Exploring Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the wild life sanctuaries in the Indian state Madhya Pradesh. The national park is situated at 197 km away north-east of Jabalpur. This wild life park derived its very name from an ancient fort in the area. Bandhawgarh National Park belongs to the Vindhyan mountain ranges of central India and it boasts to have the highest density of tiger population in the country. Now there are about 46 to 52 tigers one can spot here.
The thick forest of Bandhavgarh National Park sits in a bowl encircled by cliffs and wooded Vindhyan mountains, and its plains have a number of grass and reed covered wetlands where Kingfishers dive and Egrets sit poised, hunch-backed, in the shallows. Up above, vultures nestle in holes in the sheer cliffs. The Bandhavgarh jungle, when it is large enough, becomes a living self-sustaining organism providing its own climate, atmosphere, water and nutrition through its recycling systems. It even has a sleep wake cycle. As more light fills the sky, Bandhavgarh begins to awaken.
History
Bandhavgarh has a very deep-rooted importance of it's own in the history and mythology of India. Looming high over the entire park and located in the heart of it's core area, is a fort dating back to the mythological era of Rama and Hanuman from the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is said that the two monkeys who created the "setu", or bridge, between India and Lanka to enable Rama to cross over and vanquish the demon king, Rawana, were also the architects of the Bandhavgarh fort. This fort was used by Rama and Luxumana on their journey back to their kingdom from Lanka. This fort was later handed over by Rama to his brother Lakshmana who came to be known as the "Bandhavdhish", lord of the fort.
The state of Rewa owes its origins to the foundation of a state dating to 1234 by Vyaghra Dev, a descendant of the Vaghelas of Gujarat. He married the daughter of the Raja of Pirhawan and conquered the territory between Kalpi and Chandalgarh. Karan Dev, son of Vyaghra Dev married the daughter of the Raja of Ratanpur, bringing Bandhogarh ( Now Known as BANDHAVGARH) into the family as her dowry.
Wildlife in Bandhavgarh National Park
There are more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaque represent the primate group. Carnivores include the Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Gray Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard and Tiger. The artiodactyls frequently sighted are Wild Pigs, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chausingha, Nilgai, Chinkara and Gaur. Mammals such as Dhole, the smallIndian Civet, Palm Squirrel and Lesser Bandicoot Rat are seen occasionally. Among the herbivores, Gaur is the only coarse feeder.
Birds in Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park is also famous for bird watching. It has more than 140 bird species. The main bird species at bandhavgarh national park are white browed fantails, steppe eagles, green pigeons, grey malabar hornbills, black and white malabar hornbills (quite a rare sighting), blossom headed parakeets, parakeets, blue bearded bee eaters, green bee eaters, white bellied drongos, owls, Jerdon's and gold fronted leaf birds, minivets, woodshrikes and the lovely paradise flycatchers.
Places to see in Bandhavgarh National Park
1. Sidhababa - The Holy Meadow : The marshy is the abode of Sidhababa.
2. Chakradhara - The Sprawling Meadow : Surrounded by the hillocks, this marshy meadow is rich in both flora and fauna.
3. Gopalpur - A Place for Bird Watching : Approach with a slow drive may give you moments of memorable sighting of wild fauna.
4. Shesh Shaiya - Origin of River Charanganga : This statue of lord Vishnu reclining on the seven hooded scrpent is the classic example of the architechtural treasure of the past.
5. Bari Gufa - Ancient Monument of Past : This is the biggest man made cave of the reserve dating back to tenth century.
6. Ketkiha - Pendanus Point : This wet patch of aromatic plant " Pendanus " ( Kewra ) in the shadow of lofty jammu and arjun trees is the real treasure of floristic wealth of the Rreserve.
7. Bhitari Bah - Tranquility in Wilderness : Blissful drive along the meadow will induce thrills of jungle and feeling of lingering relaxation. Look for the important medicinal .
8. Three Cave Point - The Archaeological Remains of past : These caves visible from ganesh hillock road are the mute testimony of rich historical past.
Plan your visit
A useful journey leaves room for local discoveries. Start with these essentials, then verify operational details from primary sources.
Reserve any permitted safari or access through the authorized wildlife authority.
Keep a respectful distance, avoid loud noises and never feed or approach wildlife.
Bring neutral clothing, water, suitable sun protection and binoculars if useful.
Check the open season, gate location, guide requirements and changing conservation rules.
Photos and places to remember
More journeys to discover
Frequently asked questions
What is Bandhavgarh National Park known for?
Bandhavgarh National Park is explored in this guide through its local heritage, visitor attractions, culture and images. The highlights and linked articles below offer starting points for your itinerary.
How should I plan a first visit to Bandhavgarh National Park?
Choose a few nearby highlights in Bandhavgarh National Park, group them by area and allow flexibility for travel, meals and rest. Confirm the latest access information with official providers.
Can I visit Bandhavgarh National Park throughout the year?
Not necessarily. Wildlife areas can close for monsoon periods, conservation measures or operational reasons. Confirm current permits, zones and visitor seasons directly with park authorities.
Where can I confirm ticket prices and opening times in Bandhavgarh National Park?
Check the official tourism authority or the individual venue before departure. This page intentionally does not repeat potentially outdated prices or hours.
Is this Bandhavgarh National Park guide updated?
This page was rebuilt from legacy IndiaCityTrip content on October 23, 2026. Older descriptive material has been reorganized; operational details still require direct verification.