Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve – Safari

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve – Safari

The tiger reserve is open from 16^th October till 30^th June and is closed from 1^st July till 30^th September. The tiger reserve remains closed to tourists during Holi, Diwali, New Year and Wednesday evenings.

Safari Timings:

Months	Morning Hrs	Evening Hrs
15 Oct - 15 Feb	06:30 - 11:00 AM	02:30 - 05:30 PM
16 Feb - 31 March	06:30 - 11:00 AM	03:00 - 06:00 PM
01 Apr - 30 June	05:30 - 10:00 AM	04:00 - 07:00 PM

Safari Zones:

The tiger reserve consists of mainly two zones, namely core zones and buffer zones. The zones are divided according to the animal movements. The core zones have higher animal movement while the buffer zones have lesser animal movement.

Core Zones:

The core zones are the main zones in the tiger reserve and have higher animal movement. There are three core zones in this reserve. All these three zones are accessible through Jeep safaris. The Tala and Magadhi core zones are more popular among the three zones due to high tiger sightings.

Tala Safari Zone:

Tala Safari Zone is the most popular zone for safari in this tiger reserve. It got its name from the Tala village. The highest tiger sightings are reported from this zone. Rajbhra and Chakradhara are popular meadows ideal for tiger sightings. Tourist attractions like Bandhavgarh Fort, Shesh Shaiya (idol of lord Vishnu), Bari Gufa, Sita Mandap, Gopalpur pond, three cave points, etc. are situated in this zone. The entry gate of Tala is the main gate of the whole tiger reserve area. The ticket counter is situated at the Tala entry gate.

·      Entry Gate: Tala entry point / Gate number 1

·      Maximum Number of Vehicles: Morning - 28, Evening - 27

Magadhi Safari Zone:

Magadhi Safari Zone is situated adjacent to the Tala zone. It is situated at about 10 Kms from the entry point of Tala. This zone is also popular for tiger sightings. Tourist attractions like Charger Point (named after Charger, the most popular tiger that once lived in these territories), Climber's Point, Dinosaur Rock, Rajbehra, Patiha Camp, Dahua Tower, etc. are situated in this zone. This zone has several man-made water holes. Some of the water holes are Murdhawa, Dabhadol tank, Sookhi Talab, Sookhi dam, and Mehman Pond. These water holes serves the wildlife during the summer.

·      Entry Gate: Magadhi entry point / Gate number 2

·      Maximum Number of Vehicles: Morning - 26, Evening - 25

Khitauli Safari Zone:

It is the third core zone and situated on the western part of the tiger reserve. This core zone is situated opposite to the Magadhi zone and is about 5 kms from the Tala entry point. The tiger sightings in this zone is lesser compared to the other two zones. This zone is blessed with dense forest and considered as the best place for bird watching. Tourist attractions like Umrai River, Marjadgarh Tower, Nigahi Nala, Garhpuri Dam, Charki Dongri, etc. are situated in this zone.

·      Entry Gate: Khitauli entry point/ Gate number 3

·      Maximum Number of Vehicles: Morning - 21, Evening - 20

Buffer Zones:

The buffer zones are situated around the core zones of the tiger reserve. The buffer zones allows more tourist movements than in the core zones. The buffer zone has very slight chances of tiger sightings, but still other wildlife can be spotted here. Buffer zones are open throughout the year for visits and can easily be booked even some days before the visit. The buffer zones offer walking safaris and night safari. There are three Buffer zones in this tiger reserve namely Dhamokar, Johila, and Panpatha.

Panpatha Safari Zone:

Panpatha buffer zone is situated adjacent to the Khitauli core zone. It covers most of the northern portion of the tiger reserve. This zone can be accessed by Jeep Safari. This buffer zone has its entry gate from Pachpedi and the safari route starts from Pachpedi and ends at Khitauli.

Dhamokhar Safari Zone:

Dhamokhar Zone is the southwestern buffer zone of this tiger reserve and is an extension of the Magadhi Core Zone. This zone is accessible from the Parasi entry point. This zone is famous for leopard and Sloth bear sightings. Dhamokhar buffer zone starts from Parasi to Badawar, and it covers Jamunia, Jhaanjh, Mudgudi, Kehrawah, Kadewaha, Kudarmada, Sahu, Taal, Shimada, Madehavah, Kalwahdhaar and Badawar.

