Location
Bandhavgarh
located in the Sahdol district of Madhya Pradesh, in the central part of
India.
An Overview
Bandhavgarh was the hunting ground preserved by the Maharaja of Rewa.
Consisting of an area of 448 sq. km. it was first declared as a National
Park in the year 1968. The park is known for its tiger population and
immense variety of flora and fauna. In the year 1993, the park came under
the Project Tiger Scheme to preserve the endangered tiger population.
Climate & Ideal Time to Visit
The Parks experiences an extreme climate with cold winters and hot summers.
The winter temperature varies between 0 to 20 degrees C during the months of
November and February. In summers the maximum temperature goes up to 46
degrees C. During Monsoon (June-November) the park receives an average
annual rainfall of 1200mm. Mid-November to June is the ideal time to visit
the park. The park is closed during monsoon season.
Entry Fee
The entry fees for foreigners are Rs 200 and Rs 20 for Indians. Additional
charges are applied for entry of vehicles, cameras and elephant safaris.
Wildlife Attractions
The
Park has an amazing diversity of flora and fauna and one of the best place
for wildlife viewing.
Flora - About Half of the park is covered with a large varieties of trees
including Sal, sali, saj, saja, dhobin and bamboo trees. These trees provide
food and shelter to a wide species of wildlife.
» Fauna - It houses around 22 species of wildlife
including tigers, leopards and bears. The major fauna species include the
tiger, leopards, gaur, chital, sambar, nilgai, wild boar, sloth bear, jungle
cats, porcupines, hyena, jackals, foxes etc.
» Avi-fauna - Besides various mammalian species, the
park is also home to around 150 bird species. Some of the major bird species
are the Grey headed fishing eagle, horn bill, falcon, green pigeons, blossom
headed parakeets, bee eater, owl, minivets, wood shrikes and flycatchers.
Activities
The Park authority provides facilities for elephant safari and jeep safari
in early morning or after 4 pm. These safaris are the best way to explore
the rich flora and fauna of the park. The forest department also provide
guides for these two safari activities.
Accommodation
Forest lodge of the state forest department, the PWD and the Forest
Department guest houses provide accommodation facilities within the park.
Besides, there are hotels and forest lodges at Tala near the park.
Nearest Attractions
Besides
wildlife, Bandhavgarh is also famous for some other attractions including
the archaeological remains of Kalchuri and Bandhavgarh Fort.
» Kalchuri Archaeological Remains - Several
archaeological remains belong to the Kalchuri period have been found here.
» Bandhavgarh Fort - Built in the 14th century the
majestic Bandhavgarh Fort is another must visit place inside the park.
Access
Reaching Bandhavgarh is not very difficult as it is well connected to all
parts of India through air, rail and road.
» Air - The nearest airport is at Khajuraho at a
distance of 230km, which is connected to Delhi, Agra and Varanasi.
» Rail - Located at a distance of 30
km, Umaria is the nearest railhead. It is connected to the cities of Madhya
Pradesh and other surrounding states including the national capital, Delhi.
» Road - State owned and private buses are available
from all major towns of Madhya Pradesh. One can also hire a taxi to get in
to the Bandhavgarh. Some important road distances are : Varanasi(340km),
Khajuraho(230km), Katni(75km), Rewa(115km), Umaria(30km).
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