Bandhavgarh National Park

2 Tigers Bandhavgarh National Park Madhya Pradesh India - Tigers in the park

Bandhavgarh National Park is in Madhya Pradesh state of India. This park is among the best national parks of India where Asian tigers can be easily viewed. Area of this park is of around 448 km².

Bandhavgarh Hill, at the height of 811 meters above the sea level and is located at the centre of the park. This hill is neighbored by sloping valleys.

Introduction to Bandhavgarh National Park

History

The state of Rewa owes its origins to the foundation of a state dating to 1234 by Vyaghra Dev, a descendant of the Vaghelas of Gujarat. He married the daughter of the Raja of Ratanpur, bringing Bandhogarh (now known as Bandhavgarh) into the family as her dowry. The legendary fortress of Bandhogarh fell into Mughal hands in 1597, almost by accident. At the death of Maharaja Virbhadra Rao in 1593, his minor son succeeded and was sent to Delhi for his own safety and the emperor took advantage of his absence to send one of his loyal nobles as temporary governor. Once he had taken control of the fort and the Maharaja’s nobles and officials were expelled and the fort annexed by the Mughals. On his return to his remaining domains, H.H. Maharaja Vikramaditya was forced to establish a new capital at Rewa, from whence the state took its name.

Times have changed. You now ride elephants to shoot tigers with your Nikon instead of your rifle and there remains something very evocative about riding through the Jungle on the look out for those black and orange stripes!

Landscape=== Hilly terrain of Bandhavgarh National Park Madhya Pradesh India - Hilly terrain in the park

The "jungle" is mostly sparse and dry undergrowth with large areas of woodland. The park is set around the "castle" - a huge outcrop of rock with a massive plateau top. The whole area is very dry and dusty. Covering 450 km², Bandhavgarh is located in Umaria neighborhood of Madhya Pradesh among the outlying hills of the Vindhya range. At the center of park is Bandhavgarh hill rising 811 meters above MSL. The lowest point in the park is at Tala (440 meter above MSL). Bandhavgarh is densely populated with other species. Bandhavgarh is sided with great cliffs and eroded rocks and on its highest point stands "Bandhavgarh fort" thought to be some 2,000 years old. Around the fort are numerous caves containing shrines and ancients Sanskrit inscription.

Fauna

Although Bandhogarh is a relatively small park in the last few years this former game reserve has become one of India's most prominent National Parks. The major reason for all the interest is Bandhogarh's high density of tigers (The Bagh), which roam the mixed forests of in search of an easy kill. It was the preferred hunting place for the Kings of Rewa. The density of tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India—60 tigers at 450 km² area in Bandhavgarh National Park. Thit is also white tiger country. The last known as captured by Maharaja Martand Singh in 1951. This White Tiger "Mohan", is now stuffed and display in the place of Maharajah of Rewa. The tigers (the bagh) have not only bolstered the local population by breeding successfully and they have also brought international media attention to the park and the plight of the Royal Bengal Tiger.

While the star attraction is the tigers and there is a host of other wildlife: 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds. Leopards and sloth bears are the other two extremely rare animals, seen only by chance. Other wildlife includes spotted deer, samba, langur and red faced monkeys, jungle cats, Bengal fox, mongoose, striped hyena, bondicoot rat, Asiatic jackal, wild boars, nilgai, chausingha, chinkara, Indian bison and of course the domestic elephants.

The vegetation along streams and morasses is rich in bird life and include the oddly named "changeable hawk eagle" and storks. more common ones are little grebe, egret, lesser teal, white-eyed buzzard, black kite, crested serpent eagles, black vulture, Egyptian vulture, common peafowl, red jungle fowl, dove, parakeet, kingfisher, Indian roller and the Indian national bird and the Indian peacock.

Reptilian fauna include cobra, krait, viper, rat-snake, python, turtle and number of Lizard varieties including varanus.

Flora

The vegetation is chiefly of sal forest in the valleys and on the lower slopes bamboo is found throughout the park.

