Bandhavgarh City Travel
Bandhavgarh is densely populated with other species: the great gaur, or Indian
bison, can be seen with ease, as they come onto the meadows to graze at dusk;
sambar and barking deer are a common sight and nigai are to be seen in the more
open areas of the park. The terrain is of great rocky hills rising sharply from
the swampy and densely-forested valley bottoms. The finest of these hills is
Bandhavgarh, sided with great cliffs and eroded rocks and on its highest point
stands Bandhavgarh fort, thought to be some 2,000 years old. Scattered throughout
the park, and particularly around the fort, are numerous caves containing shrines
and ancient Sankrit inscriptions.
Covering 448 sq km, Bandhavgarh is situated in Shahdol district among the outlying
hills of the vindhya range. At the centre of the Park is Bandhavgarh hiss, rising
811 metres above MSL-surrounding it are a large number of smaller hills separated
by gently sloping valleys. These valleys end in small, swampy meadows, locally
known as 'bohera' . The lowest point in the park is at Tala (440 metres above
MSL).
The vegetation is chiefly of sal forest in the valleys and on the lower slopes,
gradually changing to mixed deciduous forest on the hills and in the hotter,
drier areas of the park in the sough and west. Bamboo is found throughout.
This is a small National Park; compact, yet full of game. The density of the
tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India. This is also
white Tiger country. These have been found in the old state of Rewa for many
years. The last known was captured by maharaja Martand Singh in 1951 . This
White tiger , Mohun, is now stuffed and on display in the Palace of the Mahrahahs
of Rewa.
Set amongst the Vindhyas, in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is a small national
park, but with the highest known density of tiger population in India. This
is also known as White Tiger territory. These have been found in the old state
of Rewa for many years. The other species found in abundance in Bandhavgarh
are the gaur or Indian bison, the sambar, the barking deer and the nilgai.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Set amongst the Vindhyas, in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is a small national
park, but with the highest known density of tiger population in India. This
is also known as White Tiger territory. These have been found in the old state
of Rewa for many years. The other species found in abundance in Bandhavgarh
are the gaur or Indian bison, the sambar, the barking deer and the nilgai.
The Park is spread over an area of 437 sq. km.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 point stands Bandhavgarh Fort.
Though no records remain to show when the fort was constructed, it is believed
to be about 2000 years 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.
Prior to becoming a National Park, the forest range around the region had been
maintained as a Shikargarh, or game preserve, of the Maharajahs of Rewa. It
was only in 1968, that the area was declared as a National Park. Since then,
stringent steps have been taken to retain it as an unspoilt natural habitat.
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 black-faced langur,
jungle cats, chinkara, black buck, munjtac and the chital.
The Park attracts many migratory birds in the winter months, 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.
The park can be explored on elephant back (also, a much preferred means of tiger-tracking)
or in a vehicle. Jeep safaris are best undertaken, from dawn till about 10a.m,
and from 4 p.m till dusk, as the animals are quite active during these periods.
How to Reach Bandhavgarh
By Air: The most comfortable route to Bandhavgarh is by air to Khajuraho
(210 km), from where it is a 5 hour drive.
By Rail: The nearest railheads are Jabalpur (170 km), Katni (102km),
and Satna (112 km) on the Central Railway and Umaria (30 km) on theSouth Eastern
Railway.
By Road: State/private transport buses ply between Katni and Umaria,
and from Satna and Rewa to Tala (Bandhavgarh).
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