Set amidst the Vindhyan ranges and
the eastern flank of Satpura hill range Bandhavgarh National Park is one
of the best places to see and enjoy wildlife in India. The Reserve is
named after the highest hill Bandhavgarh (807 m.) in the centre of the
Reserve. A chain of smaller hills, 32 in all, surrounds this hill,
forming a number of valleys and spurs in between. This park was the
former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa and at present is a
famous natural hub for White Tigers. White Tigers, now a major
attraction around the world's zoos, were first discovered in Rewa, not
far from here. The terrain is broken, with rocky hill ranges, running
roughly east west, interspersed with grassy swamps and forested valleys.
The rivers Johilla and Son flowing on the eastern side, the river Umrar
passing through the western fringes and the Bandhavgarh hill, visible
from as far as 30 km., are some of the landmarks of the Reserve.
Much of the park is covered in Sal
forest, replaced by mixed forests in the higher elevations of the hills.
There are extensive strands of bamboo, which flowered in 1984-85, and
grasslands. Generally the forests have less undergrowth here, thus
offering better sightings of wildlife, notably mammals, including the
daylight sightings of Tigers in the grassy 'maidans'. More than 25
Tigers are estimated for the park.
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Visiting Season : Visitors can visit the park during the time
period of November to June; still the best period to come is
January-April. Park is open from October to June.
Access
: By Air: Khajuraho is the closest airport to
Bandhavgarh (300 kms). By Rail: Nearest railway station is
Umaria after Katni, from there it is about an hours drive to
Bandhavgarh. By Road: Jabalpur is 180 kms on the Shahdol
-Shahpura road and Umaria is 34 kms from Tala. It is also connected to
the Mandla district through Dewas. Khajuraho to Bandhavgarh National
Park is 250 Kms, (8 hrs drive).
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Park Safari Timings: Visitors can enter the core area only in
the mornings on a jeep or in the afternoon. One needs to take a forest
department guide to help one enjoy the park better. Touring is usually
allowed on jeeps, which are available locally. Because of the rush of
the tourist season hiring jeeps can become troublesome, so reserve the
vehicle well in advance during the peak season.
Months
Morning Afternoon 01 November - 15 February 0600-1220 1500-1830 hrs 16
February - 30 April 0600-1220 1600-1830 hrs 01 May - 30 June 0600-1100
1700-1845 hrs
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Tiger Show at Bandhavgarh National Park : Tiger Show at
Bandhavgarh National Park : The Forest authority of Bandhavgarh National
park organizes a Tiger Show for tourists through tokens on strictly on
first-come-first-serve basis. The vehicles take it in turns to drive to
the location where one is taken by elephant to view the tiger. The
elephants can approach the tigers at very close proximity, often as
close as 3-4 metres without seemingly causing any distress to either
animal.
National
Parks in India -