Bandhavgarh National Park Madhya Pradesh India
The name “Bandhavgarh” has its roots in the combination of two words: “Bandhav,” meaning brother, and “Garh,” meaning fort. According to the Ramayana, this region was a generous gift from Lord Rama to his beloved brother, Lakshmana. The prominent Bandhavgarh Fort, perched atop a hill in the Vindhya range near Umaria, served as the namesake and inspiration for the national park.
Legend has it that the Bandhavgarh Fort was reconstructed with the help of monkeys, and within its precincts, one can find fascinating man-made caves adorned with inscriptions and rock paintings.
Historically, the Bandhavgarh Fort served as the residence of local rulers until the capital shifted to Rewa in 1617 A.D. Subsequently, the area transformed into a hunting reserve, where maharajas pursued tigers as a symbol of luck, leading to a drastic decline in the tiger population. In response, in 1968, a 105 square kilometer area was designated as a national park to combat rampant poaching. To address water scarcity, dams were constructed, fostering an environment conducive to wildlife growth. The tiger population made a remarkable recovery, prompting the park’s expansion to 448 square kilometers in 1982. In 1993, it was integrated into Project Tiger, and a total area of 694 square kilometers was declared as the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
Bandhavgarh National Park & Tiger Reserve
Bandhabgarh Tour 2 Night 3 Days Itinerary
Day 1 – On arrival at Umaria railway station, After a warm welcome on the station, you will straightway take you to pre-booked resort. Check in at the resort and get freshen up. Enjoy mouth-watering lunch that will be served in the in-house restaurant of the resort. Rest of the day is free for leisure. During your leisure time, you can sit beside the pool and enjoy the fresh air or enjoy leisure walk in and around the resort premises. Later in the evening, enjoy hot coffee/tea with some delicious evening snacks. Take pleasure of dinner followed by an overnight stay in your resort in Bandhavgarh National Park.
Day 2 – Today, we will start our day quite early in the morning to experience an early morning Jungle Safari. Before leaving for this adventure activity. This morning jungle safari in Bandhavgarh National Park will be very exciting especially for all those who will be visiting for the first time and leave you with many unforgettable moments. After enjoy the safari for about 4 hours, we will return back to the resort for lunch. Thereafter, you can rest for some time and again get ready for another safari tour i.e. the evening safari tour which will begin at 14:30 PM in winter and 15:30 pm in summer. This way, once again you can have that kicking experience that you have experienced prior in the morning. The duration of evening safari is three hours. So, after completing your evening jungle safari, return back to the resort and have your evening tea. Enjoy lavish dinner followed by an overnight stay in the resort.
Day 3 – In the morning after breakfast, we will check- out of the resort to drive back to Umaria railway station to board the train for your onward journey.
Tour & services Ends.
Hotels In Bandhabgarh National Park
Tiger Trails Resort is a serene retreat nestled just 2 kilometers away from the renowned Bandhavgarh National Park in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, central India. The resort boasts 20 charming twin cottages, all thoughtfully positioned around a tranquil private lake, encompassing a sprawling 13-acre estate. These cottages seamlessly blend into the natural surroundings, each featuring its own private sit-out area and inviting hammocks. At the heart of the resort, you’ll find a magnificent central restaurant that caters to a diverse range of culinary preferences. This restaurant not only offers delectable cuisine but also provides a spacious open deck that overlooks the serene private lake. This picturesque setting offers plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, sunbathing, and basking in the peaceful ambiance. Tiger Trails Resort is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, offering a peaceful escape in the midst of the stunning wilderness of Bandhavgarh National Park.
Bandhavgarh | Best Time to Visit | Top Things to Do
| Location | Umaria District of Madhya Pradesh |
| Total Bandhavgarh Forest Area | 1,536 km2 |
| National Park Declared | 1968 |
| Tiger Reserve Declared | 1993 |
| Bandhavgarh Core Area | 716 square kilometres |
| Coordinates | 23°41′58″N 80°57′43″E |
| Altitude | 800 m above sea level |
| Temperature Range | 42°C to 2°C |
| Annual Rainfall | 1200mm |
| Nearest Railway Station | Umaria, Katni & Jabalpur |
| Nearest Airports | Jabalpur/ Khajuraho |
| Park Opens from | 1st October to 30th June |
| Popular Safari Zones | Tala, Magdi and Bamera Zones |
| Total Numbers of Tigers in Bandhavgarh | 70-80 |
| Total Bird Species in Bandhavgarh | 250+ |
| Total Butterflies Species in Bandhavgarh | 80+ |
| Best Time to Visit Bandhavgarh | October – June (Closed 1 July-15 October) |
Jeep Safari In Bandhavgarh National Park
Exploring Bandhavgarh National Park is best done through a Jeep safari, considered the top choice for a memorable experience. During this exciting adventure, you’ll be allocated a Jeep, a compact SUV with an open top, designed to comfortably accommodate up to six tourists. This compact design is perfectly suited for maneuvering through the park’s diverse terrain, ensuring you can explore all the trails within the tiger reserve. Jeep safaris are offered twice a day, with the first one starting early in the morning and the second in the early evening. These timings are carefully selected because wildlife activity is at its peak during these hours. Moreover, there are options for those seeking a more extended and immersive adventure, including full-day safaris and thrilling night safaris.
