A wildlife retreat, where history and nature meet, Bhandavgarh National Park is not far from Kanha. Set amidst theVindhyan 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 inscriptions here, date back to the 1st centuary BC. Ahunting reserve of the royal 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 habitants of the Park include the muntjac, jungle cat, ratel, hyena, procupine, the rhesusmacaque and the black-faced langur. About 150 species of bird are also found here and include the migratory birds that arrive in winter like the steppeeagle and various water-birds.
It is possible to climb up to the Bandhavgarh fort for a breath taking bird's eye view of the Park and there is also small population of black buck that lives her, protected from the predators below.
General Information : » Best time to Visit - November - June (Parl closesin July for the monsoons)
» Accommodation - Forest Rest Houses , Bandhavgarh Jungle Camp.
» Nearest town - Umaria (30 Km) (65Km)
» How to get there ? Rail - Umaria (30 Km) or Satna(112 Km), Air - Khajuraho (210 Km) or Jabalpur(70 Km)
