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Bandhavgarh Tourism Routes

Bandhavgarh Tourism Routes:
The tourism zone of Tala range is approx 105 sq kms. It is the oldest tourism zone of Bandhavgarh National Park. Over the years it has come to prominence that the Tiger population has increased in the tourism zone in Bandhavgarh. Reasons for Tiger population on rise in the tourism zone are many; to name a few, Tigers getting used to the tourists, Tigers feeling safe with the tourists, besides tourism is kind of unofficial patrolling of the park hence it keeps the poachers as well away.

The increased Tiger sightings in Tala range have obviously made Bandhavgarh a very popular park with Tiger tourists. This has resulted in increased tourism in the zone, which prompted the forest authorities to take some corrective steps to curb the impact of tourism on the park. As Tiger is a highly territorial animal, so there are some obvious areas where the Tiger sightins are better compared to the rest in the zone, so the smart guides and the drivers in order to show the tiger to their tourists started to focus on some areas, which on some occasions resulted in lot of crowd, it still does at times though.

So, the forest department made some routes for the vehicles, there is a draw of the routes in the morning before the gate opens, and every vehicle gets a route assigned, so all vehicles have to follow the route designated. This has certainly controlled the rush to quite an extent.

In order to familiarise the common tourist we have listed the various routes in detail, it is noticeable that all the routes currently have good Tiger sightings in Tala range. This has obviously been done by our resident naturalist Mr Jagat Narain Chaturvedi, who is a veteran of the park at an age of only 30 years. Being born in the park, his familiarity of the park, the flora, fauna and the trails of the animals is second to none.

Route –A, 23kms long.
1. Judmani Talob: Active point for various flora and fauna & it’s being covered by following Tigers: Chorbahara female , Chakradhara female & B-2 (the dominant male) as part of territories .

2. Ketkiha (pendulous point): This place has a lot of "ketki"or pendulous plants .

3. Murdhawa Elephant camp: with baby elephants as well in the camp.

4. Bhitari grassland: With a young Tigress of Chakradhara female now named as Bhitari female. Watch tower nicely located for viewing wildlife of the area .

5. Aama- nala junction: Used to be an elephant camp long time ago so the place is known as Aama nala elephant camp, this camp is now shifted to Murdhawa.

6. Murhar ghati junction: Connects with Banbai , Rampur & Aamanala areas ,famous crossing point for Banbai Tigress with her three cubs .

7. Rajbahara grassland: On Banbai road it’s a mini grassland compare to Rajbahara in western part of the park.

8. Rampur junction: It is connecting, Banbai , Andhiyari Jhiria and Rampur areas. An active point for the sightings of big male Tiger B-2 , and Mirchani and Banbai Tigresses .

9. Chua: Crossing point for the animals of the area from buffer to tourist zone including B-2 Tiger and Banbai Tigress.

10. Damana village: A good example of degraded forest due to cultivation and villagers activities. See the difference between protected and unprotected area .

11. Tamariha: Crossing point for the Male Tiger B-2 , Andhiyari Jhiria and Mirchani female for both routes, i.e towards Rampur and Andhiyari Jhiria.

12. Andhiyari Jhiria stream: An ideal point for Tigers in summer because of water in the area and the shade due to dense vegetation, to relax during day time.

14. Andhiyari Jhiria grassland: Habitat for herbivorous animals and the Tigers of the area.

15. Elephant camp on Mirchani road: to keep the bull elephant "Indrajeet" away from young male elephants due to some serious fight with the young ones in the past.

16. Damnar river water body: Originates from Rajbahara grassland.

17. Mirchani junction: This junction connects western , southern and northern parts of the park.

18. Sher marg: Junction for Hardiha ,Bagh dalaaka , Mukunda and Sukhi Patiha.

19. Center point Hardiha: Point to register the arrival of vehicles to declare that the route has been done and to take the token for tiger sighting by elephant.

