Location: Bandhawgarh National Park, Tala, Umaria (M.P.), India, Pin Code - 484 661
Area: 1,536 km²
Established Year:1968
Nearest Airport: Jabalpur(200 KM) & Khajuraho(250 KM)
Nearest City: Umaria
Nearest Railway Station: Umaria Station(33 KM)
Entry Fee: Rs. 2200 for Indian Nationals and Rs. 4300 for foreigners(Guide & Vehicles)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Number of Species: 300 plus species
Bandhavgarh is a place of mythical and legendary significance. It is situated in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh is spread in the core area of 105 sq. KM. The landscape of this national park varies between undulating, steep edges open meadows, and forest. It is also renowned as the land of tigers. This is among the best places to visit if you want to spot the large cats. Bandhavgarh National Park has the utmost density of Royal Bengal Tigers in the world. This national park in olden days was the famous hunting grounds of Maharaja of Rewa but presently is famous for inhabiting White Tigers. The terrain of the park is broken and is characterized by rocky hill ranges that are interspersed with grassy swamps and forested valleys.
The history of Bandhavgarh National Park is more than 2000-years-old. It is a legendary place that has much historical significance. Bandhavgarh Fort is one of the major tourist attractions of the national park which is situated inside the national park. This fort depicts the rich history of the region and takes you to the bygone era. As per legends, it is related to the epic “Ramayana” period when this Fort was gifted to Lord Rama’s younger brother Lakshmana.
Bandhavgarh National Park is divided into three major zones for the convenience of the visitors called Camera, Magdi, and Tala. The Tala and Magdi zones are the major attraction of the tourists who wish to enjoy tiger sighting opportunities. Exclusive elephant shows are organized in the Magdi zone to increase the chances of spotting the elusive king of the jungle.
The foliage of Bandhavgarh National Park is the driest and deciduous type and the moderate climate provides for a favorable topography that supports the growth of rich and varied flora in the park. The major vegetation of the park is filled with Bamboo stretches on the lower slopes of the region and the Sal forest in the valleys. Bandhavgarh region is extremely fertile and is quite lush featuring 300 species of flora found at both the core and the buffer region of the park. The Bandhavgarh National Park also features a wide variety of wildlife fauna including Leopards, Sambar, sloth bear, ratel, jungle cat, leopard, grey mongoose, Barking Deer, Sambar, Chausingha, Nilgai, and Chinkara are to name a few. Along with this the park also features a wide variety of species of birds like Grey Hornbill, Common Teals, Red Jungle Fowl, and White Breasted Kingfisher, etc.
Elephant Safari – During this safari, one will be riding on an elephant’s back. It is a unique way of exploring the national park. Only three people are allowed on an elephant safari. Elephant joy rides timing from early sunrise to sunset. The elephant safari cost is INR 500 per person for Indians (per hour) and INR 1,500/- per person for Foreigners (per hour).
Jeep Safari - It is the best way to explore the flora and fauna of the national park. At Bandhavgarh National Park Safaris, Jeep Safari can be done twice a day. The morning shift starts early at the time of sunrise at 06:00 A.M. and in the afternoon one starts in between 02:00 P.M. up to sunset. The jeep safari carries six visitors at a time. The full vehicle permit is INR 2,500 per trip.
Canter Safari – It is another option to undertake jungle safari. It is nothing but an open bus in which safari is done while the canter safari permits 16 tourists. The morning shift starts from 06:00 AM to 11:00 AM and the afternoon shift starts from 02:00 P.M. to 05:30 P.M. Canter safari charges are INR 1000 per person for both Indians and Foreigners.
Accordingly to seasons, sunrise and sunset timings may differ;
Important note
At Bandhavgarh in the evening shift of safari remains closed for visitors every Wednesday. During Holi festival both the safari shifts remains closed (in March) The fee will be payable before the entry at the counter. Kindly check the cost of safaris and timings before planning your trip as it may differ.