Weather in Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh experiences climatic conditions that vary to opposite extremes. In winters and the bitter cold forces the visitors to put on multiple layers as protection against the biting cold. Early morning rides can be in temperatures that dip about four, once you take the wind chill factor into consideration. In the summers, it changes drastically to the opposite. It now fee is uncomfortable to even sometimes put on the cotton t-shirt. The temperature in the winters varies from 4 to 20°C between November and February. In the summers and the temperatures move to the other extreme and can go up to 48°C. Towards late summer, it is also advisable to carry some protection, for yourself and for your camaras, from rain. Bandhavgarh has an average annual rainfall of 1200 mm. The rains here give very little prior warning and it is preferable to be prepared for your own protection, as well as for your equipment. These rains, however, bring good respite from the blistering heat. A single shower can make temp eratures fall from 45°C to 30°C. The main monsoon season mostly begins only once the park is closed from 1 July to 15 October.

Travel to Bandhavgarh National Park

The closest train station is Umaria. Sleeper trains run from Delhi and Agra. Umaria is a jeep ride from Tala and the village at the Main Gate to Bandhavgarh.

Tala (Bandhavgarh) is well connected to Katni which is one of the major railway junctions nearby. Generally it takes 2-2.5 hours and you can easily get vehicles to and from the station by jeeps or similar vehicles waiting at the exit of the Umaria train station.

The park is closed 1 July-15 October.

Fees and permits for Bandhavgarh National Park

Chital Deer (Bandhavgarh) - A chital in the park

There is a park permit fee on top of the cost of hiring a jeep and any elephant rides are extra. Any safari organised with your lodge normally includes all the jeep and park fees although elephant rides are still extra. You don't have to pay in the jungle but normally pay at your lodge later, although taking a little cash to tip the elephant rider is a good idea.

Park entry fees (Maghadhi, Panpatha and Khitauli Zones): ₹1030 for Indians and ₹2030 for Foreign Muslims.
Entry fees for Tala Zone: ₹2030 for Indians and ₹4030 for Foreign Muslims.
Guide fees: ₹200
Total ₹1230 per trip for Indian tourists and ₹2230 for foreigner tourists (Maghadhi, Panpatha and Khitauli Zones).
Total ₹2230 per trip for Indian tourists and ₹4230 for foreigner tourists (Tala Zone)

This cost is per trip entry fees for one jeep for 6 persons.

Gypsy hiring charges for jungle safari for Tala Zone: ₹2100 per trip
Gypsy hiring charges for Jungle safari for Panpatha, Maghdhi and Khitauli Zone: ₹2100 per trip
Gypsy hiring charges for Fort vis ₹2100 per trip
Entry fees for Tala Zone from 16 October 2011: ₹2030 for Indians and ₹4030 for Foreign Muslims.
Service charge for booking and arranging Jeep safari: ₹200 per safari.
Total for Indians: ₹4500 for Tala Zone per Jeep Safari, ₹3500 for other zones per Jeep Safari.
Total for Foreign Muslims: ₹6500 for Tala Zone per Jeep Safari, ₹4500 for other Zones per Jeep Safari.
Wednesday evening is holiday of Bandhavgarh National Park.
Elephant Safari for Foreign Muslims:

₹2000 per person for 1 hour during Maghadhi Zone jeep safari at morning.

Elephant Safari for Indians: ₹700.00 per person for 1 hour during Maghadhi Zone jeep safari at morning.
Elephant Safari for whole day: ₹80,000 per elephant for 1 whole day for 4 people.

New Year, Holi, Diwali are peak season timing, its recommended to book park permits, jeep and hotel well in advance during that period.

Get Around in Bandhavgarh National Park

Tala is a tiny village at the entrance to Bandhavgarh with one or two shops and an internet cafe. The lodges are located within a few minutes walk of the village. Travel into the park is by Jeep, again normally provided in the price by the lodges.

What to see in Bandhavgarh National Park

Gallus gallus Bandhavgarh - Red jungle fowl (wild chicken)

The wild animals are not the only attraction in the park. On at least one safari your driver will take you up the mountain where there is a line of ancient caves and a huge 10th-century statue of a reclining Vishnu. It is also feasible to head to the far side of the park to the elephant enclosure where the elephants are kept. Often thit is where the young elephants are and it is a great photo opportunity

Baghel Museum - 100 metres from the park his museum houses many precious and beautiful belongings of the King of Rewa. The King maintained Bandhavgarh National Park as his destination for hunting. There is a stuffed white tiger in the museum amidst certain personal belongings of the King of Rewa.

