The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is one of India’s most visited wildlife sites. It is a place of beautiful beauty, diversified vegetation, and an astounding array of animals, located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. The Reserve, which covers 1,536.93 square kilometers, is noted for its deep forest cover, stunning scenery, and importance in tiger protection. So, why Bandhavgarh is considered the best destination for wildlife travelers?
Bandhavgarh National Park has become the best destination for both novice and professional wildlife travelers because of the following reasons.
- Rich in Biodiversity
Bandhavgarh is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian gaur, wild dogs, sambar deer, barking deer, chital, and over 250 kinds of birds. The reserve’s diverse terrain, which consists of hills, valleys, and plains, produces distinct homes for different species, making it a wildlife lover’s heaven. - High Tiger Density
Bandhavgarh is renowned for its high tiger population in the reserve’s tourist zone. According to the most recent tiger census, the reserve is home to about 120 tigers. Thus, Bandhavgarh is an ideal location for tiger sightings. Mohan, the world’s first white tiger, was discovered in the woods of Bandhavgarh; now, all white tigers are his progeny. - Varied Safari Options
Bandhavgarh provides several safari opportunities for exploring the beauty and animals of the reserve. Jeep safaris are the most popular since they provide a more intimate view of the animals and are more comfortable than the others. Elephant safaris are a terrific way to see the animals from a higher vantage point, while nature walks provide a more immersive experience. - Beautiful Landscapes
Bandhavgarh is recognized for its gorgeous landscapes in addition to its rich animals. The terrain of the park comprises undulating hills, lush woods, meadows, and streams, all of which provide a wonderful visual spectacle. Bandhavgarh’s sunsets and sunrises are extremely beautiful, and many travelers come solely to see them. - Accessibility
Bandhavgarh can be reached from large cities like as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The closest airport is roughly 200 kilometers distant in Jabalpur. Visitors may arrange their journey easily since the park is well-connected by road and rail. Bandhavgarh is also adjacent to other tiger reserves, such as Kanha Tiger Reserve and Panna Tiger Reserve. - Accommodation Options
There are several accommodation options in and around Bandhavgarh, ranging from luxury resorts to budget hotels. Most of the accommodations are located close to the park entrance, making it easy for visitors to plan their safari timings. - History and Culture
Bandhavgarh has a rich history and culture that is worth exploring. The park has several ancient caves and rock shelters, which are believed to be over 2,000 years old. These caves are adorned with beautiful paintings and carvings and are a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. - Conservation Efforts
Bandhavgarh is a prime example of successful conservation efforts in India. The park was once a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Rewa but was later declared a national park in 1968. Since then, several conservation measures have been put in place to protect the park’s flora and fauna, including the tigers.
Species found in Bandhavgarh National Park
Species found are one of the biggest reasons why Bandhavgarh is considered the best wildlife destination for wildlife travelers. The park boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, which includes several species of reptiles, mammals, and birds. Here are some of the most common animal and bird species found in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:
Reptile Species: Indian Rock Python, Common Krait, Indian Cobra, Rat Snake, Monitor Lizard, Fan-throated Lizard, Bengal Monitor
Mammal Species: Bengal Tiger, Common Leopard, Sloth Bear, Indian Gaur (Bison), Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Chital (Spotted Deer), Wild Boar, Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Indian Pangolin
Bird Species: Crested Serpent Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Roller, Black Kite, White-bellied Drongo, Red-wattled Lapwing, Common Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Indian Peafowl, Red Junglefowl
These are just a few of the many species that can be found in Bandhavgarh National Park. Visitors to the park can expect to see a wide variety of animals and birds during their visit. It is important to remember to respect the animals and their habitats, and to follow the park’s rules and regulations to ensure their continued survival.
How to reach Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easy to reach visitors from different parts of the country. Here are the different ways to reach Bandhavgarh:
By Air: The nearest airport to Bandhavgarh National Park is Jabalpur Airport, which is around 200 kilometers away from the park. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Bandhavgarh is the Umaria Railway Station, which is around 35 kilometers away from the park. Another option is the Katni Railway Station, which is around 100 kilometers away. Both stations are well-connected to major cities in India, and visitors can take a taxi or bus from the station to reach the park.
By Road: Bandhavgarh National Park is well-connected by road, and visitors can reach the park by taking a bus or hiring a taxi from nearby cities like Jabalpur, Katni, Umaria, and Satna. The park is located around 35 kilometers from Umaria, 100 kilometers from Katni, 200 kilometers from Jabalpur, and 240 kilometers from Satna.
In conclusion, Bandhavgarh National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts, whether you are a novice or a professional. Its rich biodiversity, high tiger density, varied safari options, beautiful landscapes, accessibility, accommodation options, history, culture, and conservation
Read more on how to reach Bandhavgarh here.
Popular Safari Tours
Here are some of our popular wildlife safari tours of Bandhavgarh and other tiger reserves and national parks you can choose from.