common peafowl, sarus crane, egret, red jungle fowl, white breasted kingfisher, common teal, black and Egyptian vulture, grey hornbill, parakeet, black kite, Indian roller, adjutant, etc.

Core Zones:
Tala - Tala is among the oldest and most famous zones of Bandhavgarh National Park. Along with frequent tiger sightings, the zone is rich in heritage and natural landmarks. It is home to the historic Bandhavgarh Fort and the 10th-century Shesh Shaiya, where an idol of Lord Vishnu is seen resting on the serpent Shesh Nag. From this sacred spot emerges the Charan Ganga, named after its origin near the feet of Lord Vishnu. The Tala zone also features the ancient Bari Gufa, believed to date back to the same era. Other points of interest include Bamania Hill, Three Cave Point, Sita Mandap, Gopalpur Pond, and Ketkiha.

Magadhi - The Magadhi Zone of Bandhavgarh National Park is known for its many natural and man-made waterholes, where tiger movements are often seen. Apart from rich wildlife, the zone also includes popular spots like Charger Point, Mahaman Pond, Climber’s Point, Sookhi Taalab, Sookhi Dam, Dinosaur Rock, and Sehra Dadra. Positioned along the outer edge of the park, Magadhi Zone is conveniently reached from Umaria, which lies about 38 km away.

Khitauli - This part of Bandhavgarh National Park features predominantly dry deciduous woodland and has witnessed frequent tiger movement over the past few years. Apart from tigers, visitors can spot animals such as nilgai, chinkara, and chausingha. Khitauli lies around 37 km from Umaria and can be reached comfortably by private vehicle or taxi.

Buffer Zones:
Dhamokar - Situated about 14 km from the Tala Zone, this buffer stretch functions as a continuation of the Magadhi Zone and lies between the villages of Parasi and Mahaman. The open Kadewaha grassland further enhances the region, offering good opportunities to spot wildlife in its natural habitat.

Johila - Johila is a natural extension of the Tala Zone. Visitors enter this area through a gate located near Chechpur village. One of its main highlights is the Johila Waterfall, which attracts many safari visitors. The waterfall rises from Amarkantak and later joins the Son River.

Panpatha - Panpatha forms an extended part of the Khitauli Zone and lies about 25 km from Tala village. This zone supports diverse wildlife such as nilgai, wild dogs, chinkara, and chausingha. The landscape is largely covered with deciduous forests and dense bamboo growth. Umaria, located around 55 km away, is the nearest access point, followed by Katni at a distance of about 63 km.

Bandhavgarh Fort - Perched on a hill, this nearly 2,000-year-old Bandhavgarh Fort gives sweeping views of the surrounding forest. Its roots trace back to the Hindu epic ‘The Ramayana’, where legend says Lord Ram granted the fort to his younger brother Lakshman to keep watch over Lanka. This belief gave rise to the name ‘Bandhavgarh’, combining ‘Bandhav’, meaning brother and ‘Garh’, meaning fort. As you walk through the site, you’ll find age-old temples, statues, and stone carvings scattered across the landscape. Dating to around the 3rd century, the fort covers about 582 acres and stands at a height of 811 metres above sea level.

Shesh Shaiya - Shesh Shaiya is a 10th-century statue of Lord Vishnu, stretching about 4.5 meters in length. The deity is shown resting on the serpent Sheshnag, while fresh water flows gently from the sacred Charan Ganga nearby. Surrounded by thick forest, the site feels quiet and soothing, making it ideal for peaceful moments and nature photography. Along with Lord Vishnu’s statue, visitors can also see representations of Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva in the form of a shivling, together symbolising the revered Hindu trinity.

Badi Gufa - Badi Gufa, also called the Big Cave, is located in the Tala Zone. It is the largest cave in the area and has a few small rooms inside, believed to be used for meditation. The cave also has wide stone pillars that add to its historic charm. These caves were likely used by sages in earlier times, though they may have had other uses too. Located at the base of the Bandhavgarh Fort, the caves are visible from many important spots within the fort area.

Three Cave Point - Cut deep into the rocky land, the Three Cave Point tell quiet stories of the past. Long ago, monks were believed to have used them for shelter, and even wild animals once rested here. Inside the caves, unusual rock shapes and light structural marks can be seen. During a wildlife safari, this place feels magical, as the past slowly blends into the present.

Baghel Museum - The Baghel Museum is a place that houses a rich collection of antique items from many centuries ago. Inside, you can see finely crafted weapons, stunning paintings, and elegant ornaments once worn by the rulers of Rewa. One of the museum’s main highlights is its collection of ancient sculptures from the Mauryan and Gupta periods.