Bandhavgarh National Park, situated in the Central Indian
state of Madhya Pradesh, has established a reputation as one of the
best places in India to observe Tigers. The 105 square kilometres of
national park area, open for tourists is reported to have over 25
tigers . Like many Tiger reserves in India, what is now the
Bandhavgarh National Park, was formerly the hunting reserve of a
Maharaja and contains much evidence of its royal associations, most
spectacular being the ruins of a huge hilltop fort which dominates
the centre of the reserve. The Sal Forest which predominates in the
National Park is replaced by mixed forests at the higher elevations
in the hills and there are also expanses of grassland and bamboo in
the north. The core of the Bandhavgarh National Park is hilly and
dominated by the ancient natural fort which towers to an impressive
800 metres above the forest. The Fort too is worth a visit .
Bandhavgarh being an arid region , water is always attractive to
wildlife and the presence of pools and streams in the reserve is one
of the reasons it is so favoured by both game and predators.
Although Tigers are the star attraction at Bandhavgarh National Park
the list of other mammals and birds that have made Bandhavgarh their
home , is very impressive too. The list of birds includes such
species as Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Plumheaded Parakeet, Malabar
Pied Hornbill, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise
Flycatcher among a total of over 250 species recorded in the
district. Tigers, and the more rarely seen Leopards, have no
shortage of prey in the reserve. The Spotted Deer or Chital is a
favourite item on the Tiger menu and several thousand of these
delightful deer inhabit the park. Other species found here in
varying abundance include; Chinkara, Chowsinga, Wild Boar, Sambar,
Muntjac and Nilgai. The Asian Bison or Gaur last sighted as a small
herd in 1998, the animal is now conspicuous by its absence since. A
closely monitored programme of the reintroduction of the Gaur is
planned within couple of years. A hunting pack of wild dogs may also
be seen on occasions. Mammal sightings always require a degree of
luck, particularly when the species is essentially nocturnal or
reclusive but each outing in the reserve will at least provide a
chance to meet one of the rarer inhabitants such as Sloth Bear,
Indian fox, Jackal, Wolf, Ratel, Striped Hyenas, Jungle Cat or
Indian Pangolin. More predictable are the sounders of Wild Boar
rooting among the vegetation, Indian Hares, the lively little Palm
Squirrels which seem to be constantly in a state of agitation, and
several members of the mongoose tribe. Common Langurs and Rhesus
Macaques are also plentiful, the former enjoying an elevated view of
the forest as they devour their favourite leaves and often the first
creature to bark out a warning at the appearance of a Tiger below.
Game rides in Bandhavgarh
Game rides in Bandhavgarh India are conducted in Jeeps. Short
Elephant rides are available as well for Tiger Sighting.
Visiting Bandhavgarh
The Bandhavgarh National Park is open from 16th October till 30th
of June every year. The best time to visit Bandhavgarh in India
would be from November to March, as far as the weather is concerned
. However, serious wildlife enthusiasts would be happier visiting
the Park during the warmer months of October, April and May, since
Tiger Sightings are considered better during that time.
Getting to Bandhavgarh
The nearest airport to the Bandhavgarh National Park, is Jabalpur,
which is 220 kms / 4 hours away. Bandhavgarh is also accessible via
Khajuraho, which is about 270 kms/ 5 hours drive. Both Jabalpur and
Khajuraho have direct daily flights from Delhi. On the train route,
the nearest rail station for Bandhavgarh, is Umaria (located 30
kms/45 minutes away), that is connected to both Delhi and Agra.
