Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve: A Sanctuary of Majestic Tigers and Rich Wildlife
Introduction of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is one the most desired place for wildlife tourism specially for wildlife lovers. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Park located in the range of the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges of Madhya Pradesh. This reserve also has a great Historical touch which is proven by the presence of popular Bandhavgarh Fort many Caves, Rock Paintings and carvings.
The Bandhavgarh National Park is mainly popular for the National Animal of India “ Royal Bengal Tigers” and also known for its vast collection of other animals and flora. This Reserve is rich in floral and faunal diversity with over 510 species of flowering plant , 47 mammals and 250 species of birds. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Park has over 100 species of butterflies and some rare species of plants and animals.
Total area of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Park is 1536.936 km2 which is divided into three areas i.e ‘ National Park’ (452.666 km2),’ Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary’ (264.235 km2). This area is collectively called the “Core Area” and the ‘Buffer zone’( 820.035 km2).
A Glimpse into Bandhavgarh’s Rich History and Terrain
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, covering an area of approximately 1,153 square kilometers, is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. The reserve encompasses both the core area and the buffer zone, and its undulating landscape is a mix of dense forests, meadows, and rugged hills. The Bandhavgarh Hill, which rises steeply in the center of the park, is a major landmark. The hill is home to the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, believed to have been constructed over 2,000 years ago. The fort offers visitors an intriguing glimpse into the history of the region while providing panoramic views of the surrounding forest.
The reserve’s terrain varies from flat grasslands to steep cliffs, making it an ideal habitat for tigers, leopards, and a wide variety of other wildlife. The forests are predominantly sal trees, interspersed with bamboo groves and dense undergrowth, creating a perfect setting for these majestic creatures to thrive.
The Royal Bengal Tiger: The Star Attraction
The main draw of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is undoubtedly the Royal Bengal tiger. The park is home to one of the highest densities of tigers in India, making it an exceptional destination for tiger sightings. The reserve’s tiger population has been the focal point of extensive conservation efforts, and today, it plays an important role in India’s tiger conservation programs.
Due to its remarkable tiger population, Bandhavgarh has gained international acclaim as one of the best places in the world to see tigers in the wild. A safari through the park provides the chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, often up close, in action as they roam the vast landscape. Many visitors travel to Bandhavgarh for the thrill of a tiger sighting, and the park offers a variety of safari options, including jeep safaris and elephant-back rides for a more intimate experience.
Diverse Flora and Fauna
While the tigers are the star attraction, Bandhavgarh is also home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Aside from tigers, the reserve boasts a wide range of other animals, including leopards, wild boars, jackals, and a variety of antelope species such as sambar deer, spotted deer (chital), and the majestic nilgai (blue bull). The reserve’s open grasslands are often populated with herds of these herbivores, creating an ideal environment for predators to hunt and forage.
The park also supports a rich variety of bird species, with over 250 species recorded within its boundaries. Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of species such as the crested serpent eagle, changeable hawk-eagle, and Indian roller, among others. The park is also home to numerous reptiles, including cobras, pythons, and monitor lizards, adding to the reserve’s diverse ecosystem.
Conservation Efforts and Ecotourism
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is a crucial part of India’s efforts to protect the Bengal tiger. The park is managed with the aim of maintaining a balanced ecosystem and protecting endangered species. Various measures, including anti-poaching patrols and habitat management, are in place to ensure the safety and sustainability of the wildlife within the reserve.
Ecotourism plays a pivotal role in the park’s conservation efforts. By visiting the reserve, tourists help support the local economy and contribute to ongoing wildlife protection and research initiatives. The revenue generated from park entry fees and safaris is reinvested into conservation programs, helping preserve the park’s rich biodiversity.
A Historical Gem: Bandhavgarh Fort
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is not only a place for wildlife enthusiasts but also a site of historical significance. The Bandhavgarh Fort, which stands atop the Bandhavgarh Hill, is one of the oldest and most fascinating structures in central India. The fort is believed to have been built around 2,000 years ago and is said to have been the stronghold of the ancient Vakataka dynasty. It is also associated with the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, as the name “Bandhavgarh” translates to “Brother’s Fort” in Sanskrit, referring to the bond between Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana.