Elephant Safari in Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh National Park boasts a diverse range of wildlife species thanks to its remarkable landscape and topography, making it a magnet for tourists eager to witness the jungle’s inhabitants. The park’s claim to fame lies in its high probability of daily tiger sightings, drawing a multitude of visitors keen on experiencing the famed “tiger tour.” This exceptional adventure takes place on the back of an elephant, known as an elephant safari, and has gained immense popularity among wildlife enthusiasts. The elephant safari in Bandhavgarh offers three key advantages. Firstly, it provides an in-depth and immersive tiger tour experience. Secondly, it ensures a safe journey as you ride atop this majestic creature. Lastly, it allows you to simultaneously enjoy the thrill of elephant riding alongside your tiger tour.
To visit on this special safari, permission from the Field Director of Bandhavgarh is essential, with a safari guide accompanying you. An elephant safari in Bandhavgarh promises a secure and immensely enjoyable jungle tour, making it the perfect choice for wildlife enthusiasts.
Safari Timing In Bandhavgarh National Park
| Safari Timing | 1 Oct to 31 Dec | 1 Jan to 31 March | 1 April to 30 June |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 06:00 AM to 11:30 AM | 06:30 AM to 11:30 AM | 05:30 AM to 11:30 AM |
| Evening | 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM | 03:00 PM to 05:30 PM | 04:00 PM to 07:00 PM |
Bandhavgarh Safari Zones
| Safari Zones | Tala Zone | Magadhi Zone | Khitauli Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 28 Jeeps | 26 Jeeps | 21 Jeeps |
| Evening | 27 Jeeps | 25 Jeeps | 20 Jeeps |
| Safari Zones | Panpatha Zone | Johila Zone | Dhamokhar Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 20 Jeeps | 20 Jeeps | 20 Jeeps |
| Evening | 20 Jeeps | 20 Jeeps | 20 Jeeps |
Online Safari Booking Tariff Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh National Park Tour Packages
| Booking for Monsoon Season in Buffer Zone is Available Now (01 July to 30 September). Booking for Core and Buffer Zone is accepted from 01st October Onwards. You May Reserve Your Seats and Accommodation Now. | |
| Weekdays Full Jeep Core Zones | INR 7500 (Indian) | INR 12000 (Foreigner) | Zones -Tala, Magadhi, Khitauli |
| Weekends Full Jeep Core Zones | INR 8500 (Indian) | INR 15000 (Foreigner) | Zones -Tala, Magadhi, Khitauli |
| Weekdays Full Jeep Buffer Zones | INR 7500 (Indian) | INR 12000 (Foreigner) | Zones – Dhamokar, Johila, Panpatha |
| Weekdays Sharing Core Zones | INR 2000 (Indian) | INR 3000 (Foreigner) | Zones -Tala, Magadhi, Khitauli |
| Weekends Sharing Core Zones | INR 2300/Seat (Indian) | INR 4000/Seat (Foreigner) | Zones -Tala, Magadhi, Khitauli |
| Timings | Morning 06:00 AM to 11:30 AM | Evening 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM (Safari Timing Varies as Season Changes) |
Do And Donts – Bandhabgarh National Park
- Drive slowly in the park so that you can see, observe and enjoy your trip without disturbing the wildlife.
- Keep to the specified roads and trails. Driving off track you may trample growing trees and cause disturbance to resting animals and their young ones.
- Respect the wild animals and maintain a safe distance from them. Remember you are in their home and they should get the first priority.
- Be seated in your vehicle as it is dangerous to get down at any points in the park. This is for your own safety and for the safety of the wildlife.
- Do not get disappointed if you don’t see a tiger. There are many other interesting creatures that you will come across. Gather memories to cherish for the lifetime.
- Please remember that the park is not a zoo and you won’t see wildlife everywhere in the park. Witness the breathtaking scenery of the park that makes it a must visit destination for the tourists.
- Keep the park pollution free. While you are inside the park please put your non-biodegradable litter (thin cans, plastic, glass bottle, metal foils etc.) into the bag provided and dispose it off when moving out of the park.
- Please attain the services of Nature Guides that is provided in the park for your benefit. They are a great help to you in spotting wildlife and ensuring you not to lose your way in the forest.
- Do not smoke or light campfires in the forest. Accidental fire can destroy this wonderful jungle in no time.