Bandhavgarh National Park

The Bandhavgarh National Park is situated in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and is popular worldwide for its huge population of tigers and the rare White tigers. The park is enclosed within an area of 448 square kilometres. It got the distinction of a national park in the year 1968. Earlier it was a hunting reserve for the Maharajas of Rewa and today the park is a wonderful manifestation of history and nature that comes together to make the park one of the best wildlife parks of the world.

Flora & Fauna
Half of the Bandhavgarh National Park is enveloped with Sal forest. Mixed forests are also found on the hills, while the Bamboo forests and grasslands stretch to the north of the park. The forests of the park are not very much dense and therefore offer better scope of sightseeing, especially tigers

Fauna of the National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park has always been associated with tigers. In addition to the tigers the park is a home to several other wild animals like - Rhesus Macaque, Porcupine, Langur, Golden Jackal, Indian Gazelle, Bengal Wolf, Fox, Ratel, Sloth Bear, Indian Grey Mongoose, Small Indian Mongoose, Ruddy Mongoose, Small Indian Civet, Common Palm Civet, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard, Tiger, Wild Boar, Indian Muntjac, Sambar Nilgai, Gaur, Indian Pangolin, Northern Palm Squirrel, Hare, Chital, Four-horned Antelope, Blackbuck etc.

About 150 species of birds are also found here including the Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Shahin Falcon and Brown Fish Owl. Migratory birds like Warblers and Steppe Eagles visit the west land of the park in winter. In its marshy areas, one can spot the Sarus Crane, Black Ibis, Lesser Whistling Teal, Kingfisher, Egyptian Vulture, White-eyed Buzzard, Crested Serpent Eagle etc.
Straight Stuff
Location: Eastern Madhya Pradesh
Total Area: 448 sq. kms.
Declared As: A National Park in 1968
Visiting Season: November to March
Baits: Tiger, Cheetal, Sambar and Wild Boar
Entry Fee: Rs. 25 Indians and Rs. 500 foreigners

Accommodation
Most of the hotels in Bandhavgarh are concentrated around the town of Tala. Some of the popular hotels and lodges here are :

• Nature Heritage Resort
• Tiger's Den Resort
• Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge
• White Tiger Forest Lodge
• Tiger Trails Safari Lodge
• Maharaja Royal Retreat

How To Roll In
By Air- The nearest airport is located at Jabalpur, 165 km from Bandhavgarh. Another airport is situated at Khajuraho (230 km).
By Rail - The nearest railway station is at Umaria, about 32 km from the park. Buses and jeeps are easily available from here to reach the park.
By Road - The Bandhavgarh National Park is situated on the Umaria-Rewa highway about 30 km from Umaria. State transport buses are easily available to reach Bandhavgarh.