Bandhavgarh is well-known for being a home to Royal Bengal Tigers. But wildlife safari and tigers are not the only reason to visit this spectacular destination. Along with tiger sightings and forest trails, there is rich culture, traditional cuisines, rural life, and genuine Indian hospitality that attracts Bandhavgarh foreign tourists.
Bandhavgarh cultural experience is something one cannot find anywhere else in this world. From tasting local food and sharing chai to exploring local handicrafts by Gond and Baiga tribes, Bandhavgarh has something more to experience local hospitality tiger safari.
Bandhavgarh is not all about flora and fauna
India travel culture is not all about busy towns, religious sites, and bustling lifestyle. Foreign tourists India safari also prefer escape from the crowd and get indulged in calm, peaceful villages, forest landscapes, and farmlands. This transition takes them to the communities which are surviving and thriving around the forest for centuries.
While luxury resorts and hotels are located closely to national park gates and provide comfort in the heart of the jungle, foreign tourists can experience the lives of locals by getting close and personal with them to have a wholesome experience of community tourism.
Locals in Bandhavgarh are also friendly and hospitable to foreign tourists. They easily get along with visitors by sharing a cup of chai and sharing their daily lives. It is more than a typical sightseeing tour. They teach visitors about their farming practices, local rituals and traditions, festivals, food and their bond with forest and nature. With these simple conversations, visitors can realize that Bandhavgarh is more of a cultural hotspot than just a wildlife sanctuary.
Welcoming Locals and Local Cuisines
Food is the easiest and most convenient medium to connect anyone with local culture. In local homestays, foreign visitors can get home-cooked food prepared with home-grown vegetables. They can taste local flavors and dishes that they may not find in their luxury hotels. They also learn how these dishes are made, how food is the part of their lifestyles, and when local food is served traditionally. This experience can be as humble as having food with a family when talking about daily life.
Bond with Local Tribes and Nature
Nearby towns and villages around Bandhavgarh are home to Gond and Baiga tribes who are closely related to nature. Foreign tourists can explore their homes, handicrafts, farming, local customs, and folk music. Located around Tala Gate, Dobha is a tourism village which exemplifies community living to visitors about local food, folk dance, heritage, and rural life of Baiga tribe. Tourists can observe and learn about those tribes and get more genuine insights to the traditions and people.
Heritage Tour to Local Villages
There is nothing that can be more rewarding than having a tour to local villages along with safari experiences. After safari, rather than spending the whole day in a resort, visitors can get around and spend time with local villagers around the national park. Visitors may come across local crafts, farming, storytelling, or cultural activities. Responsible cultural tourism enables locals to ensure privacy for themselves while enabling people to capture their moments and ceremonies. Tourism generates jobs and business opportunities for locals by providing community experiences.
Use your tour guide to your advantage
If you have hired a safari guide, there are chances that he must be local and someone who knows everything about their local culture, apart from birds, animal behavior, trees, and conservation efforts. They could be unexpected source of local information while sharing about wildlife to foreign visitors. They may recommend best food in town, more interesting tourist spots which only locals know, or how to experience the region the best possible way. Such exchange of knowledge can make the tour more wholesome.
Cherish those small moments and make memories
Getting close encounter with tigers of Bandhavgarh is not only dramatic experience. Sometimes, even a cup of tea hosted by a local after a long trip could be memorable. In addition, having a conversation about forest, folklore, and local stories from villagers could be more exciting. It goes without saying that your experience could be richer when your safari vehicle stops all of a sudden and your guide quietly shows you the tiger camouflaging behind the bushes. There is also chance that you might be spending the whole day driving in search for one. No matter what happens, you can have great experience when you get to know about culture and people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can foreign visitors explore Bandhavgarh?
Yes. Tourists from all over the world visit Bandhavgarh to explore local culture along with enjoying cozy stays and thrilling safaris.
Are foreign tourists allowed to visit local villages in Bandhavgarh?
Yes. Foreign tourists can have community-based experiences in local villages and learn about local traditions and culture.
What local foods are best around Bandhavgarh?
Tourists can enjoy local dishes made with ingredients grown by locals, especially local Baiga Thali, which includes desi bhaji (local greens), millet-based chapatti, and aloo chokha (mashed potato).
