Bandhavgarh National Park 2024
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Bandhavgarh National Park
There are a total of 10 national parks in Madhya Pradesh, out of which tigers are found in the maximum national parks here. And this is because from the very beginning Madhya Pradesh has given a lot of attention to the conservation of tigers and the natural landscape here is also tiger friendly.
And this is the reason that the highest population of tigers in the whole of India is also found in Madhya Pradesh. According to the census of tigers in 2018, it was found that the total population of tigers in Madhya Pradesh is 526, which is more than any other state in India.
Bandhavgarh National Park located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh is one such national park which is a national park with the highest density of tiger population in this state and country. And this is the reason that you are more likely to see a tiger here than in any other national park in the country. According to the tiger census conducted in 2020, the number of tigers in Bandhavgarh National Park is 164.
Apart from all this, there is another reason that makes this national park different from other national parks in the country and that is the white tigers found here. At present, the number of white tigers in the whole world is only around a few hundred and out of these, around 100 white tigers are found in our country India.
White tigers are mainly found in our country’s Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Sundarbans region and Madhya Pradesh. And it is believed that the country’s first white tiger was found in Bandhavgarh National Park of Madhya Pradesh.
In the year 1951, Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa goes hunting in the forests of Bandhavgarh, he finds a white tiger there which is a cub at that time. Seeing the white tiger, Maharaja Martand Singh brings Rewa with him and names him Mohan. At present, all the white tigers we see in our country are all descendants of the tiger named Mohan.
So let’s know in detail about Bandhavgarh National Park and the tigers found here.
Bandhavgarh National Park History
Bandhavgarh, located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, was declared a national park in 1968 and when it was declared a national park, the area of this park was only 105 square kilometres (41 sq mi). And after this, in the year 1993, Bandhavgarh National Park was also given the status of a Tiger Reserve. At present, the total area of this national park is 1161 square kilometres (448 sq mi).
This national park is named after the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort situated on the Vindhya ranges of Umaria. Now when we talk about the Bandhavgarh National Park or the history of this region, we come to know that the history here is related to the time of Treta Yuga i.e. Ramayana.
It is also mentioned in texts like Narada Panchratri and Shiva Purana. Bandhavgarh is a 2000-year-old fort which is believed to have been gifted by Lord Shri Ram to his younger brother Bhaiya Lakshmana. By the way, the literal meaning of Bandhavgarh is also brother’s fort. However, no concrete information has been available so far about when the Bandhavgarh Fort was built.
But this fort built in Treta Yuga is considered a great masterpiece of architecture. According to archaeological surveys also, this fort is believed to be built before Christ. After entering this fort, you can easily see much evidence of human activities and architecture here many centuries ago. According to a legend related to the construction of the fort, this fort was rebuilt by two monkeys named Nal and Neel.
This is the same monkey who built a bridge across the sea to reach Lanka. You also get to see man-made caves, inscriptions and rock paintings in Bandhavgarh Fort. Apart from Treta Yuga, you also get to see the written evidence of this fort and the Bhariho and Vakataka dynasties who ruled in this region.
Apart from this, the kings of the Sengar, Kalchuri and Baghel dynasties have also ruled here. It is believed that the Baghel rulers ruled the region for the longest time. While ruling here, the Baghel rulers declared Rewa as their capital under the policy of expanding the border of their kingdom.
There were also some strategic and economic reasons for this, such as the area of Bandhavgarh was located in a corner of the state, due to which it was very difficult to reach here. Apart from this, most of the land area of this area was uninhabited and there was a large number of predatory wild animals.
As time passed, the kings who ruled here declared this area a game reserve. When it was declared a game reserve, at that time only members of the royal family were allowed to hunt there, apart from this no one else could hunt there. There was a time when the attacks of tigers on the people living here had increased very much, due to which the Raja of Rewa had hunted at least 109 tigers in this forest area at that time.
