Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the most famous national parks in India, known for its diverse wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty. Bandhavgarh is particularly renowned for its large tiger population and offers some of the best opportunities in the world for a tiger safari.
A brief history of Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh has a rich history dating back to the 2nd century BC. It was once the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Rewa and was known for its rich wildlife and dense forests. The Bandhavgarh Fort, located within the park, is said to be more than 2,000 years old and has served as a major center of power in the region throughout history.
Read more about the Bandhavgarh National Park here.
Famous rulers of Bandhavgarh
Throughout its long and storied history, Bandhavgarh has been ruled by several powerful and influential rulers. Some of the most famous rulers of Bandhavgarh include:
Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa: This powerful ruler was the last Maharaja of Rewa. He was known for his love of hunting and wildlife. During his time in charge, the Bandhavgarh Fort was the capital of the kingdom of Rewa, and the park was where the royal family went hunting.
Maharaja Vikramaditya Singh of Rewa: This Maharaja of Rewa was a patron of the arts and was known for his love of wildlife. He was responsible for the renovation and expansion of the Bandhavgarh Fort, and the park was a hunting reserve for the royal family during his rule.
Emperor Ashoka: This powerful emperor of the Mauryan Empire was one of the most well-known rulers of ancient India. He is famous for his nonviolent policies and for spreading Buddhism all over the empire.
Gupta Emperors: The Gupta Empire was one of the most powerful empires in ancient India and ruled over much of the subcontinent from the 4th to the 6th centuries. The Gupta emperors were known for their support of the arts, sciences, and religion, and their reign is considered to be a Golden Age of India.
These are just a few of the many famous rulers of Bandhavgarh throughout its long and storied history.
The Bandhavgarh Fort
The Bandhavgarh Fort is located within the Bandhavgarh National Park in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is said to be more than 2,000 years old and has a rich and fascinating history.
According to legend, the fort was built by Lord Rama, from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, and was given to his brother, Lakshmana, to keep watch over the kingdom. Over the centuries, the fort served as a major center of power in the region and was ruled by several powerful dynasties, including the Mauryan, Sunga, and Gupta empires.
In the 1600s, the fort became the capital of the powerful kingdom of Rewa. The Maharaja of Rewa ruled the kingdom for several hundred years. During this time, the fort was expanded and fixed up, and palaces, temples, and other buildings were added to its walls.
In the late 19th century, the British took control of the fort and used it as a military barracks and administrative center. After independence, the fort was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In the 1970s, it was declared a protected monument and has since been restored and preserved for future generations.
Today, the Bandhavgarh Fort is one of the most popular places for tourists to visit in the Bandhavgarh National Park. It has beautiful views of the landscape around it and shows some of the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Read more about the Bandhavgarh Fort here.
How Bandhavgarh become a tiger reserve and national park
Bandhavgarh was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1968 and was upgraded to a national park in 1982. It was designated a tiger reserve in 1993 and has since become one of the most famous national parks in India. The park is home to a large population of tigers and other wildlife and is considered one of the best places in the world for a tiger safari.
Tiger population in Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the most important tiger reserves in India and is renowned for its large tiger population. The park is spread over an area of approximately 448 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, deer, wild boars, and many species of birds.
The number of tigers in Bandhavgarh is about 70, according to recent estimates. This makes it one of the best places in India to see tigers in the wild, and people who go on safaris in the park often get to see these beautiful animals.
There are also tiger breeding programs in the park, which aim to increase the number of tigers. There are also ongoing conservation efforts to protect the park’s wildlife and their habitats. People who go to the park can help with these efforts by following the rules and regulations and supporting efforts to make tourism more sustainable.
Overall, the tiger population in Bandhavgarh is a major attraction for visitors and is a testament to the park’s importance as a wildlife reserve and conservation area.
Best time to visit Bandhavgarh for a tiger safari
The best time to visit Bandhavgarh for a tiger safari is from mid-October to mid-June, when the weather is dry and visibility is good. The park is also open to visitors during the monsoon season, which runs from July to September, but visibility is often limited during this time.
Types of safari vehicles in Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh National Park offers a variety of safari options, including jeep safaris, and canter safaris. Jeep safaris are the most popular option and offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park on four wheels. Canter safaris are also available for larger groups.
Places to see around Bandhavgarh national park
In addition to the Bandhavgarh Fort, there are several other places to visit near the Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India. These include:
Magdhi Temple: This old temple is for Lord Vishnu and is right outside the park. It is well-known for its beautiful architecture and carvings.
Rajula Temple: This temple is in the nearby village of Rajula. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a popular place for pilgrims to visit and has beautiful views of the landscape around it.
Bhimbetka Rock Shelters: Bhimbetka Rock Shelters is a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 45 km from Bandhavgarh. It has more than 700 paintings on rocks from the Paleolithic period.
Panna National Park: This park is located about 55 km from Bandhavgarh and is known for its rich wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and many species of birds.
Raneh Falls: These stunning falls are located about 35 km from Bandhavgarh and are a popular spot for picnics and swimming.
Khajuraho Temple Complex: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located about 140 km from Bandhavgarh and is known for its intricately carved temples and sculptures.
These are just a few of the many places to see near Bandhavgarh National Park, and visitors to the region are sure to be enchanted by the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this part of India.
How to reach Bandhavgarh by air, rail, and road
Bandhavgarh National Park is easily accessible by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is in Jabalpur, which is approximately 170 km from the park, while the nearest railway station is Umaria, which is around 37 km from the park. Visitors can also reach Bandhavgarh by road from major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Taxis and buses are readily available for hire at the airport and railway station, and several private operators also offer guided tours to the park.
