In February 2011, I was seeing my friends in Jabalpur. As wildlife and nature lovers, they used to visit national parks in Central India. Hence, they took me to Bandhavgarh tiger trail. Stretched around 437 sq. km., Bandhavgarh National Park houses variety of deer, birds, and largest population of tigers in India. In 1951, Maharaja of Rewa captured the first white tiger in India, Mohan, who is now exhibited in Rewa Palace as a stuffed tiger. We drove through the winding lanes through two safari jeeps, while listening to birds and animal calls.
Initially, we spotted sambar, spotted deer, nilgai, leopard, peacocks, and various bird species to stay satisfied with the popular saying that “If you haven’t seen the tiger, tiger may have definitely seen you.” Finally, after a lot of efforts, we spotted the ruling member of the Big Cats, B2 when we chased the fresh pug marks in our journey to Bandhavgarh. Later on, we found a female tiger with her cubs in the woods.
Legacy of Big Cats in Majestic Bandhavgarh
Some of the world-famous Bengal Tigers used to call Bandhavgarh their home, such as, Charger and Sita. They were the ancestors of most of the current tigers in Bandhavgarh in the 1990s. Charger was renowned for charging at safari vehicles and elephants without causing any harm and Sita once had appearance on the cover page of National Geographic. When Charger died naturally in 2000, Sita faced unfortunate death due to poaching. We spotted one of their children B2. They also had two other children Lanru and Mohini who graced tourists with their appearance. B2 was the leading male tiger in the park. Some other tigers also died by vehicles, angry villagers, and poachers. Luckily, we spotted B2 from close encounters during our Bandhavgarh road trip.
Safari Experience in Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh safari itinerary usually covers three core zones like Magadhi, Tala, and Khitauli and 3 to 4 routes in each zone. Gate No. 1 or Tala zone is most preferred by tiger lovers. A route is assigned when getting a safari permit in the entry gate for each vehicle. Safari vehicles are mostly open jeeps to carry up to 6 passengers including a Bandhavgarh travel guide who is knowledgeable and appointed by forest department. Safari jeeps also take rest for refreshment when they get signal from the central point. At least two safaris are recommended to increase your chance to spot tigers and more wild animals.
What to consider when visiting Bandhavgarh?
- Bandhavgarh National Park gates open from October to June and remain closed from July to September.
- We recommend you to visit February to May for good photography opportunities and sightings when tigers are usually found near water bodies.
- Don’t carry mobile phones and plastics to protect wildlife
- Umaria (35 km) is the nearest railway station to Bandhavgarh
- Jabalpur (200 km) is the nearest airport to Bandhavgarh
How to reach Bandhavgarh?
If you are an Indian traveler, we highly recommend you to travel by train. Train journeys are usually comfortable, convenient, and affordable from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and other major cities in India. Umaria is the closest railhead to Bandhavgarh and is well-connected to various major cities through railway. After reaching Umaria, rest of the journey will be more convenient by road. Whether you reach by rail or air, road journey is the final stage of any Bandhavgarh trip. It is also the primary mode to start from closest cities.
When reaching Bandhavgarh by road, there are several major transport hubs well-connected to the park, such as, Umaria, Jabalpur, Katni, and Khajuraho. Most roads are accessible with taxis and private cabs. So, photography groups, travelers with safari gear, and families often prefer road trips to Bandhavgarh.
Conclusion
Bandhavgarh National Park is not all about wildlife. With tremendous efforts by Forest Department, Bandhavgarh is preferred by global tourists for its eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives to offer jungle safaris, luxury resorts, and genuine safari experiences. This is why we preferred Bandhavgarh over other national parks in India. Bandhavgarh is also about exploring local culture, cuisines, and traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to reach Bandhavgarh by train?
Bandhavgarh is located around 35 km from Umaria railway station, which is the most convenient choice for travelers.
How to reach Bandhavgarh by flight?
Khajuraho and Jabalpur are the closest airports to Bandhavgarh. You can take private cab or bus when you land in one of these airports.
Which safari gate is most preferred for tiger safari?
There are three core zones in Bandhavgarh – Khitauli, Tala, and Magadhi. The best gate is up to your safari permit and closest accommodation.
Can first-time travelers visit Bandhavgarh?
Of course. Bandhavgarh is the most tourist-friendly national park with various transport options, accommodations, and well-planned safari structure. It is also most accessible for first-time travelers.
