Bandhavgarh
- Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh National Park – Madhya Pradesh
When it comes to tiger sightings, few places can match the reputation of Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh. This relatively small park boasts one of the highest densities of Bengal tigers in the world, making it a favorite for those seeking that unforgettable close encounter.
Steep cliffs, grassy meadows, and dense sal forests form a dramatic backdrop to your safari. Apart from tigers, Bandhavgarh is also home to leopards, sambar deer, jackals, and a wide variety of bird species. The park is also rich in history, with the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort standing atop a hill, watching over the wilderness for centuries.
Covering an area of 450 square kilometers, Bandhavgarh became a national park in 1968 and joined Project Tiger in 1993. Its waterholes, streams, and bamboo thickets create ideal habitats, making every safari a thrilling blend of wildlife, history, and raw natural beauty.
Interesting Fact – Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh gets its name from an ancient fort atop a hill inside the park, believed to have been gifted by Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana. The park boasts the highest known density of tigers in India.
Prime Predators
Royal Bengal tigers dominate the landscape here, alongside leopards as stealthy hunters.
Famous For?
Famous for its legendary male tiger “Charger” and the majestic tigress “Sita,” icons of Indian wildlife photography.
Major Wildlife
Tiger, leopard, wild boar, chital, nilgai, Indian jackal, Indian gaur, and a variety of bird species like the Malabar pied hornbill.
Flora & Fauna in the Park
Bandhavgarh National Park boasts a rich mix of tropical moist deciduous forest and grasslands. Dominated by sal and bamboo, its terrain also supports fruiting trees like banyan and mango, which attract wildlife. The park’s open meadows make it one of the best places in India for tiger sightings, with a high density of the big cat.
Alongside tigers, leopards and sloth bears are frequently spotted, while the forest echoes with the calls of hornbills, barbets, and parakeets. Its varied vegetation supports a diverse reptile population as well.
Mammals
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Leopard
- Wild Boar
- Sloth Bear
- Chital
- Sambar
- Nilgai
- Jackal
Birds
- Indian Roller
- White-rumped Vulture
- Alexandrine Parakeet
- Crested Hawk-Eagle
- Indian Pond Heron
- Malabar Pied Hornbill
Reptiles
- Common Monitor Lizard
- Cobra
- Krait
- Python
- Russell’s Viper
Safari Zones or Gates
Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh has three main core zones and several buffer zones, all known for their high tiger density.
Tala Zone
The most famous and scenic zone, known for frequent tiger sightings and historical ruins. Entry is through Tala Gate.
Magadhi Zone
Offers dense forests and great chances to spot big cats. Entry is via Magadhi Gate.
Khitauli Zone
Known for leopard sightings and birdwatching. Entry is through Khitauli Gate.
Buffer Zones
Includes the Dhamokhar, Panpatha, Johila, and Manpur buffer zones, each offering unique safari experiences with less crowding.
Core Zone
| Zone Name | Entry Gate |
|---|---|
|
Tala |
Tala Gate |
|
Magadhi |
Magadhi Gate |
|
Khitauli |
Khitauli Gate |
Buffer Zones
| Zone Name | Entry Gate |
|---|---|
|
Dhamokhar |
Dhamokhar Gate |
|
Johila |
Johila Gate |
|
Panpatha |
Panpatha Gate |
