Bandhavgarh
general information
Set amongst the Vindhyas, in Madhya
Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is a
small national park, but with the highest
known density of tiger population in India.
Once part of the old Rewa state, Bandhavgarh
National Park was the royal
hunting ground for the rulers of
Rewa. But in 1968 it was declared a park with
an area of only 105.4 sq. km. At present,
however, the Bandhavgarh Park covers 448 sq
km.
The Bandhavgarh National Park is the place
where the famous White Tigers of Rewa
were discovered. The last known capture
of the white tiger was in 1951. He is believed
to have fathered many a cub in Indian zoos
and outside. "Mohun" is now stuffed
and on display in the palace of the Maharaja
of Rewa.
The terrain is made of rocky hills, sal forests
and grazing areas, formerly agricultural land.
The finest of these hills is the Bandhavgarh
hill, and on its highest view point stands
Bandhavgarh Fort. Though
no records remain to show when the fort was
constructed, it is believed to be about 2000years
old. Several dynasties have ruled the fort:
for example, the Maghas from the 1st century
A.D, the Vakatakas from the 3rd century; the
Sengars from the 5th century, and the Kalachuris
from the 10th century.The oldest signs of
habitation, are the caves dug into the sandstone,
near the fort. Several of these contain Brahmi
inscriptions dating from the 1st century B.C.
There are more than 22 species of mammals,
and 250 species of birds. Some of the inhabitants
of this park are the rhesus macaque, the baboons,
jungle cats, chinkara, and the chital. The
Park attracts many migratory birds in the
winters that include the steppe eagle and
a variety of wildfowl. Reptilian fauna include
cobra, krait, python, turtle and a variety
of lizards. The Bandhavgarh National Park
has excellent game and bird viewing to offer,
coupled with a fascinating historical element
to it, thus satiating those adventurous at
heart, completely. You can enjoy the wildlife
in this park either on elephant back or in
a vehicle but jeep safaris to the jungle are
best preferred.
Climate
of Bandhavgarh
There are three main seasons, winter (from
middle of October to end of February), summer
(from middle of March to middle of June)
and rains (from middle of June to middle
of October). The annual rainfall is 1.173
mm, coming mostly in the rainy season. The
temperature ranges from a maximum of 42
D celsius in May and June, to around 4 D
celsius in winter.
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Best
time to visit Bandhavgarh
The best season to visit this park is between
November to June. Rest of the year it is off
season for the national park. Do not forget
that the park is closed from 1st July to 31st
October. These are monsoon months.
How
to reach Bandhavgarh?
By Air : Nearest airport
is Khajuraho. From Khajuraho to Bandhavgarh
is 4-5 hrs drive( 237 kms).
By Train : The nearest railway
stations are Jabalpur (164 kms), Katni (102
kms) and Umaria (35 kms)
By Road : Regular buses are
available from Katni, Umaria Satna & Rewa.
Taxis are available at satna, Jabalpur, Katni,
Umaria, Bilaspur and Khajuraho.
