Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park, the most popular national

parks in India is located in the Vindhya Hills of the
Umaria district in Madhya Pradesh. Declared as a
national park in 1968 the Bandhavgarh National Park is
spread across the area of 105 km². The name
Bandhavgarh has been derived from the most
prominent hillock of the area of Umaria. The area of
Bandhavgarh is being flourished with a large
biodiversity, the place which is also being famed to grip
highest density of tiger population in India. Similarly,
the park also beholds the largest breeding population of
leopards and various species of deer. Over the years,
the park has shown a great number of increases in the
count of the tiger species and this is the reason why
tiger tours is so famed to attract large amount of
tourists at its vicinity.Known to house about 22 species
of mammals, 250 species of birds, and 300 species of
flora, the main attraction of the park still remains the
Royal Bengal Tigers.
Bandhavgarh has been flourished through various
significant historical legends most of which have been
learnt from the legends of Ramayana. Interestingly,
Bandhavgarh is a legendary place that has many
historical importances. One can learn through the
ancient books of the Narad Panch Ratra and the Shiv
Purana that this place is being associated with
Ramayana. The word Bandhavgarh is a combination of
two words: Bandhav+ Garh where Bandhav means
brother and Garh means Fort. So the meaning of
Bandhavgarh is brother’s fort. The name Bandhavgarh
given to the reserve is due to the presence of an ancient
fort in the hillock of the Vindhya ranges of Umaria. It
has been believed that Lord Rama gifted this amazing
fort to his younger brother Lakshmana. The
Bandhavgarh fort is scripted with many convincing
evidences of human activities and architectural
techniques and interestingly, the legend explains that
the ruined fort was being reconstructed by two
monkeys who built a bridge between Lanka and the
mainland. The fort also lets you explore several man
made caves with inscriptions and rock paintings.
The park is open from 16th October till 30th June.

Listed below are a few of the attractions that could

interest you during your visit to the Bandhavgarh
National Park apart from the Royal Bengal Tigers.

1. Shesh Shaiya: Historical Sculptures Amidst the Jungle

Are Truly Eye-Catching
In Bandhavgarh Park, a 65 ft tall statue of Lord Vishnu
dating back to 10th century AD can be sighted in the
reclining position. This is the point from where
Charanganga, a perennial tributary originates. Although
it serves as the drinking spot for the animals but during
the monsoon season it receives a lot of devotees who
throng here to worship the Lord. Shesh Shaiya is the
only spot in the national park where walking is allowed.
2. Diversity of Birds: A Plethora of Birds Will Not Let You
Miss the Tigers

It’s not just the tiger tours that people are interested in.
This National Park has a large diversity of birds which
soothes the eyes of the bird watchers. The visitors can
spot more than 250 species of birds including migratory
as well as avifauna. Few of these astonishing flying
creatures are Great Egret, Mottled Wood Owl, Grey Lag
Geese (Rare), and White Browed Fantail Flycatcher.
3. Flora in BNP: The Riot of Colours Can Certainly Take
Your Mind Off the Tigers

Bandhavgarh National Park boasts its rich vegetation

which lures the nature lovers and gives them a
prominent reason to explore this place. The eye-
arresting landscape of the BNP covers about 32 hills,
large plateaus, and lush green meadows. Where high
grasslands are the specialty, the park is also covered
densely with Bamboo shoots and sal trees. The other
species of flora that can be found here include Ber,
Babul, Khair, Madhuca, Saj, and Tendu.

4. Fauna in BNP: Abundance of Interesting Encounters

Will Keep You Engaged
The wildcats remain the main attractions of this park;
be it the Royal Bengal Tigers, White Tigers or Leopards.
But during your jungle safari, if you don’t get to
encounter any of these then don’t be disheartened
because there is more to this park than these. Home to
about 22 different species of mammals, Bandhavgarh
will never let you return empty-handed. Apart from
these wildcats, you can fill up your camera’s SD card by
clicking pictures of Bengal Fox, Spotted Deer, Wild Bear,
Palm Squirrels, and Sloth Bear.
5. Forest Rest House Stay Can Give You that Much-
Needed Thrill

If you want to get the most out of your trip to

Bandhavgarh National Park then living in the wild is a
must do. To get the best of this experience, book your
stay in the government guest houses inside its vicinity.
There are 2 accommodations namely, White Tiger Lodge
(the nearest accommodation to the Tala region) and
Forest Rest House Tala. Both these places to stay inside
Bandhavgarh National Park provide utmost comfort and
thrill to be living with the wild to the tourists.
6. Badi Gufa: Exploring the Age-Old Site Has its Own
Charm Amidst the Wilderness

If you really want to witness the impeccable

architecture of the ancient period in Bandhavgarh
National Park, then Badi Gufa is the best place for that.
Sitting comfortably at the foot of Bandhavgarh Fort, it is
the biggest man-made cave that exists in today’s time.
It is also believed that this cave is around 2000 years
ancient which still mesmerizes the tourists.
7. Three Cave Point: Only a Glimpse Can Lure You to
Explore

Another showcase of magnificent architecture in the

vicinity of the park is the Three Cave Point. Visitors can
get the sight of this cave from the Ganesh Hillock Road.
This ancient cave that are a plethora of carvings that
help deciphering the architectural technique of the era
it was built in now provides shelter to the wildlife of the
park.
8. Stay in Cottages: An Experience that Will Keep You
Connected to the Wild

If you are in a hunt for more authentic touch in your

stay then you can choose to stay close to the national
park in a number of resorts like Tigergarh. These
privately owned places ensure to offer that best
experience you are in search of without compromising
with the comfort. The interior here will be a bit rustic
which adds onto its charm.