Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is spread across the Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh, over a coverage area of approximately 437 sq km. The topography of the park is characterized by sharp ridges, surging forests and open meadows. The main attraction of the Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary of India is its significant population of tigers. Infact, the park boasts of the highest concentration of tigers throughout the country. One can also hope to see white tigers roaming in the jungles of Bandhavgarh.

Wildlife in Bandhavgarh National Park
The wide variety of wildlife, 22 species, seen in the Bandhavgarh National Park is sure to leave its visitors mesmerized. However, most of the tourists come here to watch the tiger in its full glory. If you are planning to roam around in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of India, it is better to do so on the back of an elephant. Your chances of coming across the Royal Bengal tiger will increase to quite an extent. The other wild animals that can be seen here include Common Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Leopard, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Nilgai, Chinkara, Small Indian Civet, etc.

Bird Species of Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park of India boasts of more than 150 species of birds. This includes the migratory birds, like steppe eagle, that come here in winter. The main bird species are those of White Bellied Drongos, Black And White Malabar Hornbills, Blossom Headed Parakeets, Gold Fronted Leaf Birds, Minivets, Paradise Flycatchers, Black Vulture, White-eyed Buzzard, Red Jungle Fowl, etc.

Bandhavgarh Fort
Bandhavgarh Fort is believed to have been built around 2,000 years ago. There are references to the fort in the ancient books, like the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Siva Purana. The fort is believed to be the best place for getting a bird's eye view of the entire Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary of Madhya Pradesh.

History of Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park, now a famed protected area, once served as the hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. It was in the year 1968 that the Maharaja gave away his preferred hunting grounds to the Indian government, to be developed as a wildlife sanctuary. At that point of time, the fauna of the park was facing an increasing threat of poaching. The development of the Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary resulted in a reversal of this trend and the population of wild animals started showing an upward trend.

In the year 1982, extensions to the park were carried out, both northward as well as southward. The Sal forests were included in the total area of the Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. It was finally given the status of a tiger reserve, under Project Tiger, in 1993. The main viewing area of the park still comprises of its core area, consisting of 32 wooded hills.

How to Reach Bandhavgarh National Park

By Air: The nearest airports are at Jabalpur and Khajuraho.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Umaria. One can also take a train to Jabalpur and from there, take a taxi.