Route –B
01. First junction for route: A, second junction for the route-c, third junction for route –d on left hand side, route –b is straight for “siddha baba” a famous temple. According to folk lore, one of the saints while meditating got buried alive when the surrounding growth took over, during meditating on Lord Shiva to achieve self realisation, and to get free from the cycle of life and death. Right in front of the temple is the famous cave of Chorbahara Tigress on Dorwa hill. The grassland alongside of temple stretching over on the left hand side of the road is an active area for lot of herbivores and carnivores including the Chorbahara Tigress. The famous Charan (Foot) Ganga (ganges) river originating from the feet of Lord Vishnu’s 32 feet long reclining stature flows through this grassland, thus providing sufficient water for the animals to quench their thirst..

02. Chakradhara grassland: is being surrounded from all sides by hills, creating a beautiful and scenic palce to see the sun rise and sun sets, it provides suitable habitat for various animals due to it’s marsh. On to the left hand side of this meadow is Machai hill, and right below and adjoining to the Jeep track is plenty of water in the grassland which provides a very cool point in the summers for the animals to overcome heat by being in shade, water and enjoying the weeds and grass. Locally it’s known as Air-Conditioned area for B2 and Chakradhara Tigress.

03. Cave No. 1: crossing point for B2 Tiger from Ramtalaiyya and Geranha as well for Chakradhara female.

04. Gopalpur: This water body is nicely located on to the left hand side of the road. The pond was named after Village Gopalpur Pond in the period of Maharajas. It is an active water hole for birds and animals of the area.

05. Badi Gufa (Big Cave): This is one of the most famous points for its regular use by the forest department as a place to provide tokens for the Tiger sighting by the elephant as well as to control the tourist movement. This cave was used by monks and saints to meditate. In particular the Buddhist monks. There are a total of 39 caves around the fort dug in sand stone. Badi gufa is one of the caves having nine small cells and with a big hall in the centre. Individual cells were used by the monks to meditate and later meet in the central hall to listen to the discourse from the Master. Currently this cave is residence and good habitat for the Great Eastern Horse Shoe bats.

06. Ganesh Pahari (Lord Ganesha Hill): This is a beautiful point to enjoy the panoramic view of the park and also to photograph the sunrise.

07. Khirki junction: This place takes one to Ghora Daman, which is a good vantage point to spot the movement of Vanvai Tigress her cubs, and also B2 Tiger. This route is also used to get to Rampur Pahari.

08. Ghora Daman road: is being used by both, B2 Tiger and Chakradhara Tigress. from the top of Khiraki road , one can spot the emergency gate of the fort, hence it is locally known as Khiraki (window) of the Bandhavgarh fort.

09. Ghora Daman & Banbai Junction: Right in front of the junction Ghora Daman water hole is located. Meaning of Ghora Daman is a deep gorge formed on the surface of the rocks which is leapable only by horse). This water hole has a great use in summers for both the Tigers, i.e. B-2 & Vanvai Tigress as well as other animals of the area.

10. Rampur Hill: One has to take a steep ride to get atop this hill, forest department developed this pointt as a photographers point to enjoy the panoramic view of both sides of Vanvai and Khiraki.

11. Rampur Junction: This point connects Vanvai, Andhiyari Jhiria & Rampur. An active point for B-2 Tiger, Vanvai and Michani Tigresses.

After Rampur Junction: The points are same as on Route A upto the center point as mentioned on Route –A, from point 10 to 19. Route C 1.Second junction to the right hand side after entry from Tala gate, this junction itself is a famous crossing point for Chorbahara Tigress and B-2

2.Chorbahara: Little stream flows across the road, and an active point for the movement of most animals and birdlife. Chorbahara Tigress, has been named after this particular spot .

3.Bokarah Baha: It is also known as VIP road, as long back this was a point for putting a goat as a bait to attract the Tiger. Bokarah means Goat.

4.Dhobia Khol: Point on the right hand side of the road, a small water hole is located nearby, which attracts lot of mammals and birds of the vicinity.

5.Dhobia Khol trail: Connects with road, a spot for animals to come up on the road and to take short cut some times to walk silently to catch prey.

6.Susiyari Fire Line: This is a good point for barking deer and catch a short view of the tiger crossing the fire line.

7.Susiyari: A narrow road through rocks to get on the other side of the hill.