Johila Safari Zone:

The Johila buffer zone shares the eastern boundaries of the Tala Core Zone. It is accessible from the Cechpur / Gajwahi gate. Johila Falls and Kuthulia Falls are situated in this buffer zone. This zone is famous for bird watching. The Jeep safari in the Johila Buffer zone starts from Chechpur and ends at Gajwahi.

Jeep Safari:

The most popular and the best way to explore this reserve is through the Jeep safari. Jeep safaris are conducted two times a day. The first safari is in the early morning and the second in the early evening, as the animal movements are maximum in these times. Normally 4Wd Gypsies are used in Jungle Safaris. Maximum 6 people are allowed to sit in a jeep with a professional guide.

Jeep Safari Fees:

·   Park entry Fees (Magdhi, Tala, and Khitauli Zones): ₹1550 for Indians and foreigners.

·      Guide fees: ₹360 per drive.

·      Jeep Charges: ₹2500 per drive

Canter Safari:

Tourists can also visit the reserve in canter vehicles. It can accommodate up to 12 tourists. It is available to the tourist on the basis of first come first serve. Canter Safari is allowed in Khitauli and Magadhi Zone.

Elephant Safari:

The elephant safari is one of the unique experiences in this reserve. This allows the tourists to explore the reserve sitting on the back of the elephant. This special safari can only be arranged for the tourists if they have written permission from the Field Director of Bandhavgarh.

Elephant Safari Fees:

·     Foreigners: ₹ 2000 per person for 1 hour in Maghadhi Zone in the mornings.

·      Indians: ₹ 700 per person for 1 hour in Maghadhi Zone in the mornings.

·      ₹ 80,000 per elephant for 1 whole day for 4 people.

Walk Safaris:

There are guided walk safaris with a tourist guide at the buffer zones. Tourists will be accompanied by a naturalist and a forest official.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve – History

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve – History

Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968 and then became Tiger Reserve in 1993. The adjoining Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary too was declared as a part of the tiger reserve. The fort is situated at the top of Bandhavgarh hill in the centre of the Tiger Reserve was built by a Gond dynasty king and was the seat of rulers of Rewa State, until they shifted to Rewa town in 1617 CE. The state of Rewa was founded in 1234 CE by Vyaghra Dev, a descendant of the Vaghelas of Gujarat.

He married the daughter of the Raja of Ratanpur, bringing Bandhogarh (currently known as Bandhavgarh) into the family as her dowry. In 1593 CE, after the death of Maharaja Virbhadra Rao, his minor son, Maharaja Vikramaditya succeeded him and was sent to Delhi for his own safety. The Mughal emperor, Akbar took advantage and send one of his loyal nobles as temporary governor. Once, he had taken control of the fort, the nobles and the officials of the Rewa State were expelled, and the fort was annexed by the Mughals in 1597 CE.

When Maharaja Vikramaditya returned to his kingdom in 1617 CE, he was forced to establish a new capital at Rewa. After independence and abolition of the princely States, the process of degradation of forests started due to relaxed control. Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa, was deeply moved by the destruction of forests. On his proposal an area of 105 sq. km. was declared as National Park in 1965. The area of the park was increased to 448.84 sq. km. in 1982.

Bandhavgarh gradually lost its prominence once the capital was moved to Rewa. The fort became less inhabited and the villages around the fort also moved to other areas. Due to the reduced human pressure, the forest flourished around the fort. The ownership of the fort remained with the Maharajas of Rewa, who after moving to Rewa had declared the area as their private hunting game reserve with only the Royal family having the right to hunt the Tiger.

There was a strange custom among the royals of Rewa State that each of the maharajas set out to kill 109 tigers because they believed it to be lucky. By 1914 CE, Maharaja Venkat Raman Singh had killed 111 tigers. The last few inhabitants left the fort in 1935 CE. Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa captured the first white tiger in this region in 1951. This white tiger, Mohan, is now stuffed and on display in the palace of the Maharajas of Rewa. The devastation of the forests in this area due to the inadequate regulation severely affected Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa.

