Bandhavgarh National Park is located in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh state in India. It is spread at vindhya hills in Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh National Park consists of a core area of 105 sq km and a buffer area of approximately 400 sq km of topography varies between steep ridges, undulating, forest and open meadows. Bandhavgarh National Park is known for the Royal Bengal Tigers. The density of the Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India. There are 32 parts in the park and a large natural fort at its centre.

It is famous for its Tigers reserves. The national park is situated at 197 km away north-east of Jabalpur. This wild life park derived its very name from an ancient fort in the area. Bandhawgarh National Park belongs to the Vindhyan mountain ranges of central India and it boasts to have the highest density of tiger population in the country. Now there are about 46 to 52 tigers one can spot here.

Climatic Conditions : -

The climate is north Indian monsoon, characterized by well-defined winters, summers and rains. The mercury has been recorded to drop to a low of 2 °C (in January) and a high of 44 °C (in may). Average rainfall is 1173 mm, most of which falls during the monsoons. Some rains result from the cyclones as well, between the months of November and February.

The best time to visit the park, keeping all aspects in mind, is between December and February but it is the warmer months of April, May and June that are best for tiger and leopard sightings. During the summer months, most of the animals are seen around the few precious water bodies not yet vapourised by the intense heat.

Places to see in Bandhavgarh : -

1 ) Bandhavgarh Fort : -

--> The Fort No records remain to show when Bandhavgarh Fort was constructed. It is thought, however, to be some 2,000 years old, and there are references to it in the ancient books, the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Siva Purana. Various dynasties have ruled this fort: for example, the Maghas from the 1st century AD, the Vakatakas from the 3rd century; the Sengars from the 5th century and the Kalchuris from the 10th century

2 ) Village Tala : -

-->: To view a day in the life of an Indian village, where the pace of life is still measured by the rhythm of the seasons. The humble dwellings, the mud clustered houses, the elders smoking hookahs sitting on a cot, are some of the common scenes which signify that the time stands still in certain areas of the world even today.

3 ) Baghel Museum : -

--> Located only 100 metres from the resort, it houses certain precious belongings of the Maharaja of Rewa who maintained Bandhavgarh as his Shikargah, or a game preserve, a stuffed white Tiger still stands in the museum amidst certain personal belongings of the Maharaja.

ACCESSIBILITY : -

Air : -Fly from Delhi, Agra or Varanasi to Khajuraho and drive (7-8 hours) to Tala park entrance at Bandhavgarh. Nearest airport from the park is Khajuraho.

Rail : -Nearest railway station is Umaria after Katani railway station, from there it is about 40 minutes drive to Nature Heritage. Alternatively, take the overnight train from Delhi to Umaria and drive (30 minutes) to the park. Only jeeps are available for transfers. Khajuraho / Bandhavgarh distance is 250 Kms, (8 hrs drive).

Park Visitation Timings

The park is open from 1st October till 30th June.

For Indians and citizens of other SAARC countries:
Park Entry fee Rs. 20/- per person
Vehicle Entry fee Rs. 100/- per vehicle
Elephant booking
Per Adult per Hour Rs. 60/-
per child (below 12yrs) Rs. 40/-
Still Camera (per day) Rs. 25/-
Video Camera (per day) Rs. 200/-
Guide Fee (per trip) Rs. 75/-

For Foreigners:

Park Entry fee Rs. 200/- per person
Vehicle Entry fee Rs. 100/- per vehicle
Elephant booking
Per Adult per Hour Rs. 300/-
per child (below 12yrs) Rs. 200/-
Still Camera (per day) Rs. 25/-
Video Camera (per day) Rs. 200/-
Guide Fee (per trip) Rs. 75/-