Tigers, and more tigers

Location : Eastern Madhya Pradesh, Central India Go there for : Tigers (white tigers of Rewa) Area : 437 sq km Climate : 0°-12°C (Win); Best Sightings : May-Jun Park Closed : Jul-Oct STD Code : +91 - 7653

A National Park since 1968, Bandhavgarh, located in the Vindhyan ranges in Umaria District of Madhya Pradesh was once the hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. A lore goes that each Rewa king was supposed to shoot at least 100 tigers. Fortunately, the Madhya Pradesh Government's intervention has borne fruits and today, Bandhavgarh National Park boasts of some 25 resident tigers prowling in its 105 sq-km of core area. The ancient, yet majestic Bandhavgarh Fort stands on a precipice, 800 meters high, overlooking the 32 picturesque hills that frills the verdant park. The legendary white tigers, however, are no more to be seen, except for the stuffed Mohan - one of the last of the species adopted by a Rewa king and whose descendants were distributed worldwide.

Attractions Wildlife Attractions: Get your cameras ready to shoot as many as you can of Bandhavgarh's 22 mammal species and about 250 bird species. Go for the so-called Tiger Show with expert guides who follow pug marks and jungle calls right upto the beast. Other fellow mates, who more than often become the master predator's diet include nilgai(blue bull), chinkara (Indian gazelle), chausingha (four-horned antelope), wild boar, sambhar (Indian stag), the muntjac (barking deer), herds of chital (spotted deer), gaur (Indian bison) and so on. The two primate species, the rhesus macaque and the Hanuman langur, act the best tiger-spotting guides in Bandhavgarh Park with their raucous calls.
Remember to carry your binoculars to feast your eyes on the avian abundance at Bandhavgarh, that includes Paradise fly catchers, Golden and Black headed Orioles, Red-vented Bulbuls, Purple Sunbirds, Mynahs, Peacock, Jungle Fowl, Yellow Ioras, Blue Jays and Green Barbets.

Bandhavgarh Fort : This 14th century Fort and the adjacent hills have about 35 sandstone ancient (about 1st century B.C.) caves with Brahmi messages. As per the lores, this fort was built by the same simian architects who constructed the bridge to Lanka for Lord Shree Ram.


Kalchuri Archeological Remains: The researchers have discovered interesting Archaeological remains from Kalchuri period in Bandhavgarh and they have been constant visitors of Bandhavgarh ever since other than regular tourists.

Baghel Museum: Bandhavgarh legends has that the white tigers still rule the forest. This museum has the white tiger cub Mohan, captured by a Rajah in 1951, all stuffed and mounted.

Active Pursuits: You can attend the 3-day wildlife photography camp, held between April and June, organized by a Delhi-based outfit called Nature Safari. Seats are limited and you have to book well in advance.


Safaris: Jeep safaris at the crack of dawn are recommended. The Park Office or any hotel near Bandhavgarh has the facility of renting a jeep for Rs. 650. You can have a jeep safari in the park between 10 am to 4 pm. You can also drive your own vehicle into the jungle accompanied by an authorized guide. Only 6 persons + 1 driver + 1 guide are allowed in one jeep. Elephant ride charges are - Indians: Rs. 60/Hour (Adults), Rs. 40/Hour (Child below 12 years) and Foreigners: Rs. 300 (Adults), Rs. 200 (Child). If you want to have a better look at the wildlife specimens, head for the watch tower in the park, specially recommended for viewing Gaur.

Travel Info ¤ The small town of Tala, located near the park, provides most of the basic facilities including vegetable vendors, cigeratte shops, liquor store, a fuel pump and a small hospital with basic medical facilities. The park office is also located here near the northern gate.

¤ The park has four main entrances, Panpatha in the north, Tala in the east (most of the hotels are located here), Dhamokar in the south-west and Khitauli in the west. Two roads, Umaria-Rewa highway and Parasi-Katni road via Khitauli pass through the park.

¤ Approx. Entry Charges: Rs. 20 (Indians), Rs. 200 (Foreigners), Guide Charges : Rs. 75, Vehicle Entry : Rs. 100 (Park round charges extra), Camera Charges : Rs. 25/Day (Still) Rs. 200/Day (Video), Cine documentary film : 12000/Day and Video documentary film : Rs. 6000/Day

¤ A compact pair of binoculars of 7x or 8x magnification is a must-carry along.

¤ The park timings vary according to season, generally depending on the time of sunrise and sunset


¤ You can also travel around the park in your own vehicle, but assisted by a forest department guide. Jeeps can be rented at the park office for about Rs. 650. Jeeps enter the park from 6:30 to 10 AM and from 2:30 PM till 6.

¤ The small souvenir shop at the main entrance of the park at Tala sells maps, books, T-shirts and pictures related to the wildlife of the park.

Getaways Bhamera Dam (20 km from Tala): Head to this reservoir for some amazing bird-watching safari. The Panpatha Sanctuary nearby is another bird-watching haven.

Ghapudi Dam (10 km): Another ornithologist retreat if you have had your fill of the tigers of Bandhavgarh.


Hop next to: Khajuraho, Ujjain, Kanha National Park