8.Thodi: Point for animals to get to water hole which is located in the dense vegetation beyond vision from the road. Thodi cave on the left hand side of road an example of natural caves or densused by several animals.

9.Akala Kunda: A pont with little water hole nicely located on the right hand side of the road at bottom of the hillock. This point is also popular for the sighting of Leopard and Bear.

10.Nagin Road Junction: This Junction divides the route to Mahawan, you may go via visit to the Charger point (named after the famous Tiger by the name of Charger which ruled the entire tourism zone for over 10 years in late 80s and 90s. Susiyari road is for Durwa Pugdandi (trail). Susiyari Junction linked with route –e to Chakradhara, from Susiyari Junction towards Mahawan talab, there are two more trails connecting on the way to mahawan .

11.Mahawan Talab: Good water hole for various wild animals, and a good point for wildlife veiwing early morning and late evening.

12.Scratch mark: A point with Tiger scratch marks on the main trunk of “frankin sence” tree (bowsbelia saratta) on to the left hand side of the road, it also connects with a trail just next to it used regularly by the territorial Tiger.

13.Mahawan Maidan: This particular point has plain ground which attracts many species of the birdlife such as pipits, buzzards, yellow wattled lapwing etc. as well as rare Nilgais (the blue bulls ), chinkara (Indian gazzel) wolf, wild dogs and fox (bengal fox or vulpus bengalensis ).

14.Sukha Talab: Sukha means dry pond, called so as it dries up very soon at the end of winter.

15.Arharia Junction: This Junction connects Kannauji fire line, Mahawan and Arharia road towards western gate Gohari.

16.Kannauji Road: It used to be a fire line, now it has been developed as a route to connect Rajbahara. An active road for the movement of Jhurjhura Tigress and Rajbahara Tigress. Both sides of the road the area has been demarcated as part of territory by the Tigresses. along with a male bokha as it expanding it’s territory.

17. Jhurjhura Junction: Located on Kannauji fire line, this junction connects with Rajbahara , Jhurjhura and Sukha dam. Point for sighting of Sukhi Tigress, Jhurjhura Tigress and Bokha, the male Tiger. Route –E and C are quite interesting from tiger sighting point of view during winter.

18.Nilgai Junction: Route C is on left hand side connecting Rajbahara area. Route E is on the right hand side on the Nilgai marg going to Rajbahara. There is a trail connecting with Route –C from Jhurjhura khai recently named as “Nandu Gufa”

19.Rajbahara Junction: This route heads for Rajbahara Anicut dam and with option of taking route through the grassland to Suaribah.

20.Rajbahara Anicut Dam: Very interesting point with panoramic view for the sighting of Jhurjhura Tigress with her cubs during summer. Also a point of interest for bird watching specially for vultures, ducks, kites, shrikes, rollers etc.

21.It’s quite interesting if one drives through grassland and little hillock along with climber vine in several shapes, designs and layouts, in some ways it appears as if a dragon is climbing the trees or a huge Python strangulating the trees. Suaribah grassland with little nala passing through the grassland provides luxurious habitat for animals during summer.

22.Bathan Anicut Junction: Connects from all three sides, i.e. Rajbahara , Anicut dam, Suaribah grassland.

23.Sehra Dadra & Berahani junction: Connecting with scenic areas of the park Sehrabah, Dadrabah thru Berhani (several trees of “India jujub”a.k.a in hindi as Ber) .

24.Sehra Junction: The right hand side road from here leads to Sehrabah grassland area .

25.Pipiridarh junction: Connects with Dabraunha , Andhiyari Jhiria and Hardiha areas.

26.Damnar river: This river provides plenty of water through out the year for the entire wildlife of the area and demarcates the territories of B2 the dominant male Tiger of Tala range and Bokha on the other side.

27.Mirchani Junction: Road on to left hand side leads to Mirchani area and straight to Hardiha centre point followed by route –A , B and D .

ROUTE- D
1. Route-D starts form Tala gate, this is the third Junction on to the left hand side, the trees along with river bed are mostly Jamun (syzgium cuminii or water berries or black plum) hence the area is called Jamuniha .

