BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK District : Umaria District of Madhya Pradesh Location : 280 kms from Khajuraho, 170 kms from Jabalpur Famous For : Tigers, Sloth Bear Famous Jungle Activity : Tiger Safari

Wildlife in MP

Kanha National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park Tiger's Habitat

Bandhavgarh National Park in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh is has spellbinding location between the Vindhayas and Satpura mountain ranges. Covering an area of approximately 437 sq. kilometer, this wetland plateau is the terrain of the beautiful and timid animals to the most ferocious of tigers. Once been the personal hunting ground of Maharaja of Rewa, this wildlife  region is remembered for the majestic white Tiger, who was named as Mohan. This tiger, now stuffed to be displayed on the wall of the palace of Rewa King. The credit of initiating the breed of the captive white tiger goes to this very tiger. Known to be having the highest concentration of tigers in the country, this forest was declared as a national park in the year 1968 and then on strenuous efforts have been taken by the government to preserve it.
Sal is one tree than can be found in abundance while there are mammoth stretch of Bamboo forest and grasslands. The lush vegetation provides an excellent opportunity to the animals to hide away from the human gaze. The national park attracts huge amount of tourist participation,  a visit to the park will give you a chance to decamp from the prosaic life of the city and towns. Pamper yourself with a little spice in the monotonous life.

Welcome to Kingdom Animalia

Already celebrated for the presence of tigers in the park, if Dame Fortune is accompanying you then one can sight 46 to 50 tigers in this very forest. Though boast of being the home of the white tigers, today these white tigers have more or less become elusive. Visiting the national park will be an experience of treating your eyes, Wherever you will look, there will surely be some activity going on that will make your visit special.
This nation park houses more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds. Langoors and Rhesus Monkey following the trend were perhaps the earliest inhabitant of the forest. Distinct varieties of fox and Hyenas can also be spotted. Sloth Bear is another most embraced animal. Illustrious varieties of deers are also spectacle. List of carnivores menu includes the Asiatic jackal, Bengal fox, sloth bear, ratel, gray mongoose, striped hyena, jungle cat, leopard. the horned and hoofed animals frequently sighted are sambar, wild pigs, palm squirrel, spotted deer, chausingha, nilgai, chinkara and gaur. Mammals such as dhole, the small Indian civet, and lesser bandicoot rat can also be seen occasionally.

Feathery Topping of Bandhavgarh National Park

Bird watching is another activity one can enjoy when you are in the Bandhavgarh. Diving kingfishers, humped Herons, or even the deadly vultures and buyout eagles are the most common birds you will notice. However, this park has some of the rare species of birds that due to migration can be viewed. Some of the birds that one can witness are Little Grebe, Egret, lesser Adjutant Sarus Crane, Black Ibis, Lesser Whistling Teal, White-eyed Buzzard, Black Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, Black Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Common Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Dove, Parakeets, Kingfishers and Indian Rollers.
Reptiles too like the dangerous Pythons, Cobra, Krait, Viper, Rat-snake along with the timid turtel can also be found.

The Way to Enjoy and Explore the Forest

Perhaps the use of Jeep to explore the wildlife is all comprehensive, and is the most easy way to reach the remotest corner of the jungle. However, the Bandhavgarh National Park offers its tourists to enjoy a phenomenal experience of delving into the forest on an elephant. Truly a remarkable way to enjoy the royal safari earlier the liberties enjoyed only by the kings. The elephant safari proves very beneficial in tracking tigers and is exclusively done in the morning as these predators start their day with a hunt. Outside the park there is a small shop from where one can buy souvenirs and books, maps and T-Shirts.

Bandhavgarh Other Attractions Has Something More to Offer

Once you are through with hedonism attained in viewing the wildlife, Madhya Pradesh does not allows you to rest. The great wilds of the region are very popular for its archaeological remainders of the Kalchuri period. This town derives its name from the fort located in the national park, the Bandhavgarh Fort, it is believed to have been the sojourn place of Lord Rama. Ostensible to have been built some 20,000 years age, this fort is 124 kms from Jabalpur. The view of the park from the fort is spectacular, the visit to the fort is a must while on your jungle safari trip to Bandhavgarh. Kalchuri Archaeological Remains is kept intact in a museum that holds the remains of history within its walls. This is another destination that is a must visit.

Best Time to Visit - Visit When the Sun Wakes Up

The best time to visit the Bandhavgarh National park is either during dawn or in late afternoon. Three hours jeep Safari is allowed two times during the day. One at 7 in the morning and the other at 3 in the afternoon as during this part of the day the animals are indulging into activities hunting for their prays or resting with their young one near the water holes. Though the park is open from October to June, the best time to visit is from January to April. From July to August the park remains closed due to the onset of the rainy season. The timings of the safari vary during winter and summer and the same applies to the entry trimmings.

Get Your Ways

Nearest airport is at Khajuraho, which is a seven to eight hour journey. Umaria after Katani railway station is the nearest railway station. Umaria which is a 30 min drive from the park, provides bus services as well.