FAQ for Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the key national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the heartland of India. Every year several tourists from across the country and world visit the state of Madhya Pradesh to spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger in Bandhavgarh National Park. Some of the most frequently asked questions about the national park are as follows:
1. What is the best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park?
The Bandhavgarh National Park is open for tourists from 15th October to 30th June. However, the best time to visit the national park is from November to March.
2. Which is the best safari zone of Bandhavgarh National Park?
The Bandhavgarh National Park is divided into three zones (Tala zone, Magadhi zone and Khitauli zone) which then take on different routes. Amongst the three, the most popular zone for tiger sighting is the Tala zone.
3. How many tigers are there in Bandhavgarh National Park?
The Bandhavgarh National Park boasts of around 60-70 tigers in its forests. Depending on your luck, you might be able to spot one during your safari.
4. Why is Bandhavgarh National Park famous?
Bandhavgarh National Park was the hunting ground of the erstwhile royal family of Rewa. The Maharaja of the princely state used to hunt tigers here. The national park is well known for the high density of tigers in its forests.
5. What are the major attractions of Bandhavgarh National Park?
The Bandhavgarh National Park was the hunting ground of the Rewa royal family. As a result, it has a strong connection with wilderness, ancient art, history, and religious beliefs. Various tourist attractions of the wildlife tour include Ancient Caves, Badi Gufa, Bandhavgarh fort, Bandhavgarh Hill, Shesh-Saiya and the Tala village.
6. Which birds are found in Bandhavgarh National Park?
The Bandhavgarh National Park is a delight for birdwatchers as several beautiful species of birds can be spotted in the forests of the park. The most common birds spotted in this Madhya Pradesh national park include the Indian grey hornbill, green-headed barbet, Alexandrine parakeet, orange-headed thrush, common myna etc.
7. Which animals are found in Bandhavgarh National Park?
Apart from the national animal, the Royal Bengal Tiger, the other animals that can be spotted by tourists in the Bandhavgarh National Park include leopards, sambar, nilgai, barking deer, gaur, wild boar, chinkara, chausingha etc.
8. When should I plan my trip to Bandhavgarh National Park?
The Royal Bengal Tiger is an elusive animal and spotting it is not easy. However, if you plan your trip to Bandhavgarh National Park in the months of April-June, your chances of spotting the tiger are high. This is because extreme heat forces the wild animals to look for waterholes to quench their thirst and beat the heat. However, you should be prepared to bear the heatwave and high temperatures. Alternatively, you can also try your luck during the winter months of December to March.
9. How many days are enough to explore Bandhavgarh?
Spotting a tiger in its natural surroundings is a matter of chance. If you are a wildlife enthusiast and nature lover, you can plan a 3-5 day Bandhavgarh National Park trip. This provides you with ample time to explore the surrounding attractions of the region. Moreover, you also get several chances of taking the safari to increase your odds.
10. How can I reach Bandhavgarh National Park?
Bandhavgarh National Park can be reached by road, train, and air. The nearest domestic airport is at Jabalpur (160 km) and Khajuraho (225 km). Well-connected roads and the availability of public and private transport make it easy for people to reach the national park from these cities. The nearest railway station is Umaria and Katni which are respectively 22 km and 100 km from the Bandhavgarh National Park. Travelers can hire cabs to reach the destination from any of the major cities of Madhya Pradesh.
11. Where is Bandhavgarh located?
Bandhavgarh is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated approximately 197 kilometers northeast of Jabalpur and 32 kilometers northwest of the city of Umaria.
12. How long does a safari last in Bandhavgarh National Park?
A safari in Bandhavgarh National Park usually lasts for around 3-4 hours, depending on the zone and the sightings.
13. What kind of wildlife can be spotted at Bandhavgarh National Park?
Bandhavgarh National Park is famous for its Bengal tigers, which are the main attraction of the park. Apart from tigers, the park is also home to various other wildlife species such as leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, spotted deer, sambar deer, barking deer, Indian bison, langurs, and various species of birds.
14. What is the best way to spot tigers at Bandhavgarh?
The best way to spot tigers at Bandhavgarh National Park is to take a jeep safari early in the morning or late in the evening when the tigers are most active. It is advisable to hire an experienced guide who knows the park well and can help you spot the tigers.
15. Can I take my own vehicle inside Bandhavgarh National Park?
No, private vehicles are not allowed inside the park. Visitors need to hire a jeep or an open-top safari vehicle from the park authorities or authorized vendors.
16. Is it allowed to trek inside Bandhavgarh National Park?
No, trekking is not allowed inside the park. Visitors are only allowed to explore the park through jeep safaris or elephant safaris.
17. What are the rules and regulations to be followed inside Bandhavgarh National Park?
Some of the rules and regulations to be followed inside Bandhavgarh National Park include maintaining silence, not littering, not feeding the animals, and not getting down from the vehicle during the safari.
18. What is the climate like in Bandhavgarh National Park?
Bandhavgarh National Park has a tropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. The temperature during summers (April to June) ranges between 35°C to 45°C, while during winters (November to February) the temperature ranges between 2°C to 20°C.
19. Are there any restaurants or food stalls inside Bandhavgarh National Park?
No, there are no restaurants or food stalls inside the park. Visitors need to carry their food and water during the safari.
20. What are the nearby tourist attractions of Bandhavgarh?
Some of the nearby tourist attractions of Bandhavgarh include the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, Baghel Museum, Shesh Shaiya, and the nearby village of Tala.
21. What is the history of Bandhavgarh National Park?
Bandhavgarh National Park was the former hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Rewa. In 1968, the park was declared a national park and was later included in Project Tiger in 1993.
22. Can I visit Bandhavgarh National Park during the monsoon season?
No, the park remains closed during the monsoon season (July to October) due to heavy rains and flooding.