In 1968, a 105 sq km area was first designated as a national park based on his suggestion. Poaching was controlled after the establishment of the park. The wildlife started to thrive in the park. The park was expanded to 448 sq kms in 1982 to accommodate the growing population of tigers and other animals. Due to the large population of tigers, the park was declared as a tiger reserve in 1993. The park was later expanded to encompass a core area of 694 sq kms and a buffer area of 437 sq kms.

Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh

Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh

Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary spread across Umaria and Katni Districts of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. This sanctuary is part of the famous Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The sanctuary was formed in the year 1983 and was added to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in 2015.

The Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary covers an area of about 245 sq. kms. This sanctuary is one of the buffer zones of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. This sanctuary is known for its scenic forest. The animals found in this sanctuary are Tiger, Panthers, Jackal, Wild dog, Chital, Sambhar, Blue bull, Porcupine, Chausingha, Bear etc.

Jungle Safari

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-natural-beauty-of-india.blogspot.com/2024/07/panpatha-wildlife-sanctuary-jungle-safari.html

Connectivity

The sanctuary is located 15 Kms from Mahroi Railway Station, 19 Kms from Tala, 29 Kms from Barhi, 51 Kms from Umaria, 61 Kms from Jaisinghnagar, 80 Kms from Katni, 88 Kms from Shahdol, and 190 Kms from Jabalpur Airport. The sanctuary is situated on the Tala to Mahroi route. The entry point of Panpatha buffer area is at Pachpedi village and the route for this area starts from Pachpedi and ends at Khitauli.

Location

Bandhavgarh Fort, Bandhavgarh – The Fort Complex

Bandhavgarh Fort, Bandhavgarh – The Fort Complex

The fort is situated on the Bandhavgarh hill at an elevation of 811 meters above sea level in the Vindhyan mountain range. The Bandhavgarh hill is surrounded by several smaller hills separated by gently sloping valleys. These valleys end in small, swampy meadows, locally known as bohera. The fort is situated on a plateau of 4 sq kms at the top of the Bandhavgarh hill. The fort, other monuments the man-made waterholes are situated in this plateau. The fort covers an area of about 582 acres. The fort lies in the Bandhavgarh National Park and is visible from almost all the corners of the forest.

The fort is enclosed by massive sandstone walls with imposing gates. The gates are adorned with intricate carvings. The main entrance to the fort is through the Karn Pol. There are rock cut ancient caves situated around the fort. These caves are 2000 years old and has inscriptions in Brahmi script. The notable monuments and structures found in the fort are Moti Mahal, Rani Mahal, Shiva Temple, Kabir Temple, Dharam Das Temple, Ghudsaal (Stable), Treasury Building, Store house, Kachahri (Court), Sesh Shaiya, stable, Kabir Chaura, Kabir Math, and Bandhavadeesh Temple.

Most of the temples in the fort are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and these temples are dated to 10^th century CE. A sculpture of Vamana can be seen on the way to the fort. Sculptures of incarnations of Lord Vishnu (Kurma, Matsya, Varaha & Narasimha) can be seen at the hill top. There used to be twelve ponds during ancient time. Out of twelve ponds, eight ponds were big and four were small. One of them is Rani Talab. Rani Mahal and a temple is situated on the banks of Rani Talab.

The other notable pond is Baba Talab. There used to be a Gurukul on the banks of this pond. This gurukul is now situated in the lap of a Labhed tree. It has been created in a unique way by cutting rocks in a rectangular shape. It is said that immense wealth is buried between Rani and Baba ponds. The third pond is Kabir Talab. The Kabir Math is situated on the banks of this pond. It is the venue of the annual Kabir Utsav. There is man-made pond called Raja Talab situated at the hill top.

Chechpur Waterfall, Chechpur, Madhya Pradesh

Chechpur Waterfall, Chechpur, Madhya Pradesh

Chechpur Waterfall is a natural waterfall located in Chechpur Village in Manpur Taluk in Umaria District of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. It is the one of the least explored waterfalls in Umaria District. It is situated in the buffer zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. It is a natural waterfall situated in the Johila River amidst dense forest. There is no proper approach road to this waterfall. There is a nominal entry fee for visiting this waterfall.

