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, the area 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 National Park is open from 1st 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
Bandhavgarh is located about 270 kms/6 hours away from Khajuraho
Airport. Khajuraho has direct daily flights from Delhi. A lot of
tourists travel from Delhi to Umaria (located 30 kms/45 minutes
away) using the overnight Train Services.
