BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
 Bandhavgarh National Park, not quite big in term of size, is a popular national
park and famous for its highest tiger population. The park had initially served as the former hunting reserve of the royal family of Rewa and was later declared a National Park in 1968. The park was further extended to the adjoining Sal Forests in 1986. Thick forest and Vindhyan Mountains encircle the park and its plains possess a variety of grass and reed covered wetlands dominated by the Kingfishers and Egrets. With an area of 542.40-sq-kms, it contains 25 resident tigers and attracts tourists from all parts of the globe for its tiger population. Half of the park is covered by the fine trees of Sal; the higher hills comprise mixed forests. The entire northern region of the park is covered by the broad stretches of bamboo and grasslands; 32 wooded hills encircle the whole park.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park is from Mid-November to June. The park remains closed during the time of monsoon and July to early November.
Wildlife in Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park has always been a great attraction largely for its tiger population. The park is known as the place where famous White Tigers of Rewa were discovered. Tourists on an Elephant Back have the best chance to completely see the park. This way, spotting a tiger becomes a reality for most of tourists. Once in the park, you can easily see the animals like Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara, Wild Boar, a Fox and a Jackal.
Mammals & Reptiles
The park boasts of around 22 mammal species and about 250 bird species. Seeing the species like chinkara (Indian gazelle), nilgai (blue bull) and chausingha (four-horned antelope) and wild boar would be a reality here. Tourists also get an opportunity to see sambhar (Indian stag), the muntjac (barking deer) and the herds of chital (spotted deer).
Other Animals and Attractions
Blackbucks, ratel, porcupine, small Indian civet, palm squirrel, lesser bandicoot rat, the jungle cat, hyena and jackal are some other interesting animals that can easily be seen in the park. If you love seeing reptiles, then the park offers cobras, karaits, vipers, ratsnakes, pythons, lizards and turtles
Kalchuri Archaeological Remains
Besides a wide range of wildlife species, the park also pleases the tourists for the Kalchuri Archaeological. With that, the park easily turns into a historical site.
Bandhavgarh Fort
The Bandhavgarh Fort, built in 14th century, is a famous site along with the adjacent hills. The fort and hills possess a lot of caves belonging to the pre-historic era.
Jeep and Elephant Safari
Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari are the two ways to enjoy the wonderful experience of the park. Elephant safari will help tourists for tracking the tigers in the early morning. The Bandhavgarh Park remains the first place where the white tigers were spotted for the first time.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport at Khajurao at a distance of 230-kms is well-linked with Agra, Delhi and Varanasi through domestic air facility.
By Rail
The nearest railhead Umaria is at 30-kms on the Katni-Bilaspur section of South-Eastern Railways.
By Road
Bandhavgarh National Park, located on the Satna-Umaria and Rewa-Umaria highway, is well connected to the cities like Rewa, Satna, Katni and Umaria through the state government buses.
|