In this series, Raja Gulab Singh Baghel had hunted about 83 tigers in a single year. But in the year 1968, the kings of Rewa handed over this private property to the state government and after that this forest area was declared a national park. Even today, a large population of tigers is seen in Bandhavgarh National Park and for this reason, in the year 1993, this national park was declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger Network.
Geography Of Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park located in the Satpura mountain range of Madhya Pradesh is a forest area with a tropical monsoon climate. And for this reason, this forest area remains friendly to wildlife in all types of weather, winter, summer and rain.
Bandhavgarh National Park rises from about 410 m (1345 ft) to 810 m (2657 ft) above sea level. An ancient fort is built in the centre of the park and apart from this, this forest is surrounded by 32 hills. At the same time, you get the most unforgettable views of the entire forest area from the highest altitude areas of the park.
The national park is surrounded by a high and dense forest of Sal trees, apart from Sal trees, trees like Sai, Saja and Dhobin are also found in abundance here. Bandhavgarh National Park is spread over a total area of 1536 square kilometres (593 sq mi) but tourists are allowed to visit only a limited area of the park.
This national park is also divided into several zones, in which the maximum number of tigers is likely to be seen in the Tala range. Apart from the Tala range, there are four more zones of Bandhavgarh National Park which are known as Magadhi, Khitauli, Kalwah and Janpath.
Throughout the national park, the night temperature drops drastically during the winter season while the day temperature remains around 20°. During the summer season, the day temperature here goes up to 40° and the nights are much cooler than the day.
The monsoon season is considered to be the breeding season for wildlife in the park and in addition, it receives up to 50 inches of rain at this time of year. Therefore, from June to October, the national park remains closed to tourists.
Fauna in Bandhavgarh National Park
More than 22 species of mammals and wildlife are found in Bandhavgarh National Park and more than 250 species of birds are found here. Common langur and rhesus macaque are commonly seen in the wildlife found here. You can see carnivorous and predatory animals here mainly Bengal fox, wild cat, Asiatic jackal, tiger, sloth bear, striped hyena, rattle, grey mongoose and leopard.
Apart from all this, the wildlife that you can easily see are artiodactyl wild boar, sambar, nilgai, spotted deer, chinkara, causing and gaur. Mammalian wildlife such as the Small Indian Civet, Lesser Bandicoot Rat, Dhole and Palm Squirrel is an occasional sightings.
Flora in Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park is the most heavily vegetated forest area in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. The vegetation of this forest area is dry and deciduous and this place is also the area with the densest vegetation and wildlife in Madhya Pradesh. The relatively moderate climate of this national park makes it a forest area with rich and diverse vegetation.
Surrounded by 32 hills, in this national park, you get to see a forest area with huge rocks, plateaus and grasslands. Half the forest area of this park is surrounded by Sal and Bamboo trees. In the sloping areas of the park, you get to see bamboo and in the plains and valley areas, you get to see Sal trees.
Apart from this, you get to see mixed vegetation in the high-altitude places in the national park. Apart from all this, the vast grasslands also show the diversity of vegetation of this national park. Due to the abundance of rivers and water flowing in Bandhavgarh, you get to see more than 300 types of tree plant species here.
Apart from Sal and Bamboo, there is some other flora which is found prominently here such as Saj, Amla, Palas, Madhuka, Khair, Date, Arjun, Babul, Banyan, Dhak, Kadam, Dhok, Jamun, Dhaura, Mango, Ber, Salai, Tendu, Pterocarpus, Kekra, Karel, Lagerstroemia, Boswellia, Neem, Mahua and Khejra.
Bandhavgarh National Park Weather
Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the central part of the Satpura mountain range of Madhya Pradesh and for this reason, the height of this national park ranges from 400 meters to 800 meters above sea level. The temperature of this national park goes up to 40° during the summer season but the nights are relatively cool.
