How could I miss this one in MP ( Madhya Pradesh, India) given that the density of tiger population at Bandhavgarh is one of highest known. I had been to Pench, Tadoba, Kanha but Bandhavgarh was long pending in my list. And so, last October though I was supposed to go to Rajasthan, I twisted and turned my plans to accommodate Bandhavgarh into my vacation.
Jungles never disappoint me and I am the happiest within greens. Took a flight from Bangalore to Nagpur, then train to Katni and from there booked a cab till Bandhavgarh.
And here I was with my son and my mom.
By the evening, we realized we were the only ones staying there. I had booked a place which was far from the national park main entrance gate because the description said ‘stay in the middle of the jungle’.
Yes sure, we were staying in the middle of the jungles and at night one could hear the hunting calls or even witness tiger activity from the safari lodge but the fact was we were in the buffer zone and these jungles stretched far and wide in all directions.
Additional effects- No airtel signal, no transport and no ATM. Wow !!
This detox sounds great but then if one is not carrying enough cash & for every safari one needs to go to Tala, the main entrance gate twice (once to book the vehicle and second time to actually go on the safari), it is terrible especially if you didn’t come in your own car.
Nevertheless, the place was beautiful and the food at the lodge was mouth-watering, another reason why I love jungle vacations in MP.
Stayed in Bandhavgarh for 3 days and took some 3 safaris, thankfully the return on investment wasn’t bad. Mornings in the Bandhavgarh jungle was amazingly beautiful and evenings at the lodge were thrilling. The added bonus was the tiger sightings.
About Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh in MP falls under Umariya district. Katni would be the nearest big city and Jabalpur the nearest airport. The core area is approx. 105 sq km and the buffer zone extends up to 820 sq km. The park derives its name from the prominent hillock that you can see in the image below.
Bandhavgarh means brother’s fort and as per the myth, Lord Rama had given this hillock to his brother Lakshman to watch over Lanka.
There are three main zones of the national park namely Tala, Magadhi and Khitauli.
Bandhavgarh National Park consists of mixed vegetations ranging from tall grasslands to thick Sal forest and so is the perfect habitat of a variety of animals and birds. Definitely known for royal Bengal tiger, the park also beholds the largest breeding population of leopards and various species of deer.
How to go to Bandhavgarh
By flight- Jabalpur then cab till Bandhavgarh
If you are flying till Nagpur, take a train till Katni or Umariya even better, then cab to the national park.
By train- Look for connections till Umariya. If not, then at least until Katni
How to book Bandhavgarh safari
Everything is online now. Follow the below link to book the safari well in advance
https://forest.mponline.gov.in/
If you would like us to take care of the complete stay, safari, and travel, please connect. We don’t commit the same mistake twice 🙂