Bandhavgarh, also known as the country of white Tigers, is situated among the outlying hills of the Vindhya range. It attracts a large number of tourists to its densely forested area, lush greenery, wilderness and variety of flora. This is a small National Park and the density of the Tiger population is the highest known in India.
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Prior to becoming a National park, the forest around Bandhavgarh had long been maintained as a Shikargah, or game preserve, of the Maharajahs of Rewa. Hunting was carried out by the Maharajahs and their guests - otherwise the wildlife was relatively well-protected.
In 1947, Rewa State was merged with Madhya Pradesh; Bandhavgarh came under the regulation of Madhya Pradesh. The Maharajah of Rewa still retained the hunting rights of Bandhavgarh and no special conservation measures were taken until 1968, when the areas were constituted as a National Park. Since then, numerous steps have been taken to retain Bandhavgarh National Park as an unspoiled natural habitat.
Air: Nearest airport is Jabalpur, which is about 200 km away from Bandhavgarh and the taxi charge is about Rs 3500/-. Jabalpur airport is connected to Delhi and Bhopal. International tourists have to take connection flights from Delhi.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Umaria, which is about 32 km away from the heart of the city. Taxi charge is about Rs 600 for one way travel. Umaria is in the broad gauge link and connected to all major railway junctions.
Road: State owned buses connect to Bandhvagarh from other major cities in the state. Bus services are available from Umaria (32 km) and Gwalior (565 km).
There is no scope for shopping in Bandhavgarh.
Accommodation is available in plenty with the majority of the hotels being at Tala at the entrance of the park. The Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge is a 5 minute walk from the park’s gate and has cottages and accommodation to suit the budget traveler. Other options would be Tiger Trail Resort which is situated on an 11 acre plot some 2 kms away and is a very comfortable place to stay. A novel place to stay may be the Tree House Hideaway Resort that have all the rooms fitted with modern amenities. This is perfect place if privacy is what you are looking for.
If you are looking for 5 star comfort, the Taj Hotels group have opened a Safari Lodge Mahua Koti and will provide all the luxury you are looking for.
The Madhya Pradesh Tourist department has a forest lodge in Bandhavgarh; the PWD and the Forest Department also have guest houses within the park, where the accommodation, though not the height of luxury, is adequate. Rooms range from some interesting cabins on stilts to individual cottages.
Elephant Safari: Elephant Safari is the most attractive part of an adventurous tour to Bandhavgarh wildlife sanctuary. An exclusive and most exciting elephant safari can bring out all natural beauties of the nature’s most precious gifts fro a close look for the enthusiastic tourists. One can view the entire area of the park over a tamed elephant. The tourist department arranges elephant safaris and early morning elephant safari is worthy to spot tigers.
Sitting on the top of the elephant in a wooden cushioned chair and moving through the undulated hilly terrains viewing the wild animals, rare avian fauna and spectacular plant fauna is really an adventurous experience for any traveler to memorize life long.