For those seeking an exciting escape from Bhopal, Bandhavgarh National Park offers the perfect adventure. Known for its incredible tiger population, Bandhavgarh is one of India’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. Situated in the Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh, the national park also boasts a rich history, thanks to the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort and countless historical artifacts scattered through its landscape. Covering a distance of around 460 kilometers, the journey from Bhopal to Bandhavgarh takes you from bustling city life into the serenity of the wild, offering adventure and relaxation in equal measure. This travel guide covers all you need to know to plan the perfect Bandhavgarh escape, from how to get there to must-see spots, safari details, and travel tips.
Getting from Bhopal to Bandhavgarh
If you enjoy road trips, you can drive or hire a car to reach Bandhavgarh. The distance is approximately 498 km and takes almost 10 hours by car. The route to Bandhavgarh from Bhopal passes through NH46, followed by NH45, NH30 and NH43, finally concluding the drive across Umaria-Bandhavgarh Road. For a budget-friendly option, you can choose to travel by train. Make your reservation from Bhopal Junction to either Umaria to Jabalpur, from where you have to cover the rest of the distance by road. Umaria is the more time-saving option, as it is located just 32.5 km from the national park. However, the train journey to Jabalpur takes less time as compared to Umaria. However, the distance from Jabalpur Railway Station to Bandhavgarh is approximately 178 km. So the choice is all yours.
Please note that there are no direct flights available from Bhopal to Jabalpur. Therefore, you have to depend either on road transport or train to make the commute smooth and simple.
Exploring The Bandhavgarh’s Safari Experience
Once you arrive at Bandhavgarh, get ready to explore the renowned tiger kingdom and historical landmarks.
The jeep safari in Bandhavgarh offers the opportunity to experience the park’s vast landscapes and diverse wildlife up close. Divided into six main zones – Tala, Magadhi, Khitauli, Dhamokar, Panpatha and Johila - Bandhavgarh offers incredible sightings of Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer, langurs, and a wide variety of bird species.
The safari slots are as follows:
• Morning Safari: 6:30 am to 11:30 am
• Evening Safari: 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
The timings for the safari activities may vary with the seasons. Booking your safari in advance is crucial, especially during peak seasons like October to March.
The Historical Bandhavgarh Fort and Shesh Shaiya
Located atop a hill within the park, the Bandhavgarh Fort is a historic gem that offers a window into the region’s past. Thought to be over 2,000 years old, the fort holds religious and historical significance, with legends suggesting it was gifted by Lord Rama to his brother, Lakshmana. While climbing up to the fort is currently restricted, the fort is still a significant landmark and offers fascinating insights into the heritage of Madhya Pradesh.
Shesh Shaiya is another iconic landmark and a point of attraction in Bandhavgarh National Park. It is a serene, historic statue in Bandhavgarh National Park depicting Lord Vishnu reclining on the Sheshnag (serpent). Surrounded by lush forest and a natural spring, this ancient site is a peaceful, spiritual spot within the national park.
