Sketch out a trip plan across the heart of Madhya Pradesh, the state popular for its amalgamation of untamed wilderness and spiritual sanctuaries intertwine to create an enchanting tapestry of experiences. Tour through the captivating landscapes of Bandhavgarh and Amarkantak through the lenses of this blog. These destinations are the two gems nestled in the diverse terrain of this central Indian state. From the royal domain of Bengal tigers in Bandhavgarh National Park to the serene attractions of Amarkantak, the origin of holy rivers, this tour promises an odyssey through nature's wonders and spiritual revelations. Board on a sojourn to unravel the tales of the wild and the sacred in Madhya Pradesh's remarkable and unmatched tapestry.
Tigers and Temples Tour on the land of Madhya Pradesh
• Bandhavgarh National Park
So the tour begins with a visit to Bandhavgarh National Park. Wildlife is a crucial part of Madhya Pradesh tourism. Bandhavgarh is one of the most popular wildlife havens in India. Bandhavgarh boasts a remarkable population of the Royal Bengal Tigers and wildlife enthusiasts are attracted to conduct jeep safaris to catch a glimpse of these magnificent striped creatures. The recent Tiger Census of 2022 reveals that the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Maharashtra have recorded a significant proliferation of tiger population, with Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve providing shelter to 135 tigers.
How to Reach Bandhavgarh
People from nearby cities of Bandhavgarh can reach the national park by road. But travellers from a distance can reach Bandhavgarh by arriving at Jabalpur Airport or Khajuraho Airport. Although the latter one is nearer than the first-mentioned, but the frequency of flights is higher in Jabalpur than in Khajuraho. If coming by train Umaria Station is the nearest railhead.
Primary Attraction
Jeep safari is the most engaging activity to indulge in at Bandhavgarh National Park Tour. Undoubtedly sighting tigers is the primary intention of the jeep safaris, but the forest also houses an array of flora, fauna and avifauna species. Jeep safaris are operational on both buffer and core zones and are conducted in morning and evening slots. In the peak seasons, that is during the winters, the national park records heavy footfall of tourists. Therefore it is advised to conduct Bandhavgarh online safari booking in advance.
Number of days enough for Bandhavgarh National Park
For wildlife enthusiasts, a minimum of 2 days trip is mandatory to explore the various zones of the national park, along with spotting various animals and birds. For wildlife photographers, the optimal number of days might extend, till they are able to capture enough shots of the forest and its inhabitants.
• Amarkantak
Amarkantak is of great spiritual significance and is known to be the land of origin of two rivers - Narmada and Sone. Amarkantak is located at a distance of about 182 km from Badhvgarh. Amarkantak refers to the ‘eternal source’ and is known as the ‘King of Pilgrimages’. This religious destination is nestled at an intersecting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura mountain ranges.
How to reach Amarkantak
The nearest railway station from Amarkantak is Bhanwar Tonk Railway Station and the nearest airport is the Bilaspur Airport. However, the Jabalpur Railway Station and Jabalpur Airport are the more significant ones with stronger connectivity from major cities.
Top tourist attractions
Amarkantak is primarily a temple town that attracts several pilgrims around the year. The topmost places to visit in Amarkantak are Narmada Kund and Temples, Ancient temples of the Kalachuri Period, Dudh Dhara Falls, Shri Yantra Mandir, Kapil Dhara Falls, Mrityunjay Ashram, Kabir Kothi and Bhrigu Kamandal.
The ultimate itinerary for Bandhavgarh and Amarkantak Tour
Day 1 - Arrival at Jabalpur and transfer to Bandhavgarh
Day 2 - Morning and Evening Safari at Bandhavgarh National Park
Day 3 - Nearby sightseeing at Bandhavgarh
Day 4 - Transfer to Amarkantak
Day 5 - Sightseeing at Amarkantak
Day 6 - Transfer to Bhanwar Tonk Railway Station or Bilaspur Airport for Departure.
