BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
Located in the Vindhya Hills of the Umaria district, Bandhavgarh National Park is Madhya Pradesh's most
popular and renowned tiger palace. The park is acknowledged as one of the primary locations chosen for
the tiger project in order to continue the vital tiger project in India. With a total area of 105 square
kilometers, the name Bandhavgarh was derived from the region's most notable hillock. It is thriving with
a high level of biodiversity, and because of its dense tiger population, it is one of the most renowned
national parks. It is usually visited during the best time of year, from October 15 to June 30.
The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is deeply rooted in ancient myths and beliefs, and its name has ancient connotations related to the Ramayana, an ancient epic from the Treta Yuga that can be learned via the ancient texts of the Shiv Purana and Narad Panch Ratra. The terms "Bandhav" and "Garh", where "Bandhav" means brother and "Garh" means fort, are combined to form the word "Bandhavgarh." Thus, Bandhavgarh means "brother's fort".
In the middle of the virgin jungle, the existence of an old fort with the same name is equally valuable in drawing in a large number of archaeologists and history buffs. It is said that after killing Ravana on the way to Ayodhya and returning from Lanka, Lord Rama gave this fort to his younger brother Lakshmana. There are numerous compelling indications of human activity and architectural skill in the Bandhavgarh fort. Interestingly, the mythology also relates that the monkeys were rebuilding the destroyed fort while constructing a bridge between Lanka and the mainland. The fort also brings various man created caverns with inscriptions and rock paintings.
The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is deeply rooted in ancient myths and beliefs, and its name has ancient connotations related to the Ramayana, an ancient epic from the Treta Yuga that can be learned via the ancient texts of the Shiv Purana and Narad Panch Ratra. The terms "Bandhav" and "Garh", where "Bandhav" means brother and "Garh" means fort, are combined to form the word "Bandhavgarh." Thus, Bandhavgarh means "brother's fort".
In the middle of the virgin jungle, the existence of an old fort with the same name is equally valuable in drawing in a large number of archaeologists and history buffs. It is said that after killing Ravana on the way to Ayodhya and returning from Lanka, Lord Rama gave this fort to his younger brother Lakshmana. There are numerous compelling indications of human activity and architectural skill in the Bandhavgarh fort. Interestingly, the mythology also relates that the monkeys were rebuilding the destroyed fort while constructing a bridge between Lanka and the mainland. The fort also brings various man created caverns with inscriptions and rock paintings.
Wildlife in Bandhavgarh
Numerous species, including the Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Gray Mongoose, Striped
Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard, Tiger, Wild Pigs, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chausingha, Nilgai, Chinkara and
Gaur, Dhole, the small Indian Civet, Palm Squirrel, Lesser Bandicoot Rat, Gaur, Common Langurs, and
Rheus Macaque, are abundant in the area.
Flora in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
The majority of the vegetation in Bandhavgarh is dry deciduous, and it is the only area with a remarkably
diverse range of plants and animals. Naturally, the area's excellent topography and comparatively mild
climate make it possible for the park's rich and diverse flora to flourish.
Most famed floral varieties in Bandhavgarh area are :
Tendu, Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Dhaora (Anogeissus latifolia), Salai (Boswellia
serrata), Palas (Butea monosperma), Mango (Mangifera indica), Babul (Accasia nilotica), Jamun
(Blackberry) (Syzygium Cumini), Ber (Zizyphus mauritania), Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), Dhak or Chila
(flame of the forest) {Butea monosperma}, Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Kadam (Authocephalus cadamba),
Khajur (Phoenstris), Khair (Accacia catechu), Lagerstroemia, Boswelia, Bamboo, Pterocarpus, Madhuca,
and more.
Attractions at Bandhavgarh:
Bandhavgarh Fort - Even though this fort is 2000 years old and has been ruled by the Maghas dynasty
for 20 full centuries, its prehistory is still valuable because the Ramayana legend mentions it as well. It is
thought that Lord Rama was constructing the fort during his brief visit to the Bandhavgarh jungle on his
way back from Lanka. After that, he gave his brother Lakshmana this fort, which he used to keep an eye
on Lanka's activities.
