Bandhavgarh National Park is situated within the district of Sahdol in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It was formed in the year 1968 when the Maharaja of Rewa gave the piece of land to the Government for the formation of the park. After the park was declared a protected site, the animal population of the area started growing and today it contains a huge variety of both plants and animals. The park, which was declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1993, is spread over an area of 448 square kilometers.
Wildlife Attractions
Bandhavgarh is famous for its huge tiger population. Some of the animals that can be spotted in the park include , leopards, dholes, nilgais, wild boars, chinkaras, sloth bears, rhesus macaques, black faced langurs, jungle cats, hyenas, porcupines, jackals, foxes, wild dogs, chausinghas and ratels among others. Besides animals, a good variety of bird species are also found including white browed fantails, steppe eagles, green pigeons, grey malabar hornbills, blossom headed parakeets, blue bearded bee eaters, green bee eaters, white bellied drongos, owls, Jerdon's and gold fronted leaf birds and the paradise flycatchers.
Important Information & Tips
* Arrange your visit according to the park timings which vary according to season and generally are 0630 hours to 1030 hours and 1430 hours to 1730 hours
* Batteries and enough film rolls should be carried as the availability of these things can never be guaranteed around the park.
* There are a lot of villages near the park which have on offer amazing scenery and unique lifestyle of the people
How to Reach
Bandhavgarh is not as easily accessible as some of the other parks in India. Getting there may take a bit of an effort but it is definitely worth it.
By Air - The nearest airport is Jabalpur which is about 164 km from the park, a distance which can be covered by buses or taxis. Helicopter transport facility is available for Bandhavgarh from the city of Nagpur.
By Rail - Trains are available to the nearest railway station, Umaria which is located at a distance of about 32 km from the park.
By Road - Buses and jeeps provide regular services from Umaria to Bandhavgarh.