Unveiling the Enchanting World of Tigers at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Bandhvgarh Tiger Reserve, one of the largest and most famous tiger reserves in India, is famed for its biodiversity. Apart from tigers, it is home to ancient temples, scenic forests, and pristine meadows. Wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers flock to this park from all over the world. It is the only reserve in India where tiger sightings are almost guaranteed on safaris.

The reserve was established as a national park in 1968 and then became a tiger sanctuary under Project Tiger in 1993. It was a private property of the Maharaja of Rewa until independence when it was turned into a wildlife reserve. The name ‘Bandhavgarh’ is derived from the legend that Lord Rama, the epic hero of the Ramayana, stopped here on his way back from Lanka and stayed in these forests for some time.

The park’s tiger density is one of the highest in the country, and a safari through its dense forests and grasslands is a true wildlife experience. The reserve is also home to 22 other mammals and 150 or so bird species.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Core Zones

For tourism and management purposes, the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is divided into several zones.The core zones of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve include:

Tala Zone:

The Tala Zone is the most famous and frequently visited core zone in Bandhavgarh. It is known for its high tiger density and is home to some of the most iconic tigers in the reserve. Visitors have a good chance of spotting tigers and other wildlife in this zone.

Magdhi Zone:

The Magdhi Zone is another important core area of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. Visitors can also explore the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, which is located in this zone.

Khitauli Zone:

The Khitauli Zone is less frequented by tourists compared to Tala and Magdhi, thus making it a quieter and more peaceful option for wildlife enthusiasts. It also offers opportunities for tiger sightings and birdwatching.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Buffer Zones

The buffer zone extends over an area of about 411 square kilometres surrounding the core zone. This region acts as a transition between human settlements and the core area, allowing some level of sustainable development while maintaining ecological balance. The buffer zone also serves as an additional space for wildlife movement and provides opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore its diverse flora and fauna.

Dhamokhar

At 14 km from Tala zone, Dhamokhar buffer zone lies between Mahaman and Parasi villages and houses natural caves, a dam, as well as grassland meadows. This addition to Magadhi Zone features grassland meadows for added recreational purposes.

Additionally, this area features a slow-moving river that cuts through dense forest to form a spectacular waterfall, as well as natural caves and meadows, as well as Mudgudi Dam, which offers all-year water storage ideal for migrating birds. Furthermore, tourists can access Dhamokhar through the Magadhi zone, which was recently opened for tourist safaris, to spread out the tourism burden amongst all zones while giving wildlife enthusiasts more exposure.

Johila

The entry point to the Johila buffer lies close to Chechpur village, which is on the route to Manpur-Shahdol. It is a part of the Tala zone and is located 35 kilometres from Tala village. The area is named after its Johila Waterfall, which flows from Amarkantak towards the Son River. Other places in this buffer zone are Badia Ghaat, Chindia Ghaat, Kuthulia Waterfall, Zurnar Ghaat, and a few others.

Panpatha

The entry point of the Pachpedi, also known as the Panpatha buffer zone, can be found adjacent to the Pachpedi village. This area extends to the Khitauli zone. It is located 25 kilometres from Tala village. The forests are dotted with bamboo and deciduous plants. Bulls of blue, Chinkara several-horned antelope, and wild dogs are popular attractions in this region.

Places to Visit In bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Tala Zone:

This is the most famous and frequented zone within the park. It’s known for its high tiger population and offers excellent chances of tiger sightings. Apart from tigers, you can also spot various other wildlife species like leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, and many bird species.

Bandhavgarh Fort:

Located within the national park, the Bandhavgarh Fort is an ancient hill fort with historical and archaeological significance. The fort provides a stunning view of the surrounding landscape and is a great place to explore for history enthusiasts.

Three-Cave Point:

This area is known for its ancient caves with inscriptions and Brahmi script dating back to the 1st century B.C. These caves hold archaeological importance and are a point of interest for history buffs.

Shesh Shaiya:

This is a reclining statue of Lord Vishnu, believed to be over 1,000 years old. It’s located in the Tala Zone and is a revered site for devotees and a point of interest for tourists.

Bari Gufa:

This is another cave in the park known for its ancient inscriptions and carvings and is a fascinating place to explore for its historical significance.

Charger’s Point:

This viewpoint is named after a famous tiger known as Charger, and it offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests and hills.

Jungle Safari:

One of the primary attractions is the jungle safari, where you can explore the wilderness and spot wildlife. There are both jeep safaris and elephant safaris available, offering different perspectives on the park’s wildlife.

Bird Watching:

Bandhavgarh is also a paradise for bird watchers and is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a great place for birding enthusiasts.

Khitauli Village:

Visiting the nearby villages can provide insights into the local culture and way of life. It’s an opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their customs and traditions.

Photography:

The picturesque landscapes and abundant wildlife offer fantastic opportunities for wildlife and nature photography. Make sure to carry your camera or binoculars to capture the beauty of the park.

Best Time To Visit Bandhavgarh National Park

It opens its gates to tourists from October 15th to June 30th every year. However, the best time to explore the natural beauty of this tiger sanctuary is from November to March. These winter months offer excellent climate conditions for a comfortable wildlife safari and outdoor activities.

While the core zones of the park are closed during monsoons (July–September), the buffer zones of Dhamokhar, Panpatha, and Johila remain open all year for tourists to enjoy the pristine wilderness of Bandhavgarh. Though the park is beautiful throughout the year, it offers a completely different experience during each of the three seasons.

Bandhavgarh Safari Timings

Bandhavgarh Jungle Jeep Safari Timings:
Park is Open for Visitors from 15th October to 15th June.
Rest of the Time Park is closed to visitors.

JEEP SAFARI IN WINTERS TIMING (Oct. to Jan.)
Morning: 06:30 AM to 10:30 AM,
EVENING: 02:30 PM to 5:30 PM

JEEP SAFARI TIMING IN SUMMERS (Feb. to June)
Morning: 06:00 to 10:00 AM
EVENING: 03:30 to 06:30 PM