Bandhavgarh National Park is a renowned wildlife sanctuary located in the Umaria district of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of India’s most famous tiger reserves and is known for its rich biodiversity and high population of Bengal tigers. Here is some key information about Bandhavgarh National Park:
Key features and information about Bandhavgarh National Park
Biodiversity: Bandhavgarh is known for its diverse flora and fauna. Besides Bengal tigers, it is home to a wide range of wildlife species, including leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, and a variety of bird species. The park is also famous for its healthy tiger population.
Tiger Safaris: Visitors to Bandhavgarh can go on jeep safaris or elephant safaris to explore the park and spot its wildlife. The park is divided into multiple zones, each offering a unique safari experience. Tala Zone, Magadhi Zone, and Khitauli Zone are some of the popular zones for safaris.
Flora: The park’s vegetation includes tropical moist deciduous forests, mixed forests, and bamboo forests. The Sal trees dominate the landscape, creating a dense canopy in many areas.
Bandhavgarh Fort: The historic Bandhavgarh Fort, located atop a hill within the park, is a popular attraction. The fort dates back to ancient times and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It is believed to be over 2,000 years old and has historical and archaeological significance.
Best Time to Visit: The park is open to visitors from October to June, with the best time for wildlife sightings being from November to March when the weather is cooler.
Conservation: Bandhavgarh National Park is part of Project Tiger, a government initiative aimed at conserving the Bengal tiger population in India. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the park’s biodiversity.
Safari Booking Charges Bandhavgarh
| Weekdays Full Jeep Core Zones | INR 7500 (Indian) | INR 12000 (Foreigner) | Zones -Tala, Magadhi, Khitauli |
| Weekends Full Jeep Core Zones | INR 8500 (Indian) | INR 15000 (Foreigner) | Zones -Tala, Magadhi, Khitauli |
| Weekdays Full Jeep Buffer Zones | INR 7500 (Indian) | INR 12000 (Foreigner) | Zones – Dhamokar, Johila, Panpatha |
| Weekdays Sharing Core Zones | INR 2000 (Indian) | INR 3000 (Foreigner) | Zones -Tala, Magadhi, Khitauli |
| Weekends Sharing Core Zones | INR 2300/Seat (Indian) | INR 4000/Seat (Foreigner) | Zones -Tala, Magadhi, Khitauli |
| Timings | Morning 06:00 AM to 11:30 AM | Evening 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM (Safari Timing Varies as Season Changes) |
Safari Timings
| Date | Morning | Evening |
| October 15th to February 15th | 7 AM to 10:30 AM | 12 PM to 5:30 PM |
| February 16th to March 31st | 6 AM to 9:30 AM | 3 PM to 6:30 PM |
| April 1st to June 30th | 6 AM to 9:30 AM | 3:30 PM to 7 PM |
Places To Visit:
Bhamera Dam: Located near the park, Bhamera Dam is a serene spot where you can enjoy a peaceful picnic, birdwatching, or a leisurely walk along the dam.
Tala Village: Take a stroll through Tala Village, which is close to the Tala Gate of the national park. You can explore the village, interact with the locals, and get a taste of rural life in the region.
Bamni Dadar: Also known as the “Sunset Point,” this area within the park offers breathtaking views of the sunset. It’s a great spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Wildlife Interpretation Center: Learn more about the flora and fauna of Bandhavgarh National Park at the Wildlife Interpretation Center, where you can find informative exhibits and displays.
Tiger Conservation Workshops: Some lodges and resorts offer workshops and lectures on tiger conservation and the efforts being made to protect this majestic species.
Jabalpur: Jabalpur, located about 200 kilometers away, is a major city with several attractions, including Dhuandhar Falls, Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat, and Madan Mahal Fort.
Khajuraho: Khajuraho, known for its UNESCO-listed temples with intricate erotic sculptures, is around 260 kilometers from Bandhavgarh and worth visiting if you have the time.
Pandav Waterfall: Located about 35 kilometers from Bandhavgarh, Pandav Waterfall is a scenic spot for a day trip and is named after the Pandavas from the Indian epic Mahabharata.
Chenchpur Waterfall: This is another waterfall near Bandhavgarh, about 40 kilometers away, offering a serene environment for nature lovers.
Hotels Nearby To Stay
Bandhavgarh National Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some hotels and lodges near Bandhavgarh National Park where you can stay:
Taj Mahua Kothi: This luxury wildlife lodge is part of the Taj Safaris portfolio. It offers well-appointed cottages, a swimming pool, and excellent dining options. The lodge provides guided safaris into Bandhavgarh National Park.
Syna Tiger Resort: Located near the Tala Gate of the park, Syna Tiger Resort offers comfortable cottages and tents. It also has a restaurant and arranges safaris and nature walks.
Wildflower Resort: This mid-range resort is known for its lush gardens and peaceful surroundings. It offers cottages and rooms with modern amenities and a restaurant serving Indian and international cuisine.
Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge: A comfortable and eco-friendly lodge with cottages and a restaurant that specializes in Indian and continental cuisine. The lodge organizes wildlife safaris and birdwatching tours.
Tiger Trails Resort: Situated close to the park, Tiger Trails Resort offers comfortable rooms and cottages, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving delicious Indian and international dishes.
Mogli Jungle Resort: This budget-friendly option offers cottages and tents in a serene setting. The resort has a restaurant and organizes safaris and cultural evenings.
Mahua Kothi: Another luxury offering from the Taj Safaris collection, Mahua Kothi provides luxury cottages with a focus on sustainability and wildlife conservation. It offers excellent safari experiences.
Nature Heritage Resort: This resort is known for its rustic charm and proximity to the park. It offers cottages, a restaurant, and activities like jungle safaris, nature walks, and birdwatching.
Aranyak Resort: Aranyak Resort offers comfortable accommodation, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving Indian and international cuisine. It’s a good mid-range option for a comfortable stay.
How to Reach?
Road:
The nearest towns with good road connectivity to Bandhavgarh are Umaria (32 km), Katni (100 km), and Jabalpur (200 km). National Highway 30 (NH30) connects Jabalpur to Umaria and further to Bandhavgarh. The park’s Tala Gate is a common entry point accessible by road.
Air:
The nearest airport to Bandhavgarh National Park with regular flights is Jabalpur Airport, located approximately 200 kilometers away.
Train:
The nearest railway stations to Bandhavgarh National Park are Umaria Railway Station (32 km) and Katni Railway Station (100 km).
Road Distance from Bandhavgarh to following Cities
- Distance from Delhi – 912 Km
- Distance from Maihar – 195 Km
- Distance from Jabalpur – 200 Km
- Distance from Katni – 100 Km
- Distance from Khajuraho – 250 Km
- Distance from Nagpur – 490 Km
- Distance from Umaria – 35 Km
- Distance from Varanasi – 350 Km>
- Distance from kanha – 250 Km
- Distance from Agra – 224 Km
- Distance from Kanpur – 267 Km
- Distance from Jaipur – 180 Km
- Distance from Lucknow – 430 Km