A
wildlife retreat, where history and nature meet, Bandhavgarh is not too far
away from Kanha. Set amidst the Vindhyan ranges, the Park has a series of
ridges running through it. Initially just 105.40 sq. km. in area,
Bandhavgarh with 25 resident tigers, was noted for its high density tiger
population. Today, it has been extended to an area of 437 sq. km.
About half the Park is covered with fine stands of sal, while mixed forests
are found in the higher reaches of the hills. Stretches of bamboo and
grasslands extend to the north.
The main viewing area is still in
the core of the Park with its 32 picturesque, wooded hills. An ancient fort
up on a precipice, 800 metres high, dominates the Park.
Bandhavgarh's history goes back 2000 years in time and the earliest signs of
habitation can be seen in the Caves excavated from the cliffs to the north
of the fort. Brahmi inscription here, date back to the 1st century BC A
hunting reserve of the roya! family of Rewa in more recent times,
Bandhavgarh was declared a Park in 1968. This is where the famous white
tigers of Rewa were discovered.
Wandering through the Park on
elephant back, the chances of seeing a tiger are quite good. Also to be seen
here are nilgai, chausingha, chital, chinkara, wild boar and sometimes a fox
or jackal.
Other inhabitants of the Park include the muntjac,
jungle cat, ratel, hyena, porcupine, the rhesus macaque and the black-faced
langur. About 150 species of birds are also found here and include the
migratory birds that arrive in winter like the steppe eagle and various
water birds.
It is possible to climb up to the Bandhavgarh fort
for a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the Park and there is also a small
population of black buck that lives here, protected from the predators
below. General Information:
Best Time to Visit: November to June.
Nearest Town: Umaria (30 km)
How to Get Here:
Air: Jabalpur (170
km), Khajuraho (210 km)
Rail:Umaria (30 km), Jabalpur (170 km)
A
wildlife retreat, where history and nature meet, Bandhavgarh is not too far
away from Kanha. Set amidst the Vindhyan ranges, the Park has a series of
ridges running through it. Initially just 105.40 sq. km. in area,
Bandhavgarh with 25 resident tigers, was noted for its high density tiger
population. Today, it has been extended to an area of 437 sq. km.