Due to the historic fort ruins and the neighboring temple, the fort is a popular tourist destination today.
Bandhavgarh Hill - With an elevation of 807 meters, this is the tallest hill in the reserve, which has about 32 hills total. Several low-lying plains and valleys are formed by these little hills and the Bandhavgarh hill. Sandstones make up the Bandhavgarh hill, and the area's water supply comes from a variety of streams and springs.
Climber’s Point - As the most attractive location in Bandhavgarh National Park, Climber's Point offers a bird's-eye perspective of the entire park, which is teeming with bamboo and sal trees, and is encircled by fauna such as Bauhinia wahlii and Butea superba for a more thick atmosphere.
Baghel Museum - All of the Maharaja of Rewa's personal treasures are on exhibit at the Baghel Museum, allowing guests to learn about Bandhavgarh's regal and forest lifestyle. Along with certain military weapons, the museum also displays antique hunting gear used by the Maharajas.
Cheshpur Waterfall - Situated 50 miles from Bandhavgarh, this natural water fall in the River Johila is a great place for travelers to have a picnic.
Due to the historic fort ruins and the neighboring temple, the fort is a popular tourist destination today.
Bandhavgarh Hill - With an elevation of 807 meters, this is the tallest hill in the reserve, which has about 32 hills total. Several low-lying plains and valleys are formed by these little hills and the Bandhavgarh hill. Sandstones make up the Bandhavgarh hill, and the area's water supply comes from a variety of streams and springs.
Climber’s Point - As the most attractive location in Bandhavgarh National Park, Climber's Point offers a bird's-eye perspective of the entire park, which is teeming with bamboo and sal trees, and is encircled by fauna such as Bauhinia wahlii and Butea superba for a more thick atmosphere.
Baghel Museum - All of the Maharaja of Rewa's personal treasures are on exhibit at the Baghel Museum, allowing guests to learn about Bandhavgarh's regal and forest lifestyle. Along with certain military weapons, the museum also displays antique hunting gear used by the Maharajas.
Cheshpur Waterfall - Situated 50 miles from Bandhavgarh, this natural water fall in the River Johila is a great place for travelers to have a picnic.
Safari
In the park, there are two primary modes of transportation: driving a car or riding an elephant. These
modes of transportation are referred to as Jeep safari and elephant safari, respectively. Even though
many of the animals are now used to both, it is still best to observe their quick movements and approach
them in a safer manner.
Since the animals are most active at these times, it is advisable to go on a Jeep safari between the hours of 4 p.m. and twilight and from dawn until around 10 a.m. Always travel with a Forest Department guide. You can find wildlife and get directions from this guide. The Forest Department uses elephants to track tigers every morning. If a tiger is spotted, the elephant will drive you there straight from the lodge or from a nearby location that can be accessed by car or jeep.
Since the animals are most active at these times, it is advisable to go on a Jeep safari between the hours of 4 p.m. and twilight and from dawn until around 10 a.m. Always travel with a Forest Department guide. You can find wildlife and get directions from this guide. The Forest Department uses elephants to track tigers every morning. If a tiger is spotted, the elephant will drive you there straight from the lodge or from a nearby location that can be accessed by car or jeep.
How to reach
By Air: Jabalpur and Khajuraho are the closest airports to Bandhavgarh National Park. From
Bandhavgarh, it takes four hours to drive to Jabalpur, and five hours to drive to Khajuraho. Regular flights
to Jabalpur and Khajuraho are available to tourists from all of India's main airports.
By Road: Jabalpur, Satna, Umaria, Khajuraho, and other neighboring towns and cities have good access to Bandhavgarh National Park.
By Train: Umaria and Katni are the closest train stations to Bandhavgarh National Park. From Bandhavgarh, Umaria is 35 km (45 minutes by car) away, while Katni is 100 km (02 hours by car).
By Road: Jabalpur, Satna, Umaria, Khajuraho, and other neighboring towns and cities have good access to Bandhavgarh National Park.
By Train: Umaria and Katni are the closest train stations to Bandhavgarh National Park. From Bandhavgarh, Umaria is 35 km (45 minutes by car) away, while Katni is 100 km (02 hours by car).