Whereas during the winter season the night temperature goes down quite a bit but the daytime temperature remains around 20°. The weather here is very good during the monsoon season but this time is considered to be the breeding season of wildlife and apart from this many times the roads are closed due to excessive rain during the monsoon season, hence this national park during the monsoon season Closed for tourists.
Bandhavgarh National Park Weather in Summer
March to June month – Max: approx 42℃ / Min: approx 33℃
Bandhavgarh National Park Weather in Monsoon
July to September month – max: approx 32℃ / min: approx 21℃
(The Bandhavgarh National National Park is closed for tourists during the monsoon season.)
Bandhavgarh National Park Weather in Winter
From October to February month – Max: approx 20℃ / Min: approx 1℃ and less.
Bandhavgarh National Park Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park is from November to March. Because at this time after the monsoon season, the climate of this national park is considered very good in terms of tourism. In the summer season, it is very hot here, due to which you may have to face a lot of inconveniences while doing jungle safari here.
The temperature here is favourable for tourism during the rest of the monsoon season, but at this time of the year, this national park remains closed to tourists.
Note:- 01 The timing of the opening and closing of Bandhavgarh National Park for tourists can be changed by the local administration at any time.
02 All types of officials to open and close the Bandhavgarh National Park for tourists are safe with the local administration.
Bandhavgarh National Park Opening Time
The Bandhavgarh National Park remains open for tourists from 15 October to 30 June.
Bandhavgarh National Park Closing Time
Bandhavgarh National Park is closed for tourists from 01 July to 14 October.
Bandhavgarh National Park Safari Zone
Bandhavgarh National Park located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh has a total of 06 zones, out of which 03 are core zones and 03 buffer zones. The core zone of this park is spread over an area of about 716 square kilometres and this part of the park is divided into 03 parts which are known as Tala Zone, Magadhi Zone and Khitauli Zone.
Whereas, the buffer zone of the park is spread over 820 square kilometres, which are known as Dhamkhor, Johila (Kalwa) and Panpath (Pachpedi). While the core zone of Bandhavgarh National Park is open for tourists only for 06 months a year, the buffer zone is open for tourists throughout the year.
The night safari facility is made available in the buffer zone with special permission.
(It is worth noting here that you can do Night Safari only if you get permission from the concerned department.)
Bandhavgarh National Park Core Zone
Tala Zone
Tala Zone is the most famous and most visited core zone of Bandhavgarh National Park, where tigers are most likely to be seen. Apart from this, this part of Tala Zone Park is the oldest known. The Tala Zone also houses the Bandhavgarh Fort and the world-famous Deity of Lord Vishnu built in the 10th century, in which he is lying in the posture of the rest of the bed.
The Charan Ganga river originates in this part of the park, which is also considered to be the mainstream of the park. You also get to see caves built around the 10th century in the Tala Zone itself. If we talk about the vegetation and natural landscapes here, then I would like to tell you that in this part of Bandhavgarh National Park you get to see the famous Chakradhara and Rajbhera meadows.
Overall, the Tala Zone has the highest probability of tiger sightings, with the vast Sal tree forest, mountainous landscape and grasslands making it the most visited zone in the nation.
Magadhi Zone
Magadhi Zone of Bandhavgarh National Park is a mixed dense forest area. Many man-made water holes have been built here on the part of the park, such as water holes like Dabhadhole, Sukhi Patiha, Murdhwa, Sukhi Patiha and Charakpawaha.
In the recent few years, the movement of tigers in this part of the park has increased a lot, due to which the chances of seeing tigers in this part of the park increases a lot.
Khitauli Zone
In this part of Bandhavgarh National Park, you can see more dry deciduous forest areas. A herd of migratory wild elephants was seen in this part of the park some time ago and in recent years this part of the park has also emerged as the most prone to tiger sightings.
In this part of the park, you can easily see wildlife like Chausinga, Chinkara and Nilgai. Botanically, you will get to see bamboo in sufficient quantity here.