Visitors to the fort can explore its ancient ruins, including temples, caves, and sculptures. The fort provides not only a historical journey but also stunning views of the surrounding forest and wildlife-rich areas, adding another layer of intrigue to this remarkable destination.
How to Reach in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is a part of the Central Indian Highlands and is located between the Vindhyan Hills and the eastern sides of Satpura hill ranges. The Reserve is mostly extended in Umaria accompanying Katni and Shahdol districts of Madhya Pradesh.
The Reserve stands between Latitude 23° 27′ 00” to 23° 59′ 50″ North, Longitude 80° 43′ 15″ to 81° 15′ 45″ East.
Tala village is the center of all the wildlife tourism related activity in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and main entrance for the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve National Park is from this village. This village is well connected by road to all the major Railway and Airport locations.
By Road: The Bandhavgarh National Park can be landed up from Umaria, Katni, Jabalpur, Satna, Bilaspur and Khajuraho. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is situated on the Satna-Umaria and Rewa- Umaria Highway. Major Road distances of Tala village from different locations are:
- Umaria : This National Park is 32.8 km from umaria and it will take approximately 1 hour to reach there.
- Katni : It will take approximately 1h 25m to reach there 97 km from katni.
- Shahdol :This Tiger Reserve is 97kms away from shahdol and it will take approximately 1h 29m .
- Rewa: Bandhavgarh National parkis 53 km away from rewa and will take approximately 1 hr 10 m .
- Satna : It will take approximate 18 min to drive 7.6 kms from satna to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
- Jabalpur : Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is 171 km away from jabalpur and will take approximately 4 hrs 12 min.
By Rail: Umaria is the adjoining railway station on Katni-Bilaspur section. Katni is the other near-by significant rail station for reaching to reserve or Satna on Mumbai-Howrah mail railway line and Jabalpur which is the Railway Station Distance.
- Umaria : 32 kms
- Katni : 97 kms
- Shahdol : 97 kms
- Satna : 117 kms
- Jabalpur : 170 kms
By Air: The nearby civil airport from Tala is Jabalpur, which is followed by Khajuraho And Nagpur respectively.
- Jabalpur : This Tiger Reserve is 122 kms approximately
- Khajuraho : It is 226 Kms , it will take 1 hr 42 min approximately .
- Nagpur : 450 Kms aways and takes 52 mins approximately
Stay
There are several options for accommodation at Bandhavgarh, both state-run and private. The Forest Department is provided with facilities like forest rest houses, family suits and log huts .
Best Time to Visit
The Bandhavgarh National Park is usually open for tourists from 15th of October to 30th of June. In the months of Summer tourists avoid visiting due to hot weather. Because of its great ratio of natural sightings, the reserve always remains booked practically for almost the entire tourist season.
- Safari Booking And Charges
In the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve there are different types of expedition activities for their tourists to make their experience more special and help them to see and understand nature and wildlife very closely.
- Wildlife Safari : In wildlife safari tourists get closer to nature by vehicles registered with park management for tourism purposes (light motor vehicles), In which total 8 people can drive into the park including driver and guide. Guide will give information about what you see there. It is booked online.
- Elephant Safari : In this safari you can ride elephants, For maximum 4 people at a time . The ride will be for half an hour and per person fee will be Rs. 1000/-. Children up to the age of 5 years can accompany along with their parents/guardians and no fee shall be charged for them. Fee for the Children between 5-12 year will be i.e. Rs. 500/- . It can be booked on counter also
- The entry Fee for Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve park is for full vehicle permit, on premium day is 3000/- and 2400/- on non premium day. A single seat permit is 500/- and 400/- on non premium days.
- You can book your Safari online Book Now
Official Website : https://bandhavgarhtigerreserve.org/
Address : Field Director Office
Tiger Reserve Umaria MP. – 484661
Contact No : (07653) 222 214, 222724
Email : fdbnp.umr@mp.gov.in
ddbnp.umr@mp.gov.in
More Places to Visit : Tiger Reseve
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