Connectivity

The waterfall is located at about 7 Kms from Kichkhidi, 34 Kms from Manpur, 37 Kms from Shahdol, 39 Kms from Shahdol Railway Station, 41 Kms from Tala, 73 Kms from Umaria and 213 Kms from Jabalpur Airport. The waterfall is situated at about 7 Kms to the west of Kichkhidi on the Manpur to Shahdol route.

Location

Bandhavgarh Fort, Bandhavgarh – History

Bandhavgarh Fort, Bandhavgarh – History

The fort was built by a Gond dynasty king and was the seat of rulers of Rewa State, until they shifted to Rewa town in 1617 CE. The state of Rewa was founded in 1234 CE by Vyaghra Dev, a descendant of the Vaghelas of Gujarat. He married the daughter of the Raja of Ratanpur, bringing Bandhogarh (currently known as Bandhavgarh) into the family as her dowry. In 1593 CE, after the death of Maharaja Virbhadra Rao, his minor son, Maharaja Vikramaditya succeeded him and was sent to Delhi for his own safety. The Mughal emperor, Akbar took advantage and send one of his loyal nobles as temporary governor.

Once, he had taken control of the fort, the nobles and the officials of the Rewa State were expelled, and the fort annexed by the Mughals in 1597 CE. When Maharaja Vikramaditya returned to his kingdom in 1617 CE, he was forced to establish a new capital at Rewa. Bandhavgarh gradually lost its prominence once the capital was moved to Rewa. The fort became less inhabited and the villages around the fort also moved to other areas. Due to the reduced human pressure, the forest flourished around the fort. The ownership of the fort remained with the Maharajas of Rewa, who after moving to Rewa had declared the area as their private hunting game reserve with only the Royal family having the right to hunt the Tiger.

They visited the forest frequently for hunting and stayed in the Maharaja Kothi building which is now converted into a hotel called Maharaja Royal Retreat. There was a strange custom among the royals of Rewa State that each of the maharajas set out to kill 109 tigers because they believed it to be lucky. By 1914 CE, Maharaja Venkat Raman Singh had killed 111 tigers. The last few inhabitants left the fort in 1935 CE. Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa captured the first white tiger in this region in 1951. This white tiger, Mohan, is now stuffed and on display in the palace of the Maharajas of Rewa.

The devastation of the forests in this area due to the inadequate regulation severely affected Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa. In 1968, a 105 sq km area was first designated as a national park based on his suggestion. Poaching was controlled after the establishment of the park. The wildlife started to thrive in the park. The park was expanded to 448 sq kms in 1982 to accommodate the growing population of tigers and other animals. Due to the large population of tigers, the Bandhavgarh National Park was declared as a tiger reserve in 1993. The park was later expanded to encompass a core area of 694 sq kms and a buffer area of 437 sq kms.

Bandhavgarh Fort, Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh

Bandhavgarh Fort, Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh

Bandhavgarh Fort is an ancient fort located in Bandhavgarh Village in Bandhavgarh Taluk in Umaria District of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. The fort is situated on the Bandhavgarh hill at an elevation of 811 meters above sea level in the Vindhyan mountain range. This fort is situated in the dense forests of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

Legends

As per legend, Lord Rama along with his brother and Lakshman stayed at this place while on his way to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. During his stay, Lord Rama asked Nar and Neel to build a fort at this place in order to keep an eye on Lanka as the place is situated on the highest hill in Central India. Then, he handed over the fort to his younger brother, Lakshmana to keep watch on Lanka and the surrounding region. As Lord Rama gave this fort as gift to his brother Lakshmana, the fort came to be called Bandhavgarh (Bandhava means brotherhood and Garh means fort). This incident is mentioned in the Narada Pancharatna and Shiv Samhita Purana Gatha.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-natural-beauty-of-india.blogspot.com/2024/07/bandhavgarh-fort-bandhavgarh-history.html

The Fort Complex

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-natural-beauty-of-india.blogspot.com/2024/07/bandhavgarh-fort-bandhavgarh-fort-complex.html

Connectivity

The fort is located at about 10 Kms from Tala, 35 Kms from Umaria, 36 Kms from Umaria Railway Station, 63 Kms from Beohari, 82 Kms from Shahdol, 183 Kms from Jabalpur Airport and 228 Kms from Khajuraho Airport. The fort is situated at about 10 Kms to the south of Tala on Umaria to Beohari route.

Location