2. From this junction upto the bridge which is most famous for the residence of an owl called, brown fish owl, trails connects with road are being used by several animal of the area specially by siddha baba or chor bahara female, chakradhara female and by B-2 .

3. Judmani junction - junction connects three major areas, judmani, baruha nala, and jumiha .

4. Baruha nala road – This road has plenty of sand, one sandy river bed crosses the road several times and it is flooded during rainy season. Hence the road has been named as “baruha” meaning having a lot of sand.

5. Salai Dadar point is famous road for crossing of Chakradhara Tigress, Chorbahara Tigress and the dominant male Tiger B2. This point is also ideal for organizing tiger sighting by elephant during winter.

6. Scratch mark- scratches on Mahua tree (the tree is known as a wine flower tree as the flowers are being collected to brew local wine called “Mahua wine”. And the flowers are being eaten by bear, deers and monkeys when it flowers in the month of March .

7. Sita Mandap junction: This roads connects Chakradhara, Sita Mandap and Baruha Nala areas.

8. Sita Mandap water hole, a little natural water hole in sand stone on to the right hand side under natural arch of the rock, these are man made caves. According to Hindu myths these caves were used by legendary Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman on their return back from Lanka and going to Ayodhya. Hence the place has been named as Sita Mandap. Famous tigress Sita was seen for the first time with her three cubs on this place, so she was named after this place .

9. Silbaria junction – This junction divides three areas, Silbaria ,Banbai and Sita Mandap .

10. Vulture nest point – this particular point is known as a crossing point for Banbai Tigress and B2 coming from Ghradaman to Banbai or Silbaria, Banbai to Ghoradaman .

11. Ghoradaman Banbai Junction: This junction divides Banbai road, Ghoradaman and Sita Mandap .

12. Banbai river crosses through the route on to the right hand side thick and tall grass, provides very suitable habitat for Banbai Tigress during summer and on to left hand side of the road watchtower is located on the bank of Banbai river for wildlife viewing. One can book the watch tower for whole day. Tigress of this area is known as Banbai female.

13. Murhar Ghati junction: This junction divides Banbai, Aamanala and Rampur road. From this point route gets connected with route –A , and from Rampur Junction three route are being connected with each other A, B, and D, subsequently this route follows the same route as of A and B .

 ROUTE –E
1.   Starts from main gate of Tala it is a combined route with route B up to Chakradhara fourth junction on to right hand side towards Bandhaini hill.

2.   Chakradhara watch tower on to the right hand side of the route E. It is a nicely located watch tower facing towards grass land of Chakradhara which is main action point of Tigers early morning and late evening, and also due to presence of lot of water in the undergrowth herds of spotted deers also love this area. This watch tower is quite popular and is useful for bird watchers in winter.

3.   Gerainha pug dandi (trail): This trail connects Gerainha water hole to Route E, it is a crossing point for many animals including Chakradhara female, and B2. On the right hand side of the routis the territory of Chorbahara Tigress up to Bandhaini junction.

4.   Badhaini junction: This junction divides the road Bathan Bandhaini, Jhurjhura road and Chakradhara route –E turns to the right hand side towards Bandhaini Patpar.

5.   Bandhaini Patpar: This particular point is a crossing point from Bandhaini water hole or from Gerainha pug dandi. It’s being used by Chakradhara Tigress, B-2, Chorbahara Tigress and Bokha .

6.   Jhurjhura junction: Divides Jhurjhura, Badhaini, and Susiyari roads.

7.   Bandhaini water hole: It’s the second water hole at the bottom of the Badhaini hill and this trail connects with route via the water hole.

8.   Jhurjhura dam: A small man made dam, it’s being used by several animals and birds of the area, and the Jhurjhura Tigress. It dries up during summer because it is stored water from rain.

9.  Jhurjhura khai pug dandi : This trail connects with route from Jhurjhura khai caves recently named as “Nandu gufa”.

10.  Jhurjhura junction on Kanauji fire line: Connects from three directions, Sukha dam, Raj Bahara and Jhurjhura. From this point onwards it combines with Route-C via Nilgai marg to Rajbahara Suaribah grassland up to centre point .