Jeep Safari in Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh Jeep Safari

Bandhavgarh National Park, situated in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for its exceptional sightings of the Royal Bengal tigers. With one of the highest tiger densities among India's national parks, visitors have a significant chance of encountering these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. This reputation has made the park extremely popular, leading to high demand for safari bookings. To enhance your chances of spotting a tiger, it is advisable to secure your safari reservation well in advance.

While Umaria, located just 32 kilometers away, is the nearest town to Bandhavgarh, the park is also easily accessible from Jabalpur, a major city in Madhya Pradesh. The 220-kilometer journey from Jabalpur to Bandhavgarh National Park can be completed in approximately four hours. The rich biodiversity of Bandhavgarh's forests is best experienced through a Jeep safari, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the park's stunning flora and fauna.

Bandhavgarh Online Jeep Safari Booking

While tourists have the option to explore Bandhavgarh National Park via elephant rides and canter safaris, the Jeep Safari remains the most popular choice. Visitors can embark on three-hour safaris twice a day, with options available in the morning and afternoon. The park is divided into three core zones: Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli. Additionally, there are three buffer zones—Johila, Panpetha, and Dhamokhar—which remain open year-round. Among the core zones, Tala is the oldest and most renowned, offering some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities. For the Jeep Safari, open 4x4 vehicles are used, accommodating up to six passengers, in addition to the driver and a nature guide.

Variations in Jeep Safari Timings in Bandhavgarh 

Bandhavgarh National Park is open to visitors from October 1st to June 30th each year. However, the timings for morning and afternoon safaris vary depending on the season. Tourists visiting the park between October and January will follow the winter safari schedule, while those visiting between February and June will adhere to the summer timings. In addition to the park's rich wildlife, visitors can also explore the Cheshpur Waterfall, located along the Johila River, adding another dimension to their experience at Bandhavgarh.

Brief Overview of Bandhavgarh Safari Zones

• Core Zones

Tala - The entrance to this zone is located just 1 km from the Tala bus stop, making it the most popular area for tiger sightings in Bandhavgarh National Park. Each day, 20 vehicles are permitted to enter the zone for both morning and evening safaris. Due to its popularity, safari tickets often sell out within minutes of availability. The cost of a safari permit for a single seat in a Jeep is INR 250.

Magadhi - This zone is located 12 km from the Tala bus stop and is adjacent to the southeast side of the tiger reserve, bordering the Tala zone. Commonly referred to as Gate 2 of Bandhavgarh National Park, this area also includes the Charger Point. A maximum of 20 vehicles is permitted to enter this zone during both the morning and evening safaris. Single-seat bookings for Jeep safaris are available for this and other core zones within the park.

Khitauli - Known as Gate 3 of Bandhavgarh National Park, this zone is located 5 km from Tala village and forms the western part of the tiger reserve, directly opposite the Magadhi zone. Leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs are frequently spotted in this area. A maximum of 16 vehicles is allowed to enter the zone for the morning safari, while 15 vehicles are permitted for the evening safari. The costs associated with hiring a guide and vehicle for the Jeep safari can be shared equally among the participating tourists.

• Buffer Zones

Dhamokar - This buffer zone extends from the Magadhi zone and is situated 18 km from the Tala bus stop. It is renowned for sightings of sambar, chital, sloth bears, and leopards. Additionally, the area is home to a variety of bird species. A maximum of 20 jeeps is permitted to enter the Dhamokhar zone during both morning and evening shifts.

Johila - This zone is located 40 km from the Tala bus station and shares its boundary with the Tala zone. Access to this area is through Chechpur village. The zone is known for its picturesque landscapes and dense forest cover, featuring numerous rivers, rivulets, and waterfalls. Among its notable waterfalls are Johila and Kuthulia. Each day, a maximum of 20 jeeps is permitted to enter the zone during both morning and evening shifts.

Panpatha - Adjoining the Khitauli core zone, this area is located 23 km from the Tala bus stop, with entry available through Pachpedi village. Renowned for its scenic beauty, the zone offers opportunities to observe deer grazing within its forests. However, sightings of tigers are infrequent. Each day, a maximum of 20 jeeps is permitted to enter the zone during both safari shifts.