Bandhavgarh National Park Buffer Zone
Dhamokhar buffer zone
The Dhamkhor buffer zone of Bandhavgarh National Park is an extension of the Magadhi Zone, the core zone of the park. The entrance to this part of the park is located between Mahaman and Parsi village, which is located at a distance of 14 km from the most famous Tala Zone of this National Park.
The Dhamkhor buffer zone includes areas like Badawar, Kehrawa, Kalwadhar, Jamuniya, Madhava, Mudgudi, Jhanjh and Kadewaha. This part of the park gives you a chance to see some of the natural caves of Sehimada, Mudgudi Dam and Kadewaha meadow.
Johila Buffer Zone
Just as the Dhamkhor buffer zone is an extension of the Magadhi zone of the park, the Johila buffer zone is also an extension of the Tala zone of the park. The entrance of the Johila buffer zone is located at a distance of 35 km from Tala village, near Chechpur village and Manpur-Shadol.
The main attraction of this zone is the Johila Falls, which tourists keep coming from far and wide to see. Amarkantak is the source of the Johila river flowing in the park, which further joins the Son river. Apart from this Badiya Ghat, Kuthuliya Falls, Zurnar Ghat and Chhindiya Ghat are other attractions of this part of the park.
Panpath buffer zone
The Panpath buffer zone of this park, situated at a distance of about 25 km from Tala village, is an extension of the Khitauli zone of this national park. In this part of the park, you can easily see wildlife like Chausinga, Wild Dog, Blue Bull and Chinkara. Botanically you can find bamboo, arjuna and deciduous trees in the forest part.
Apart from this, a very beautiful stream also flows here where you can enjoy lunch and breakfast.
Bandhavgarh National Park Entry Fee
| S.no | Particular | Entry Fees For Single Seat Gypsy | Entry Fees For Full Vehicle
(06 Person) |
| 01 | Weekdays | 400/- INR Per Person | 2400/- INR For 06 Person |
| 02 | Weekend | 500/-INR Per Person | 3000/- INR For 06 Person |
Bandhavgarh National Park Safari
A total of four types of jungle safaris can be done in Bandhavgarh National Park – Gypsy Safari, Full Day Safari, Canter Safari and Elephant Safari. Gipsy safari is the most preferred among these four jungle safaris, apart from this, if you want to do a full-day safari, then you may have to pay around Rs 70000/-.
Whereas it is very difficult to get permission for Elephant Safari. Apart from this, canter safaris can also be done whose cost per person is around Rs.550/-. Entry fee, jungle safari and guide in Bandhavgarh National Park all have to be paid separately. In Gypsy, you are provided with both full vehicle and single seat options.
Bandhavgarh National Park Elephant Safari
| S.no | Particular | Elephant Safari Price | Elephant Safari Timing | Elephant Safari Capacity |
| 01 | Adult | 1000/- INR Per Person | 8:00 AM to 09:00 AM (Morning) | 04 Person |
| 02 | Child(Age 5-12) | 500/-INR Per Person | 09:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Evening) |
Note:- 01 Elephant Safari duration in Bandhavgarh National Park is only half an hour.
02 Before elephant safari, the elephant’s availability and its health are inspected by the administration, only after that elephant safari is allowed.
03 Allowing Elephant Safari is entirely up to the local administration.
04 Elephant Safari timings are subject to change by the local administration at any time.
05 Afternoon safari in Bandhavgarh National Park is closed every Wednesday.
06 Even on the festival of Holi, both morning and evening safaris are closed in Bandhavgarh National Park.
Bandhavgarh National Park Jeep Safari
| S.no | Type of Jeep Safari | Safari cost | Jeep Hiring cost | Guide | Total | Capacity |
| 01 | Single Seat | 500/- INR Per Person | 3000/- INR
(divide into 06 Person) |
480/- INR
(divide into 06 Person) |
1080/- INR Per Person | 06 Person |
| 02 | Full Vehicle | 3000/-INR Per Person | 3000/- INR | 480/- INR | 6480/- INR For 06 Person | 06 Person |
Note:- 01 Before entering the park, take complete information about the rules related to the park.