The places to visit around Bandhavgarh National Park include Kanha National Park, Jabalpur, the temple town of Khajuraho, Panna National Park and the Pench National Park. The places to visit in the national park are the Bandhavgarh Fort and Bandhavgarh hill which is the highest hill in the reserve of Bandhavgarh with an altitude of 807 meters above the sea level. All these tourist attractions got Bandhavgarh its prominence in the tourist map of India receiving a large number of tourists from all around the world.
Cheshpur Water Fall - It is a natural waterfall, located at a distance of 50 km from Bandhavgarh. It is an idyllic place for the sightseers to enjoy a picnic here.
Jwalamukhi Temple – It is the temple of the deity Jwalamukhi situated on the bank of the river “Charan Ganga” at a distance of 11 km away from Bandhavgarh. This place has a unique geological influence due to which it appeals to a large number of visitors.
Fossil National Park – This Park is being spread over an area of above 275,100 square meters and situated at a distance of 110 km away from Bandhavgarh. The fossil plants are the mollusks. These fossils are 40 million years old that look like usual rocks.
Bamera Dam – It is located around 20 km away from Bandhavgarh. A favorite with bird lover, the dam is visited by Avifauna. This is a beautiful place with a good natural atmosphere for magnetism visitors here.
Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh is located in the south-east of Khajuraho town and the distance from Khajuraho to Bandhavgarh is 250 km via Maihar – Barhi. It is the most chosen route. Khajuraho is a UNESCO world heritage destination representing the heritage and culture of Chandela reign.
A significant national park sited in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. The things to see around is Baghel Museum which is the warehouse and comprises all the personal belongings of Maharaja of Rewa are being kept for display, Village Tala is the place the tourists prefer to visit, Mahaman Pond is another attraction to see is being surrounded by bamboo clusters, Kethika, Bari Gufa and many more. All these tourist attractions which you can visit for spotting adventure and other places of cultural and historical importance.
Baghel Museum – It is the storehouse where all the belongings of Maharaja of Rewa are kept here for exhibition. Along with that museum also displays the stuffed body of the first white tiger being dotted by the Maharaja of Rewa. Travelers come here to discover the royal and jungle life of Bandhavgarh. The timings to visit Baghel Museum are from 10:00 A.M. to 03:00 P.M. and 05:00 P.M. to 08:00 P.M.
Village Tala – It is one of the loveliest attractions of Bandhavgarh and it is the lowest point of Bandhavgarh. It brings many fascinating backdrops all around the location.
Mahaman Pond – This is being placed near the Bandhavgarh Fort which is surrounded by bamboo masses where a large number of wild creatures are found.
Kethika – This place is well-known as the Pandanus point where a lump of a fragrant plant called Kewra can be found here. It is a real flora treasure of Bandhavgarh which attracts tourists to explore here.
Climber’s Point –This is one of the most incredible places in Bandhavgarh which signifies nature’s beauty. The entire place owes its charisma to the Bamboo and Sal trees that flood the forested region. This is the ultimate place for tourists to take some rest.
Bari Gufa – The Bari Gufa means “The Giant Cave” showcase the prehistoric monument of the past. It is one of the most ancient formations in Indian history.
Three Cave Point – This point can be easily visible from the Ganesh Hillock. It is one of the most fascinating points in Bandhavgarh which attracts visitors.
Rajbahera – It is an additional attraction to see around which can be seen from the Bandhaini Hillock.
The Shesh Shaya - It is located on the Bandhavgarh hill. The Shesh Shaya is an awe-inspiring 65 Ft. tall statue of Lord Vishnu is in a sleeping posture with an umbrella of seven hooded serpents along with the “Shivling” and the “Lord Brahma” are positioned here.
