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Bandhavgarh National Park

by Natue Safari India Tiger Safari and Wildlife Tours in India

Bandhavgarh is the epitome of protected areas when one thinks of Tigers. It’s a park famous for its high tiger density and the likelihood of seeing the big cat here is quite high. Nestled between the ranges of the Vindhya and Satpura, the park hosts breath taking landscapes which include a rocky outback and lush valleys. As one undertakes a safari through this park, they encounter an array of habitats including a mixed deciduous forest dotted with pristine water holes and sprawling grasslands. This bamboo dominated forest flourishes not only because of its scenic flora and fauna, but also because of the immense mythological significance it holds. In the Epic of ‘Ramayana’,Shiv Purna and  Narad Panch Ratra, all include references of this one enthralling region.

The name, Bandhavgarh, originates from two words: ‘Bandhav’ which means brother and ‘Garh’ which means fort. In the earliest recitation of the Ramayana by Sage Valmiki, we see the light thrown on the presence of Bandhavgarh. It is believed that the ancient Fort was gifted to Lakshmana by is elder brother Lord Ram; which is how it derives its name. This fort still stands beautifully amidst the Vindhya ranges of the Tala Zone, a popular area teeming with a healthy population of Tigers.

Today, the fort is harbours a variety of bat species along with many substantial signs of human activity and architectural practices that date back over a few thousand years. According to Hindu Mythology, legend has it that the ancient fort was rebuilt by the two monkeys who also created the infamous Adam’s Bridge between India and Sri Lanka.


In the year 1947, when India gained Independence, the Royal State of Rewa merged with Madhya Pradesh, and subsequently, Bandhavgarh came under its ruling too. The Maharaja however maintained his hunting rights. No conservation measures were taken and lack of lax control led to further degradation of the forest.

This deeply moved Maharaja Martand Singh who then proposed an area of 105 sq km, which declared the region as a National Park in 1968. After an official declaration, Bandhavgarh saw a drastic change, as poaching and grazing declined. Small dams and water holes were later constructed. This lead to a rapid surge in Tiger and other wildlife’s population.

As Project Tiger extended its area of influence, Bandhavgarh was recognised in 1993. The total area of the park was further stretched to include the core zone of 694 sq km and a buffer area of 437 sq km. The new encompassing area was now declared as the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, which today holds some of the most magnificent species of Central India. Possessing over 300 species of birds such as the Malabar Pied Hornbill and the White Stork, the park also nurtures the many iconic mammals apart from the high population of Tigers. With the Core area divided into three major zones (Tala, Magdhi and Khitauli) one can witness a mix of Gaur, Nilgai, Langurs, Wild Pigs, Spotted and Sambar Deer while on a safari. And if one’s lucky, they could even spot the elusive Leopard or a Sloth Bear. 

Top recommended tour are:

  1. Just Tigers Tour
  2. Tiger Safari in Bandhavgarh


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Created on Dec 14th 2020 02:56. Viewed 492 times.

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