02 For more information related to travel, safari and online booking in Bandhavgarh National Park, visit the official website of the park ( https://forest.mponline.gov.in/ )
03 Your safari booking in Bandhavgarh National Park is liable to be cancelled without prior notice in case of any emergency.
04 The cost of Jeep Safari and any other Safari is subject to change by the local administration at any time.
05 You can enter the park from only one gate at a time, to enter through all the other gates, you will have to pay a separate entrance fee.
06 Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari will have to pay a separate fee.
07 Afternoon Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park is closed every Wednesday.
08 Even on the festival of Holi, both morning and evening safaris are closed in Bandhavgarh National Park.
Bandhavgarh National Park Safari Timing
| Jungle Safari Timing | 15th Oct To 15th Feb | 16th Feb To 31 March | 01st April To 30th June |
| Morning | 06:30 AM To 11:00 AM | 6:30 AM To 11:00 AM | 05:30 AM To 10:00 AM |
| Evening | 02:30 PM To 5:30 PM | 03:00 PM To 06:00 PM | 04:00 PM To 07:00 PM |
Note:- 01 Before going on safari in any zone, once you must know about the time of safari.
02 Safari timings can be changed by the local administration at any time.
03 The timing of the safari is subject to change according to the weather.
Hotels in Bandhavgarh National Park
Tala, located near Bandhavgarh National Park, have official accommodation facilities for tourists, but the chances of getting vacant rooms are very less here. Apart from this, there are many private resorts near the core zone and buffer zone of the park, where you can easily book a room for yourself with the help of a phone and online facility.
Almost all the resorts and hotels located near the park also provide the facility of jungle safari but for this, you will have to pay an additional fee to the resort people.
How To Reach Bandhavgarh National Park
How to reach Bandhavgarh National Park by Air
The nearest airport to Bandhavgarh National Park is Dumna Airport of Jabalpur, which is only 194 kilometres away from this national park. And apart from this, the distance of Bandhavgarh National Park from Khajuraho Airport is 250 km.
From both these airports, you can easily reach Bandhavgarh National Park with the help of taxis, cabs and buses. Direct and connecting air service will be available for these two airports from almost all the airports in India.
How to reach Bandhavgarh National Park by Rail
Bandhavgarh National Park is also very well connected to the country by rail. The distance of this national park from Umaria railway station is only 22 km and from here you will get a regular taxi, cab and bus service to Bandhavgarh. Apart from this, the distance from Katni to Bandhavgarh is only 95 km.
From here also regular traffic will be available to Bandhavgarh. Umaria and Katni Both these cities are very well connected by rail to many major cities of the country.
How to reach Bandhavgarh National Park by Road
Bandhavgarh National Park is very well connected by road to many major cities of Madhya Pradesh like Satna, Umaria, Jabalpur and Khajuraho. From all these cities, you can easily reach this national park with the help of a taxi, cab and bus service. Apart from this, if you want, you can easily reach this national park with the help of your vehicle.
Jabalpur To Bandhavgarh National Park Distance 194 KM
Raipur To Bandhavgarh National Park Distance 439 KM
Nagpur To Bandhavgarh National Park Distance 470 KM
Bilaspur To Bandhavgarh National Park Distance 325 KM
Gondia To Bandhavgarh National Park Distance 348 KM
Bhopal To Bandhavgarh National Park Distance 502 KM
Indore To Bandhavgarh National Park Distance 690 KM
Satna To Bandhavgarh National Park Distance 140 KM
Umaria To Bandhavgarh National Park Distance 22 KM
Katni To Bandhavgarh National Park Distance 95 KM
(If you have reached here in this article of mi
