Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh is located in Vindhya hills of Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh. In 1968 the area got its status of a National Park and now has become one of the preferred parks for Tiger Safari in India that includes photographing and tracking Tigers in wild.

Bandhavgarh national park is one of the famed tiger abodes of India, sheltering World’s highest density of Bengal Tigers. Its expanse weaves both core and buffer zones making a total of 1536 sq. km. It’s a paradise for big cat lovers, photographers, and wildlife filmmakers. Other than Tigers and Leopards the mixed vegetation of Sal and Savannahs makes Bandhavgarh an abode of wild elephants, sloth bear, spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer, Indian gaur, jackal, wild boar, langur and macaques. On record, Bandhavgarh fosters 37 species of mammals, 80 species of butterflies, and more than 250 species of birds.

The core and the buffer zone occupying a total area of 1200 sq.km is home ground to over 55 tigers at present.

Core Zones in Bandhavgarh National Park

Tala Zone

Tala zone of Bandhavgarh is the park’s oldest zone, housing the famous Bandhavgarh fort. There is a 10th-century statue of Vishnu, Shesh Shaiya which is highly revered and is a major tourist attraction. Shesh Shiya is the point of origin of the Charan Ganga river, which is the lifeline of the park and many large meadows. Bari Gufa cave from the 10th century is also located here. Tala zone includes the famous Chakradhara and Rajbhera meadows that offer scenic views and exceptional sightings. Many famous documentaries on Tigers have been filmed around these meadows including The Hunt & Dynasties. Tala zone is characterized by towering Sal forests, hillocks and grasslands.

Magdhi Zone

Magdhi is the zone characterized by grassland and mixed dense forest cover. A number of natural and manmade water holes like Sukhi Patiha, Dabhadhole, Charkpwaha, Murdhawa are in Magdhi. In recent years Magdhi has come up as the best place for tiger sightings in Bandhavgarh.

Khitauli Zone

Khitauli zone is more of a dry-deciduous forest and has come up as a hot spot for Tiger sightings in the last few years. About a year back a herd of migrant wild elephants moved here and have established Khitauli as their home. Khitauli zone is also good for sighting neelgai, four-horned antelope and chinkara.

Buffer zones in Bandhavgarh National Park

There is a myth that tigers are only sighted in the core zone of the park. Tigers are highly territorial cats and not every individual is fortunate enough to make his or her domain in the prime locations of the park. The sub-adults start establishing their own territories around the age of 2-3 years and usually have to content themselves with not the best part of the forest which is in buffer or territorial forests.

Buffer zone is open for tourists throughout the year. Popular for its spectacular Night safari (7.30-10.00 pm), the wild nocturnal dwellers can be sighted in both Dhamokhar and Panpatha.

Dhamokhar Buffer

An extension to Magadhi zone – Dhamokhar buffer's entry point lies between Mahaman and Parasi village. It is 14 km away from Tala. It covers Jamunia, Jhanjh, Mudgudi, Kehrawah, Kadewaha, Madehavah, Kalwadhaar and Badawar regions. This zone features Mudgudi dam, a few natural caves of Sehimaada, Kadewaha grassland, etc. ideals for wildlife spotting.

Johila Buffer

An extension to Tala zone – Johila buffer's entry point lies near Chechpur village, on the way towards Manpur – Shahdol. It is 35 km away from Tala village. Named after the scenic Johila waterfall, it's an attraction for tourists during buffer safari. Johila rises from Amarkantak and drains to Son river. Kuthulia waterfall, Chindia ghaat, Badia ghaat, Zurnar ghaat, etc. are other attractions in this buffer.

Panpatha (Pachpedi)

An extension to Khitauli zone – Panpatha buffer's entry point lies near Pachpedi village. It is 25 km away from Tala village. The major attractions of this area are Chinkara, four-horned antelope, blue bull, and even wild dogs. The forest is covered with bamboo and deciduous trees. A beautiful stream populated with Arjun trees is a scenic point for breakfast and lunch for tourists in this zone.

SAFARI ESSENTIALS

When on Safari, besides wearing appropriate clothing there are a few essentials that can make the overall experience remarkable. Here is a list of items that can be carried along;

Sun Screen
Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Neutral (Khaki, Green, Brown) colored clothing
Preferably very light cotton in summer
For winters, windbreaker, warm jacket, sweater, fleece, gloves, warm cap
Safari hat or cap
Stole, buff, or scarf for protection from heat and dust
Boots or closed shoes
Binoculars

FAQ's

Why is Bandhavgarh famous?

Brimming with wildlife, Bandhavgarh is a famous destination for wildlife lovers from all across the globe. Bandhavgarh National Park also holds a rich mythological history & is a place of interest for historians & archeologists. Bandhavgarh National Park is amongst the best places to see tigers in the wild. Bandhavgarh National Park is famed for one of the highest densities of Bengal tigers in the world.

What is the best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park?

Bandhavgarh National Park core zone is open from 1st October to 30th June. However, the buffer zone of the park which is kept open for wildlife lovers, throughout the year, is renowned for its tiger activities.

But every season has its unique charm. Post monsoons the forests start buzzing with activity and life, and the entire landscape is transformed to a glorious lush landscape. The winter months from November to March, are the most inviting months to witness the gleaming, winter coats of all the flora and fauna; in this enchanting deciduous landscape.

January to March are perfect for sightings, especially the adrenaline pumping experience of spotting the tiger. These months are ideal for bird watching too. April to June though hot offers one of the best opportunities to see wildlife specially Tigers.

How many days are sufficient to visit Bandhavgarh?

Bandhavgarh, the land of tigers, in addition to being the dwelling spot for tigers, also holds a wide range of attractions, for one to explore. Other than tiger safari experience, other famous activities in Bandhavgarh include, visit to Bansagar dam, visit to Shesh Shaiya, Village visits, Cycling & Nature Walk. In order to enjoy Bandhavgarh, one must also explore the local Baiga. Hence 5-6 days is an ideal time to explore Bandhavgarh completely.

How to book safari tickets for Bandhavgarh?

Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park can be booked through online portal of MP Forest Department. One can also reach out to our team, that can assist in booking a complete package including safaris. It is always advised to book your safaris in advance so that you can pick a zone of your choice.

Which zone of Bandhavgarh is best?

The core zones of Tala & Magadhi picked interest amongst wildlife tourists, due to the dense vegetation of towering Sal forests, hillocks, and grasslands and their meadows that offer both scenic views and exceptional sightings. However, Bandhavgarh being one of the parks with highest density of tigers, the chances of sighting are equally good across the other zones including the buffer.

Please read our blog for more information on zones in Bandhavgarh

Our team will be happy to curate tours for 2 or more parks.