Bandhavgarh National Park Madhyapradesh

Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the wild life sanctuaries in the Indian state Madhya Pradesh. The national park is situated at 197 km away north-east of Jabalpur. This wild life park derived its very name from an ancient fort in the area. Bandhawgarh National Park belongs to the Vindhyan mountain ranges of central India and it boasts to have the highest density of tiger population in the country.

Now there are about 46 to 52 tigers one can spot here. The park also has a large breeding population of panthers, bisons and various species of deer. This is also known as white tiger country. White tigers have been found in the old state of Rewa for many years. Maharaja Martand Singh captured the last known in 1951. This white tiger, Mohan, is now stuffed and on display in the palace of the Maharajas of Rewa.

Tourist are restricted to an area of 105 km² of the park, known as the Tala range. However this area is richest in terms of biodiversity, mainly tigers. There are four more ranges in the reserve namely – Magdhi, Kallwah, Khitauli and Panpatha. Together, these five ranges comprise the 'Core' of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve constituting a total area of 694 km². The buffer zone is spread over the forest divisions of Umaria and Katni and totals another 437 km². The legal status as a national park dates back to 1968, but was limited only to the present Tala range for a considerable length of time. In 1993 that the present scheme of things was put in place.

Special Attractions In Bandhavgarh


Bandhavgarh Fort: The Bandhavgarh National Park area located on the hills turns majestic with the Bandhavgarh Fort built in 14th century. The fort and the adjacent hills contain many caves belonging to the pre-historic era.

Jeep and Elephant Safari: The wildlife viewing can be enjoyed in two ways in Bandhavgarh National Park, Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari. Jeep safaris from the early morning hours till evening hours are the special attractions in the national park. A forest department guide always accompanies you while your jeep safari within the park.

Elephant safari are organised for tracking the tigers in the early morning. White Tigers: Since yesteryears, the Sal forests of Bandhavgarh National Park have been the favourite habitat of the white tigers. The Bandhavgarh Park is the first place where the white tigers were spotted for the first time. At around eight occasions, the white tigers were seen in the national park. The Maharaja of Rewa successfully bred the white tigers in Rewa.

The best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park is from Mid-November to June. The park remains closed during the time of monsoon and July to early November.