BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK

Madhya Pradesh

Often called the Land of the Tiger, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh was once thehunting grounds of the Rewa Maharajas, and is now amongst the very best places anywhere to see Bengal tigers as they live in the wild; and instead of rifles, people come now with cameras, wanting to get photos of remarkable wildlife.

Believed to house sixty or more tigers, Bandhavgarh is noted for having among the greatest densities of tiger in India. The unusual shape of the land – with few ways for animals to move around, lots of animals tigers eat, and plenty of woodland – makes it ideal for these large cats to do well. The park covers 1,100 square kilometres, of which 440 square kilometres is the central area, giving wildlife fans plenty to look at.

History, Legends & Heritage

Bandhavgarh has a remarkably interesting cultural past going back over two thousand years. Old writings, like the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Shiva Purana, mention the area. It is said that after Lord Rama beat Ravana in Lanka, he gave Bandhavgarh fort to his brother Lakshmana. The fort, the ruins around it, and the sixty-foot statue of Lord Vishnu lying down at Shesh Shaiya, all give the forest a religious quality. Dynasties – the Maghas, Vakatakas, and Chandela kings amongst them – ruled here over the centuries, and left behind amazing buildings, and tales which still seem to be in the jungle.

Wildlife & Birdwatching

The forest is mainly Sal and Bamboo woods, with grasslands in the well known Tala Zone. Though tigers are the main draw, the park also gives shelter to leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, jackals, and sorts of deer. Those who enjoy birds will find Bandhavgarh just as good, with chances to see Indian vultures, paradise flycatchers, golden orioles, pittas, and white capped buntings.

Legendary Tigers of Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh is famous all over the world largely due to its famous tigers. From the popular tigress Sita, to the strong male Charger, the park has been home to remarkable big cats whose lives have been recorded by the BBC, National Geographic, and Discovery. Afterwards, the well-known tiger brothers B1 and B2 carried on the tradition, making Bandhavgarh a place wildlife photographers and people going on safari must visit.

Safari Experiences in Bandhavgarh

The park is split into three main areas – Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli – each giving different views and chances to see wildlife. Safaris are in open 4x4 vehicles, with skilled guides who explain what animals do, and help find predators that are hard to track.

Morning Safari

Best for seeing and photographing tigers in the gentle golden light.

Evening Safari

A chance to see wildlife when they start to wake up before nightfall.

Full-Day Safari

Special access from sunrise to sunset across several areas for really keen photographers and wildlife fans.

Why Visit Bandhavgarh National Park?

Going on a tiger safari in Bandhavgarh is not only about seeing the impressive predator, but also about being part of a living past – where stories, history, and wild country come together. From its old fort and holy statues to exciting times with Bengal tigers, every moment here you will not forget. If you are planning a wildlife trip in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is a place which really shows what wild India is about.
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Whether you are a wildlife photographer, a person who loves nature, or a traveller wanting a real Indian jungle safari, Kanha National Park offers a journey you will not forget into the wild heart of India.

Geographical details

Altitude  : 440 m to 811 m above mean sea level

Vegetation  : Tropical deciduous rainforest, dry deciduous forest, and scrubland

Water resources  : Son and Umrar rivers and numerous rainwater streams.

Main area  : 624 km²

Buffer zone  : 537 km²

Coordinates  : 80° 47′ 15″ to 81° 11′ 45″ E

Rainfall  : 1,175 mm

Temperature  : Min.: 2°C; Max.: 44°C

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