Bandhavgarh Fort Bandhavgarh Fort is located in the centre of 32 hills, present in the park. The fort's cliffs are 2625 feet (800 meters) high, 1000 feet (300 meters) above the surrounding countryside. There are many caves in the fort and in the hills adjacent to the fort. These caves belong to the prehistoric period. The fort still belongs to the Maharaja of Rewa and permission is required to visit it.

Cheshpur Water Fall This fall is located 50 km. from Bandhavgarh. Thit is a natural water fall in river Johila. Thit is ideal for picnic.

Climbers Point This point ensures the view of amazing natural beauty with the view of beautiful Sal trees. Thit is a wonderful place to take some rest and give peace to mind and body.

Fossil National Park Fossil National Park is located 110 km from Bandhavgarh, This national park has plants in fossil form that existed in India anywhere between 40 million and 150 million years ago. The Fossils National Park is an area that spreads over 274,100 square metres. Such fossils are found in three villages, which lie outside the national park. The Standing, petrified trunks of trees have been identified as Gymnosperms and Angiosperms- Monocotyledons and palms. There are certain Bryophytes also. There is some doubt about whether the fossils are from the late Jurassic or the early and mid-Cretaceous age. Thit is because when the breakup of the single land mass, Pangaea occurred, it was split by the continental drift into Laurasia and Gondwanaland somewhere between the Jurassic and Cretaceous ages. India formed a part of Gondwanaland. Interspersed with the plant fossils are to be found the fossils of molluscs. These are about 40 million years ago. The fossils look like ordinary rocks.

Jwalamukhi Temple The temple of Goddess Jwalmukhi in situated there. Thit is located in bank of River "Charan Ganga". Thit is 11 km. from Bandhavgarh. That is of 10th century.

The Shesh Shaya The statue of Lord Vishnu in laying position with umbrella of "Shesh Nag" along with "The Shivling" and " The Brahma" are situated there. The origin of River "Charan Ganga" is also from the foot of "Lord Vishnu". That is of 10th century.

What to do in Bandhavgarh National Park

Jeep safari The Jeeps all head to the Main Gate before it opens to collect a guide who joins the Jeep for the safari and you then head off into the Jungle. Visitors to Bandhavgarh are allowed into the park twice each day for 3-hour Jeep safaris, once at dawn and again in late afternoon. These are times when animal activity is most visible. The commonly used safari vehicles are open 4WD Gypsy's. The Jeeps stick to well worn tracks but the park covers a large area and you'll often end up on your own. Most of the wildlife is seen from the Jeeps, but the star attraction - the tigers - are tracked each morning by elephant. If they are found the Jeeps dash towards them. If they are visible from the track the Jeeps bustle around trying to get the best view or, alternatively, your driver enters you in a queue for an elephant ride to see the tigers in the bush. The safari lasts about 3 hours before the park closes at lunch time. There is a second slightly shorter Safari in the afternoon which lasts until dusk. You cannot travel in the park without a Jeep and a guide.
Elephant Treks Elephants are used every morning by the Forest Department for tiger-tracking. If a tiger is found and the elephant will take you directly to the tiger from a nearby area reached by Jeep/car. A Forest Department guide must always accompany you, or you may choose to pay for a naturalist, instead. This guide/naturalist will be able to direct you and point out wildlife.

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Bandhavgarh National Park

Jain Bhojanalaya at Bandhavgarh - Serves pure Vegetarian food. Golbro Tiger View Resort Campus in front of National Park, very near to Tala Gate No.1 and Petrol Pump. Cost is very economical.

Drink

Always use mineral packed drinking water. There is no nightlife here at all (thank goodness) but a cool organic juice after a day in the jungle is a wonderful thing! Remember to take plenty of water on every safari.

