Why Bandhavgarh National Park is the Best Place to See Tigers
In the hills of the Vindhya range lies Bandhavgarh National Park which is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh which does not feel like a normal place but a modern sanctuary which was once ruled by the kings. Here you can spot a tiger in between the rays of the bamboo trees and deep forests that will be a once in a lifetime experience. The nearest airport is at Jabalpur which takes around 4 hours to reach the Umaria district through the village landscapes. You will slowly leave the city noise and lights and enter to the cool fresh air of nature with good AQI, free from pollution connecting you more close to nature. The railway station is not far, it is at Umaria that is 35 km away from the park. The Bandhavgarh national park is relatively small as it is not spread across a wide area like other parks and it hence makes it easy to spot tigers. It is said that the tigers per square kilometer density being the highest in the country makes every safari a good chance to spot tigers for sure. The tigers have different names like Charger and Sita, whose stories have been told on the screens of National Geographic and BBC for years.
Safari Timings of Bandhavgarh
You can enjoy the safari 2 times a day, one in the morning that starts at 6:00 am and lasts till 10:30 am in the summer months. In the winter months it starts a little late at 6:30 am due to mist and fog in the valley. The evening safaris usually happen between 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm in sumer and in the winter 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Every shift you will see a different side of nature as the morning offers a chill fresh start while in the evening you feel the golden hour of the sunset that is good for photography. And the return footsteps of predators if you are lucky enough. And you will be going on a 4x4 jeep safari or canter safari according to the number of people in your group you are travelling. Jeep safari carries up to six adults and two small children while for larger groups or those on a budget then the Canter safari is great as it carries 18 passengers in a larger open-top bus.
Understanding the Safari Zones
Like every other park this is also divided into different zones and the most famous one is the Tala Zone which has beautiful rocks with areas called Magadhi and Khitauli known as the core zones. The buffer zones include Dhamokar, Johila, and Panpatha which are quieter in comparison and have more chances to spot animals. And also you can not be here for Full Day Safari because you get to enter the park 15 minutes before everyone else and stay 15 minutes longer in the evening with a chance not to be restricted to one zone but cover any place you want all day long.
What Else Can You See?
Apart from the tiger there are a lot more things to see in the Bandhavgarh National Park like hundreds of deer grazing at one place, the wild big buffalos called the Gaurs, monkeys, leopard, slot bears and a lot more. Also a number of bird species can be seen like the bright blue Indian Rolle or the big Hornbill. Not only fauna, it has rich diverse species of flora as well with bamboo trees. The forest trees are yet a different story. You will find huge Banyan trees whose roots drop downwards like ropes, and towering Sal trees which seem to poke the heavens. Spring brings bright orange flowers on ‘Flame of the Forest’ trees that make the hills appear as if they are a flame. Here you will not only spot the animals and birds, but also learn how to be quiet, to listen, and to respect nature. And when you finally spot a tiger crossing your way with its orange fur and black stripes shining in the sun it looks powerful. And at that moment you will feel lucky enough to experience this. And this is yet another reason to love Bandhavgarh is the little things you notice when you are driving. As your jeep creeps along in the undergrowth, you could come across fresh tiger pugmarks (footprints) in the sand. Your guide will turn off the engine and tell you all to be very quiet. Whether it is a mother tiger playing with her cubs, or a vibrant kingfisher bird plunging into a waterbody, there is always a new surprise waiting for you around every corner in Bandhavgarh National Park. It’s a place where nature really is nature’s boss.
And at last when you leave the park and head towards your railway station or airport you will have the memories of nature with amazing photos and stories to tell that you visited the home of the king of the jungle. Solo traveler, professional photographer or a family looking to narrate a story for generations to come, the Bandhavgarh National Park offers a chance to craft experiences that are unadulterated, stunning and takes your breath away.
