Bandhavgarh
Dense Sal and Bamboo thickets, and velvety green meadows are interspersed by streams and waterfalls, against the backdrop of steep cliffs and an ancient fortress, to create a stunning landscape in Bandhavgarh.
The Flame of the Forest – a sight to behold in the summer, when their leaves fall off and their deep orange flowers are in bloom, is a heartwarming sight. Bandhavgarh’s habitat is a tropical moist and tropical dry deciduous forest, and has over 600 species of flowering plants.
Spread across 446 sq km, it has over 40 species of mammals, over 300 species of birds, 80 species of butterflies, and several reptiles.
The rich grasslands attract rare, migratory birds which flock here, especially during the rainy season.
This park is known for having one of the highest densities of tigers in the world. It is divided into three distinct zones, each of which has its own charm. What is today the park was once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Rewa, and the first ‘white tiger’ was discovered here in 1951!
Today, it plays an active role in saving of the tiger from extinction, and is an important part of the Project Tiger wildlife conservation project.
For those who would like to learn more about the ecosystems of Central India, and the tiger itself, reading Tiger by Kailash Sankhala, a noted tiger conservationist and pioneer of Project Tiger’s conservation program, is a must.
Bandhavgarh offers some of the best chances to spot the tiger as well as leopards, civet cats and jungle cats. The Dhole (Indian Wild Dog), Bengal Fox, Mongooses, Hyenas and Jackals are a few of the other predators that inhabit this park.
Sambhar, spotted deer, wild boar, primates and squirrels are plentiful in this forest. The Sambhar’s salty meat is the tiger’s favourite prey. Black-faced langur run wild through the tree canopy and their whooping alarm call serves as the jungle’s warning signal.
The birdsong is absolutely delightful. From orioles to paradise flycatchers, teals to jungle fowl, the birding is fabulous.
Bandhavgarh is a raptor haven. Many species of eagle, vulture, falcon, owl, and hawk are frequently spotted here, and the abundance of small rodents and mammals makes it an ideal hunting ground for these avian predators.
Bandhavgarh offers several excellent opportunities for photography and Encounters Asia can assist you with all the arrangements, permits, and logistics for photography and filming in the park.
Bandhavgarh has several excellent lodges and naturalists. We hand-pick the best ones for you, based on your preferences and your budget.
Our naturalists and trackers are highly experienced and are constantly abreast with animal movements and developments within the park.
The best time to visit Bandhavgarh is between November and March/April. Although the temperatures are very high between April and June, this is also the best time to spot and photograph the animals due to the paucity of water, forcing them out of the undergrowth and into the open.
If you’re passionate about the jungle and want to get a real taste of the wild, then a trip to Bandhavgarh is a must.