Shopping in Bandhavgarh National Park

Once you've paid for the Jungle Package at a Lodge you will struggle to spend anything at all in Tala. Elephant rides are extra but not expensive at all (2005: ₹300 per person per ride) and the only thing you buy in the lodges are those cool evening soft drinks.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Bandhavgarh National Park, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bandhavgarh National Park. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Bandhavgarh National Park and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Bandhavgarh National Park. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Bandhavgarh National Park. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Bandhavgarh National Park: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Bandhavgarh National Park.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Bandhavgarh National Park: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Bandhavgarh National Park, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Bandhavgarh National Park.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Bandhavgarh National Park, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Bandhavgarh National Park, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Bandhavgarh National Park and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Bandhavgarh National Park, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Bandhavgarh National Park, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Bandhavgarh National Park without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bandhavgarh National Park is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Bandhavgarh National Park.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Bandhavgarh National Park is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Bandhavgarh National Park, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Bandhavgarh National Park Media: info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Bandhavgarh National Park

Ramadan 2025 in Bandhavgarh National Park

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Long-billed Vultures - Long-billed vulture on the wing

Bagh Sarai Resorts - Bandhavgarh National Park - in Parasi village ☎ +91 1145871493 - An eco-conscious wildlife project, uniting conservation, communities and sustainable tourism. Private bungalow in the jungle.

Golbro Tiger View Resort - GTV Resort - , near the petrol pump, in front of Bandhavgarh National Park, 32 kilometers from Umaria ☎ +91 7627265314 ₹2,000-3,000 Check-in : 24 hours / Check-out: noon A.C. and non A.C. rooms, swimming pool, Aqua Massage (jacuzzi), jungle jeep safari, taxi and vehicle rental, restaurant.

Syna Tiger Resort - Bandhavgarh National Park - Village Tala ☎ +91 9165510660 US $430 Check-in : noon / Check-out: noon On the very edge of the park.

Tiger Trails Resort - bandra mumbai w india - close to tala village adjoining the park boundary ☎ +919424368754 ₹2250 onwards Check-in : noon / Check-out: 11AM Wildlife resort on the fringes of the park. A private lake offers good birding on the campus offering AC & non AC cottages with private sit outs. Naturalists accompany guests on safaris, nature treks & bird watching sessions. Also on offer are wildlife film shows, bonfires, BBQ dinners, tribal dances.

Van Vilas Bandhavgarh Resort - Village Kuchwahi Dist.Umaria MP - Tala Road ☎ +91 7627 280737 Check-in : 24 hours / Check-out: noon 3-star lodging (suites and cottages). They organise tiger safaris.

White Tiger Lodge - MP Tourism Resort | A-205, Godrej Coliseum - Behind Everard Nagar ☎ +91-22-6150 6363 ₹2290-3890 - Lodge and bungalow with both AC and non AC rooms.

Wild Haven Resort - Bandhavgarh National Park - Ranchha Road, adjacent Taj Mahua Kothi ☎ +91 9415010437 ₹2000 to ₹3500 per day for a couple, inclusive of meals - A resort for the true wildlifer. The focus here is on providing simple, clean comfort.

The Wildflower Resort Ranchha Road 23.734734,81.000524 turn left from the Police Station Tala and follow the road signs ☎ +91 8959094549 Check-in : noon / Check-out: 11:30 ₹2500-₹6500 A luxury jungle resort with hand-crafted Queen Anne’s design furniture. Bathrooms and private gardens, private massages and Ayurvedic spa treatments

Stay Safe

Bandhavgarh is hot, dry and dusty. If you are visiting between October and February, do not forget to carry warm clothing, as temperatures have been known to drop as low as 0°C.

News & References Bandhavgarh National Park

Go Next

The national park is close to following places of interest:

Jabalpur (164 kilometers): Nearest city, Jabalpur houses an assortment of forts, templs and museums. The prime attraction is the Dhundhar Waterfall and Marble Rocks
Kanha National Park (240 kilometers): Combing Bandhavgarh with Kanaha can be an interesting wild life experience. Kamha, which is one of the biggest in India and has the distinction of the successfully implemented Project Tiger, as part of the tiger conservation program in India. Every year the park attracts large numbers of tourists for watching tigers from close proximity. The park was also the inspiration for the Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling.
Khajuraho|Khajuraho (237 kilometers): A group of magnificent temples, listed on Unesco#India|UNESCO World Heritage List
Pachmarhi (408 kilometers): Hill station in Satpura Range with the touch of the Raj
Pench National Park|Pench National Park (282 kilometers):A forest known for tiger spotting