One of the finest and most picturesque tiger reserves of India, Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the scenic surroundings of the Vindhya hill ranges and the eastern flank of Satpura hill ranges (in all 32 hills surround this beautiful park) in Madhya Pradesh. Once the private hunting ground of the royal family of Rewa, Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its population of tigers, the main attraction being the white tigers. After independence and the abolition of the princely States of India, an area of 105 sq. km. was notified as a National Park in 1968, which was later increased to 448.84 sq km in 1982. Since then the park has seen a significant rise in its wildlife population, especially tigers whose population is now estimated between 45-50. Considering the importance of Bandhavgarh National Park, it was included in the famous Project Tiger in 1993.
The landscape of the scenic Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary chiefly comprises of steep and rocky hills, with flat tops and level grasslands in the valleys below. The favorable climatic condition supports the growth of rich and varied vegetation in the Park, mainly comprising of fine Sal forests, mixed forests, large stretches of bamboo and grassy meadows. Major trees found in Bandhavgarh National Park include the Sal, Saj (Terminalia tomentosa), Dhaora (Anogeissus latifolia), Tendu, Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Palas (Butea monosperma), Salai (Boswellia serrata), Mango (Mangifera indica), Jamun (Syzygium Cumini) and Bamboo among many others.
The thick and nutritious vegetation of Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary supports a unique and large variety of wildlife. Though, Bandhavgarh National Park is known for Tigers, it also has a significant population of other wild animals. Among important carnivorous found in the park are Leopards, Caracals, Wild dogs or Dholes, Jungle Cats, Jackals, striped Hyenas, Small Indian Civets, Ratels (honey badger) and the Flying Foxes. The herbivores population in the park includes Gaurs (world's largest oxen), Sloth Bears, Rhesus Macaques, Sambar, Chital, Indian Muntjac, Chausingha (4-horned antelope), Nilgai (blue bull), Chinkara, Barking Deer, Wild boar, Langurs, Black-napped Hare and Indian Mongoose among many others. The important reptiles found in Bandhavgarh Sanctuary are the Rock Python, Spectacled Cobra, Common Krait and the Rat Snake to name a few.
Bandhavgarh National Park also supports a sizable population of birds. The year round flowering and fruiting of trees attracts thousands of birds to the park. So far, around 250 species of birds, comprising of both resident and migratory birds, have been identified and listed in the park. The most commonly seen birds in Bandhavgarh National Park are the Bee-eaters, Blossom-Headed Parakeets, Drongos, Common Teal, Crested Serpent Eagle, Grey Hornbill, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Little Grebes, Lesser Adjutants, Lesser Whistling Teal, Minivets, Pied Hornbill, Paradise Flycatchers, Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Red Wattled Lapwing, Steppe Eagle, Tickell's Flycatcher, White-eyed Buzzard, White-breasted Kingfisher, White-browed Fantail Flycatcher, Wood shrikes and Warblers among many more.
Other major attractions of Bandhavgarh National Park are the magnificent Bandhavgarh Fort and the sandstone caves, harboring Brahmi inscriptions and colourful tiger images dating back to the 1st Century B.C. Enjoying a wildlife safari to track the tigers and other wilds, is another big attraction for the wildlife enthusiasts here.
Best Time to Visit
November to February is the best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park. The park remains closed from July to October.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport from Bandhavgarh is Khajuraho (230 km), which is connected by air to Agra, Delhi, and Varanasi.
By Rail: The nearest railhead from Bandhavgarh is Umaria (30 km) on the Katni-Bilaspur section of South-Eastern Railway.
By Road: Bandhavgarh National Park is situated on the Satna-Umaria and Rewa-Umaria highway and is well connected by roads to major towns of the region. Bus Services are also available from Rewa, Satna, Katni and Umaria.
Wildlife in Bandhavgarh National Park
Birds in Bandhavgarh National Park
Flora in Bandhavgarh National Park
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