Bandhavgarh National Park - Although small in size, but it is the national park known for its largest tiger population. The former game reserve of the Rewa royal family; Bandhavgarh (बांधवगढ़ नेशनल पार्क) was declared a National Park in 1968 and expanded to the neighboring Sal forests in 1986. Thick forest and mountains surround Vindhyan Bandhavgarh National Park. Its plains have a series of grass and reed covered wetlands dominated by kingfishers and herons.
The Bandhavgarh National Park with an area of 542.40 square kilometers - Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary has 25 resident tigers and is characterized by its tiger population. The fine trees of the middle of the Sal cover of Bandhavgarh National Park, while the higher hills are made up of mixed forests. Large expanses of bamboo and grasslands cover the entire northern region. Whole of the national park is surrounded by 32 wooded hills.
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| Bandhavgarh National Park India |
Wildlife in Bandhavgarh National Park
The Bandhavgarh National Park is primarily known for its tiger population. This is the place where famous Rewa white tigers were discovered. The best way to tour Bandhavgarh National Park is on an elephant ride, which increases the chances of spotting a tiger. The other wild attractions in the park include Nilgai, chausingha, Chital, Chinkara, wild boar, fox, and a jackal.
Mammals and Reptiles
There are at least 22 species of mammals and about 250 species of birds in the Park. The park's grasslands consist of chinkara (Indian gazelle), Nilgai (blue bull) and chausingha (four-horned antelope) and wild boar. The dense forests contain sambhar (Indian deer), muntjac (barking deer) and herds of chital (spotted) deer. Gaur (Indian bison) herds can be seen during March and April.
The other animals found in Bandhavgarh are blackbucks, ratel, porcupine, small Indian civet, palm squirrel, lesser bandicoot rat, wild cat, hyenas and jackals. The reptile population in the park includes cobras, snakes, karaits, ratsnakes, pythons, lizards, and turtles. The two species of primates - the rhesus macaque and the Hanuman langur - inhabit the Bandhavgarh Park.
Special attractions in Bandhavgarh National Park
Kalchuri Archaeological Remains: Besides the fauna, Bandhavgarh is also famous for the Kalchuri archaeological remains that make the Bandhavgarh National Park a historical site.
Bandhavgarh Fort: The Bandhavgarh National Park area located in the rolling hills with the majestic Bandhavgarh Fort built in the 14th century. The fort and the adjacent hills contain many caves that belong to the prehistoric times.
Jeep and Elephant Safari: Wildlife viewing can be enjoyed in two ways at Bandhavgarh National Park - Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari. Jeep safaris from early morning until late at night are the special attractions in the national park. A forest department guide always accompanies you while the jeep safari inside the park. Elephant safari are organized to monitor the tigers in the early morning.
White Tigers: Since ancient times, the Sal forests of Bandhavgarh National Park have been the favorite habitat of white tigers. Bandhavgarh Park is the first place where white tigers were first seen. On around eight occasions, white tigers were seen in the national park. The Maharaja of Rewa successfully bred the white tigers in Rewa.
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| Bandhavgarh National Park India |
When to Visit Bandhavgarh National Park
The best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park is from mid-November to June. The park is closed during the monsoon season and from July to early November.
How to get to Bandhavgarh National Park
By Plane: The nearest airport is in Khajurao at a distance of 230-km. It is also connected by various domestic airline services to Agra, Delhi and Varanasi.
By Train: The nearest station is at Umaria 30 kms in the Katni-Bilaspur section of the Southeastern Railways. Another nearest station is at Satna on the main Bombay-Howrah line of the Central Railways.
By road: Bandhavgarh National Park is located on the Satna-Umaria and Rewa highway. State of Madhya Pradesh Bus transportation services connects the national park to cities such as Rewa, Satna, Katni and Umaria.
General information
Bandhavgarh National Park - Tourists must arrive at the gate half an hour in advance to complete the procedures for entering the park. All visitors to Bandhavgarh need a permit to enter the national wildlife park, which can be obtained at the park entrance. Registration fees for foreigners are Rs 200, for indigenous and SAARC country members Rs 20. Additional fees are charged for vehicle entry, for cameras and for elephant rides.