About the Park

Situated in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is the place where history and nature meet. Surrounded by magnificent Vindhya mountain ranges, Bandhavgarh is the home to famous White Tigers of Rewa. The park dominated by rocky hills running roughly east to west, is dotted with grassy swamps and verdant valleys. Bandhavgarh was once the hunting preserves of the Maharajas (kings) of Rewa, due to mass hunting of tigers it was declared a National Park 1968. The park was extended in 1986 and it became a tiger reserve in 1993.

Fauna in Bharatpur

Tiger Resting at Bandhavgarh National Park The beautiful park sprawling over 437 sq. Kms houses a large number of animals and also the highest population of tigers all over the India. Now the park is home to 22 species of wildlife, and over 250 species of birds. Main inhabitants of the park include Rhesus Macaque, Hanuman Langur, Golden Jackal, Wolf, Fox, Sloth Bear, Small Indian Civet, Small Indian Mongoose, Indian Grey Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard, Wild Boar, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Antelope, Deer, Gaur, Black buck and Squirrel etc.

Flora in Bharatpur

The park is covered mostly by moist deciduous forest with sal trees and stretches of Bamboo. The forests coverage is less dense, that's way it provides better views of the wildlife.

Major Wildlife Attractions

Wildlife : While wandering through the park one can see Tiger, Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara, Wild boar and several other animals.

Bird Species : The park is home to 250 species of birds that include the migratory birds which visit the park every year in winter. Popular species of birds which can be spotted in the park are Peacock, Paradise fly catchers, Jungle Fowl, Golden,Black headed Orioles, Yellow Ioras, Red-vented Bulbuls, Blue Jays, Purple Sunbirds, Green Barbets and Mynahs.

Other Attractions

Bandhavgarh Fort : Bandhavgarh National Park is dominated by the massive Bandhavgarh Fort, built in the 14th century. The fort mostly in ruins is situated on a plateau and can be reached after a steep flight. It houses several caves belonging to the pre-historic period, which are inscribed with Brahmi inscriptions. The ruined monuments and tanks of the fort provide shelter to Black Bucks.

Elephant and Jeep Safari : Tourists can get a close look of the wildlife by Elephant and Jeep Safari. Elephant Safari trips are organized early morning for tiger viewing. Jeep Safari can be

undertaken since early morning to late evening. A forest department guide always accompanies the tourists in these safaris.

How to reach there

By Air : Khajuraho airport (230 kms) is the nearest airport from Bandhavgarh National Park. Khajuraho is connected by domestic flights to Delhi, Agra and Varanasi. From here one has to take road journey.

By Rail : Umaria (30 Kms) on the Katni-Bilaspur route is the nearest railway station. Another convenient railhead is Satna which is 117 kms from Bandhavgarh.

By Road : Bandhavgarh National Park is connected by Satna-Umaria and Rewa-Umaria highway. Madhya Pradesh Transport buses run from Rewa, Satna, Katni and Umaria. Jeep services are also available.

Where to Stay

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department runs a forest lodge here, which offer best accommodation facilities. Besides, the PWD and the Forest Department guest houses are also good options to stay.