Bandhavgarh experiences extreme climatic conditions as winters are bitter
cold and summers are extremely hot. The temperature in the winters varies
between 0°C- 20°C and in the summers can go up to 46°C. The
rainy season usually begins in the month of July when the park is closed.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit the park is between December and February, but April,
May and June are best for Tiger and Leopard sightings. The park is open from
1st October to 30th June and remain closed rest of the year.
Fees Charged at the Park
Entry fees Rs. 20 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreigners. Extra charges for
cameras, vehicles, guides and Elephant rides.
About the Park
National Park lies in the heart of Madhya Pradesh within the district
Sahdol. It is situated 441 m above sea level at Tala on the plateau of
Vindhya Mountain ranges. Bandhavgarh National Park was once the hunting
ground of Rewa Kings. In pre-independence India the tiger population in the
park was decreased due to poaching. Bandhavgarh was declared a National Park
in the year 1968 with a core area of 105 sq. kms. In 1982, the area of the
park is extended up to 448 sq. kms. Bandhavgarh National Park was finally
declared a Tiger Reserve in 1994. Today, the 448 sq. km area of the
Bandhagarh National Park is infested with forest rich of Sal trees, Bamboo,
Amlaki, Mahua, Kendu, Bahera, grasslands and several other woods.
Bandhavgarh National Park is famous for White Tigers, which were first
discovered in Rewa, close to the park Although the White tigers is a rare
species, but you will get an amazing diversity of flora and fauna which make
your trip to this park a memorable experience.
Bandhavgarh National Park has the highest population of tigers in India and
is home to 22 species of wildlife and over 150 species of birds.
» Fauna :
Wildlife found in the park are Tiger,
Leopard, Jungle Cat, Rhesus Monkey, Hanuman Langur, Golden Jackal, Sloth
Bear, Small Indian Civet, Common Palm Civet, Indian Porcupine, Striped
Hyena, Wild Boar, Chital, Northern Palm Squirrel, Sambar, Nilgai, , Small
Indian Mongoose, Indian Grey Mongoose, Ruddy Mongoose, Four-horned Antelope,
Gaur, Indian Hare, Blackbuck, Indian Gazelle, Indian Pangolin etc.
Avian Species :
Over 150 bird species are found in the park that include
the migratory birds which arrive in winter. Some of the famous bird species
found in the park are Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Paradise fly
catchers,Malabar Pied Hornbill, Shahin Falcon, Peacock, Brown Fish Owl,
Jungle Fowl, Golden and Black headed Orioles, Green Barbets, Mynahs Yellow
Ioras, Red-vented Bulbuls, Blue Jays and Purple Sunbirds.
» Bandhavgarh Fort :
Built in 14th century the
Bandhavgarh Fort dominates the hilly area of the park. The fort is now in
ruins has large number of caves belonging to the pre-historic period. The
surrounding forest providing shelter to wildlife.
» Kalchuri Archaeological Remains :
wildlife, Bandhavgarh National Park is also known for the archaeological
remains of the Kalchuri period.
» Safaris :
Jeep Safari and Elephant
Safari are two ways to explore the park. Jeep Safaris can be undertaken
during the early morning till evening. A forest department guide always
accompanies the visitors on the Jeep Safari to the park. Elephant Safari
trips are organized by the forest department which can be undertaken during
the early morning. Elephant Safari is ideal for tiger tracking.
Where to Stay
is available at forest lodge, guest houses and hotels. Madhya Pradesh
Tourist Department has a forest lodge within the park, the PWD and the
Forest Department also have their guest houses. In addition to this, there
are hotels and forest lodges such as Tiger's Den and Taal.
» Air :
Khajuraho (230 kms) is the nearest airport
from Bandhavgarh National Park. The airport is connected by domestic flights
with Delhi, Agra and Varanasi.
» Rail :
Umaria (30 kms) is the nearest railway
station which is on the Katani-Bilaspur section of South-Eastern railway.
Satna (117 kms) is the another convenient rail head. Jeeps are available
from the station to reach the park.
» Road :
The Park is situated on the
Satna-Umaria and Rewa-Umaria highway. Buses of Madhya Pradesh State
Transport are available from Rewa, Satna, Katni, Umaria and several other
places. Distances of some of the important places from Bandhavgarh are
Umaria (30 kms), Katni (75 kms), Rewa 115 (kms), Satna (117 kms), Khajuraho
(230 kms), Kanha (250 kms) and Varanasi (340 kms).
Bandhavgarh National Park Tour Package
Day 01: Depart by train from Delhi to Umaria (travel in air conditioned second class sleeper)
Spend overnight on the train.
Day 02 - 06: Early morning arrive Umaria station (06.00 hrs approx)
Transfer to Bandhavgarh National Park (30 minutes driving time approx.) at your resort for five nights. Enjoy your morning and afternoon jeep-safaris and elephant-rides in the Bandhavgarh National Park. Spend overnight at the Resort.
Morning depart by surface to Jabalpur railway station (170 kms. - 05.00 hrs driving time approx) to board your train at 15.40 hrs (travel in second class air conditioned sleeper) for Delhi. Overnight on board the train.
Day 08: Arrive Delhi at 07.20hrs
Transfer to a hotel for day use. Later in the evening transfer to the International airport to connect your flight for your onward destination.