Bandhavgarh

The Bandhavgarh National Park is located in Sahdol district of central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Nestled among the Vindhya hills, Bandhavgarh covers an area of 448 square kilometres. The wildlife sanctuary has an abundance of Sal trees and bamboo, which provides shelter to a large number of animals and birds. The sanctuary was brought under Project Tiger in the year 1993.

Bandhavgarh National Park came into existence in the year 1968 when the Maharajah of Rewa handed over the area to the government for formation of the park. Due to rampant poaching, the fauna of the place was fast depleting. After it was declared a protected area, the animal population increased dramatically. Initially, the park covered an area of only 106 square kilometres.

The Bandhavgarh National Park has one of the largest tiger populations. At a time when the tiger population of the country is fast depleting due to rampant poaching, Bandhavgarh's tiger population has shown a steady rise. On a visit to the park, the chances of spotting tigers is rated as very high. It is said that great harmony prevails between the beast and humans in the area.

By Air : Khajuraho is the nearest airport from Bandhavgarh National Park at a distance of 280 kms. Khajuraho is a small airport but flights operate to the place from Agra, Delhi, Varanasi and a few other destinations.

By Rail : The railhead nearest to Bandhavgarh park is Umaria at a distance of 30 kms. Umaria is connected by overnight trains from Delhi and Agra.

By Road : Bandhavgarh National Park is situated on the Satna-Umaria & Rewa-Umaria highway. The park can be very conveniently reached through road transport.

Animal species : Other than the king of the jungle (tiger), nilgai, chital, chinkara, gaur, sloth bear and wild boar are also found in abundance in Bandhavgarh. Fox and jackal are also found in the park. Tourists normally opt for rides on elephant backs to see the park.

Bird Species : Bandhavgarh is also home to many species of birds. They include peacock, jungle fowl, golden and black headed orioles, yellow Ioras, red-vented bulbuls, blue green barbets and mynahs. A few species of migratory birds are also spotted during winters.

Bandhavgarh Fort : It is very interesting to note that in the midst of wildlife, the ruins of 2000 years old Bandhavgarh fort is also present. The Fort has a large number of caves belonging to the pre-historic period with Brahmi inscriptions.