Bandhavgarh National Park lies on the extreme northeastern border of Madhya Pradesh and is spread over Vindhyan Mountains. The climate of this national park is characterized by well-defined summers, winters, and rains. During winters the temperature shows a falls up to 2°C while in summer it might raise to 45°C and the Monsoons are accompanied by heavy showers.
| Month | Normal Temperature | Warmest Temperature | Coldest Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6.4°C | 13.6°C | 1.1°C |
| February | 7.1°C | 16.3°C | 10.7°C |
| March | 10.9°C | 19.6°C | 19.1°C |
| April | 15.4°C | 30.5°C | 27.3°C |
| May | 21.7°C | 39.7°C | 33.7°C |
| June | 32.3°C | 45.4°C | 37.0°C |
| July | 30.2°C | 41.1°C | 35.2°C |
| August | 31.9°C | 39.5°C | 35.2°C |
| September | 29.1°C | 37.5°C | 31.6°C |
| October | 28.3°C | 35.9°C | 30.8°C |
| November | 25.2°C | 30.0°C | 22.3°C |
| December | 20.4°C | 25.9°C | 18.9°C |
Bandhavgarh National Park is open for tourists from the 15th of October to the 30th of June. The peak time for visiting this wildlife retreat in the pleasing weather of winters. The best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park is during the winter season from October to March.
The Bandhavgarh National Park is well connected with many cities and tourist destinations. It can be easily reached by any of the three modes of transportation be it by road, train or flight. The nearest largest town connected by road, train and charter plane is Umaria.
By Train: For travelers who would love travel by train can board the train to Jabalpur and Katni railway stations. The nearest railway station is Umaria after Katni railway station, from where it is about 45 minutes’ drive to natural heritage. One can also board a direct ride from Delhi to Umaria in a train.
By Air: Since Bandhavgarh doesn’t have an airport facility for mainstream flights one can fly to Jabalpur the nearest city to Bandhavgarh having good air connectivity with major cities of India. It takes around four hours’ drive to reach the park from Jabalpur airport.
By Road: Bandhavgarh National Park is easily accessible from the nearby cities by way of the road. However, Umaria is the closest town to the national park. There are destinations viz. Jabalpur, Katni, and Khajuraho from where travelers can plan a visit.
Bandhavgarh National Park from New Delhi is well associated and offers a comfortable journey to travelers. Bandhavgarh national park is located at a distance of 870 km from Delhi.
By Train: Passengers can also opt for an overnight journey on the train. The nearest railway station from Bandhavgarh National Park is the Umaria and Katni. It takes around 12-13 hours to reach the railway station. Cab services are easily available for further journey.
By Air: The nearest railway station is the Jabalpur Airport (160 km) and Khajuraho Airport (225 km). These domestic airports are connected with Delhi. One can hire a cab from the respective airports for the national park.
By Road: The nearest town is Umaria and other major nearby places are Khajuraho, Jabalpur, and Katni. People can plan their visit from these places as well. The roads are well-maintained and one can reach the national park without any hassle.
Bandhavgarh National Park from Mumbai is well-connected and well-associated. Mumbai is located at 1223 km from the national park and travelers can reach there by all the modes of transports.
By Train: The nearest railway station from the national park is Katni till where one can easily find the train from Mumbai. From Katni, one can avail of the taxi or cab for the national park.
By Air: Jabalpur is located at a distance of 160 km which is the nearest airport from the national park. Mumbai is well-connected with the Jabalpur Airport. Cab services are easily available for the further journey.
By Road: One can drive till the national park from Mumbai via Nashik and Indore. It will take 17 hours to reach there by road.
Bandhavgarh National Park accommodates some of the most alluring resorts and hotels as the lodging options in the buzz zone of the reserve. Enjoy comforting in this most relaxing and fascinating locality of the national park.The various accommodation options include
Indian Visit offers the best lodging options in the Bandhavgarh. You can also book the Wildlife Resorts in Bandhavgarh with us.
Indian Visit offers the best booking services for Bandhavgarh National Park. One can also book the meticulously crafted Wildlife Tour Packages with us and which allows you to enjoy the Jungle safari and let you spot some of the exotic wildlife species.
© Indian Visit. Recognized by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
