Bandhavgarh National Park
A
wildlife retreat, where history and nature meet, Bandhavgarh is not too far
away from Kanha. Set amidst the Vindhyan ranges, the Park has a series of ridges
running through it. Initially just 105.40 sq. km. in area, Bandhavgarh with
25 resident tigers, was noted for its high density tiger population. Today,
it has been extended to an area of 437 sq. km.
About half the Park is covered with fine stands of sal, while mixed forests
are found in the higher reaches of the hills. Stretches of bamboo and grasslands
extend to the north.
The main viewing area is still in the core of the Park with its 32 picturesque,
wooded hills. An ancient fort up on a precipice, 800 metres high, dominates
the Park.
Bandhavgarh's history goes back 2000 years in time and the earliest signs of
habitation can be seen in the Caves excavated from the cliffs to the north of
the fort. Brahmi inscription here, date back to the 1st century BC A hunting
reserve of the roya! family of Rewa in more recent times, Bandhavgarh was declared
a Park in 1968. This is where the famous white tigers of Rewa were discovered.
Wandering through the Park on elephant back, the chances of seeing a tiger are
quite good. Also to be seen here are nilgai, chausingha, chital, chinkara, wild
boar and sometimes a fox or jackal. Other inhabitants of the Park include the
muntjac, jungle cat, ratel, hyena, porcupine, the rhesus macaque and the black-faced
langur. About 150 species of birds are also found here and include the migratory
birds that arrive in winter like the steppe eagle and various water birds.
It
is possible to climb up to the Bandhavgarh fort for a breathtaking bird's-eye
view of the Park and there is also a small population of black buck that lives
here, protected from the predators below.
General Information :
Best Time to Visit :
November to June.
Nearest Town :
Umaria (30 km)
How to Get Here :
Air: Jabalpur (170 km), Khajuraho (210 km)
Rail:Umaria (30 km), Jabalpur (170 km)
Jungle
Resorts In Bandhavgarh :
» Nature
Heritage Resort
» Royal
Tiger Resort
» Tiger
Trail Resort
