
Tucked away in the ranges of the Vindhya mountains in Madhya Pradesh, the
Bandhavgarh National Park has the eminence of being the former hunting
preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. Apart from the other wildlife inhabitants,
the white tiger lures the tourists here most. The terrain of the park
comprises of rocky hills, grassy swamps and wooded valleys. The park,
declared as a national park in 1968, covers a total area of around 437
square kilometres.
Wildlife Species of the Park
The low-lying areas of the park are covered with sal forests while in the
high-altitude areas of the park, you will find forests of mixed species.
Though tigers are of course the first attraction for visitors, you can also
watch species like sloth bear, wild boar, sambhar, muntajac, jungle cate,
ratel, hyena, porcupine, rhesus macaque, back-faced langur etc.
Bird watchers can have a great time in the Tala Area of the national park.
The area shelters around 150 species of exotic avian species. Commonly
spotted bird species include Brown Fish owl, grey-headed fishing eagle,
Malabar pied hornbill, Shahin Falcon etc.
Adventure Safaris Offered
This just up to you whether you like a royal safari on an elephant's back or
wish to hit the forest trails in a jeep or a car like a modern-day
enthusiast. Whatever option you choose, the park offers sights that are not
going to forget soon. A guide, provided by the forest department accompanies
to assist you through your safari into the depth of the park, acquainting of
the major flora and fauna. Early morning or evening visit (preferably after
4 pm) is the ideal time to look for the jungle inmates.
Other Attractions In & Around the Park
» Bandhavgarh Fort : The fort, which according to
the Puranas is 2000-year-old, is the major historical landmark inside the
jungles of Bandhavgarh. The fort was ruled by ancient dynasties like the
Maghas, the Vakatakas, the Sengars and the Kalachuris.
» Baghel Museum : The museum has an interesting
collection belonging to the Maharaja of Rewa. A stuffed white tiger that
stands in the middle of the museum is a big draw for tourists. The museum is
at a distance of 100 km from the resort.
» Village Tala : A visit to the spot lets you soak
up the rustic charm of a typical Indian village. Watch the mud houses with
thatched roofs as the locals go about their age-old routine of life while
the elderly sit on a cot outside the huts busy smoking hookahs.
Accessibility
Tourists first need to fly to Khajuraho (250 km) from places like Delhi,
Agra and Varanasi. Further, they need to undertake a road journey, spanning
7-8 hours, to get to the Tala Park entrance of the national park. Those who
arrive by rail route, can take a train from Delhi to Umaria. From Umaria,
the national park is just 30 minutes drive.