Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the big names when it comes to national parks in India. this beautiful and pretty huge protected area is situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The national park which was established in the year 1968 covers an area of 1,536 square kilometres. The park is gaining lots of attention from people all over the world for many reasons.
A few of the reasons are that it has a diverse range of flora and fauna which include some of the rare and endangered species as well such as tigers, leopards, spotted deer, gours, elephants etc. Other reasons are the activities offered by the national park such as bird watching as the park is also home to various species of birds according to the data the park has over 250 species of birds, night safari, nature park, butterfly watching, Bandhavgarh tiger safari tour etc. but one of the biggest reasons is the places that are near to this special national park. So today in this blog, we are going to discuss some of the important and ancient archaeological sites near Bandhavgarh National Park.
Ancient Archaeological Sites Near Bandhavgarh National Park:
1. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters: Just a few hours' drive from Bandhavgarh lies the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhimbetka Rock Shelters. This beautiful site is situated just 470 kilometres away and the drive to this place is no less adventurous than the place because you are going to love the journey to reach the destination as well. These ancient rock shelters are a window into prehistoric India, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The rock art found here depicts scenes from daily life, rituals, and hunting, providing valuable insights into our ancestors' way of life. If you are someone who is into history and loves exploring it then this is the place you should never miss.
2. Khajuraho Group of Monuments: This destination is well known for its intense erotic sculptures. Khajuraho is also home to a group of temples that showcase remarkable architectural skills which is situated at a distance of 262.1 kilometres away from the national park. These temples were built between the 9th and 11th centuries. These beautiful temples are dedicated to various Hindu deities and are adorned with intricate carvings that tell stories from Indian mythology. So this is also a must-visit spot for you.
3. Kalinjar Fort: Beautiful spot at a beautiful location what can be better than this? This beautiful fort is situated at the top of the Vindhya Range. Kalinjar Fort is a forbidding structure that has witnessed centuries of history. This fort is situated at a distance of 227 kilometres away from the national park, so it is just a few hours of driving and you will witness some unique and ancient history. It was a stronghold for various dynasties, including the Chandela kings and the Mughals. Exploring the fort allows you to trace the footsteps of warriors and rulers who shaped the destiny of this region. So if you are visiting this spot then you are welcoming history in your trip.
4. Ghughua Fossil Park: If you are someone who is interested in the history of Earth then Ghunghua Fossil Park is the place for you. This important archaeological site is situated at a distance of 97.1 kilometres from the national park, it is the nearest archaeological spot to the national park. It is well known for the presence of fossilized tree trunks that are estimated to be over 65 million years old. These remains offer a glimpse into the Earth's past when dinosaurs roamed the land. They are also one of the important pieces of evidence for the ever existence of dinosaurs.
5. Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha: Orchha is another historical gem which is situated near Bandhavgarh National Park. As it is situated at a distance of 415.6 kilometres. It is home to the Chaturbhuj temple. This temple is devoted to Lord Rama and it is believed that it was built in the 17th century. So this temple is one of the remarkable architecture of Madhya Pradesh. The temple is evidence of the artistic and cultural heritage of the Bundelkhand region.
Conclusion:
While Bandhavgarh National Park is well known for its natural beauty, wildlife and the activities that it offers to its visitors. The archaeological sites that are situated near this national park provide an opportunity to dig deeper into the rich history and cultural heritage of India. So if you are someone who is planning to visit this beautiful and old national park then we suggest you visit these ancient archaeological sites as well. As these sites will enhance your tour experience. We wish you all the luck for your trip to Bandhavgarh National Park.
