Enjoy the Jeep and Elephant Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park

Jeep Safari

The most delightful happenings of the national park are the Jeep Safari that also is adventurous and preferable by the wildlife photographers. Having a jeep safari ride during the park visit adds excitement to the journey of its visitors. Exploring the national park on a jeep safari is considered as one of the best ways of enjoying the flora and fauna of the park. The visitors get to experience the untouched and feral landscapes of the park along with the rich and lush grasslands comprising of thick Sal forest along with the varied varieties of birds and animals. Utilizing the Jeep safari the visitors get to visit those areas of the park that would be otherwise difficult to explore via on foot or other transportation mode.

The tourists prefer to visit the Tala and Magadhi zones of the Bandhavgarh National Park, the areas that majorly have the maximum population of the wildlife species. The most favorable time to visit the park is the dry season in the months from October to May. Jeep Safari trips in the park are organized two times a day. The morning jeep safari trip begins early the morning and lasts for a period of four hours while the second trip of the jeep safari is planned in afternoon from 2 to 3 PM and lasts till the sunset. Maximum of 6 passengers are allowed to be seated in the open jeep safari along with one naturalist and a driver. During each shift, only a specific number of jeeps are allowed to excurse the park. Hence, the visitors are advised to make an advance pre booking to have a confirmed booking.

Elephant Safari

The national park of Bandhavgarh is occupied by varied variety of wild life species. The rich wildlife of the park is because of its astonishing landscapes and is favorable topographic location that catches attention of large number of tourists to explore the wildlife of the park.

The tourists enjoy visiting this place to get the view of the rare species of the royal and majestic tiger. This park is known for giving more chances to view the tiger to its visitors who enjoy the special tiger tours organized by the authorities of the Bandhavgarh national park. Enjoying the tiger tours safely sitting on the back on elephant gives another reason to people to visit this national park both by national and international visitors.

The elephant safaris are preferred by those visitors who have a taste and inclination towards wildlife and enjoy the beauty of jungle sitting on the back of elephant. One can also see the footprints of the royal tigers safely watching it while sitting on the back of elephant.

The other advantages of enjoying the elephant safari are:

• Opportunity of exploring the tiger tours in thorough mode.
• Safety is the second benefit of enjoying the tour while sitting on the back of grandiose creature.
• The third benefit is of enjoying the elephant ride while parallel exploring the tiger tour.

The elephant safari is only planned after the Field director seeks its permission to the park authorities. A tour safari guide joins each group during the excursion. It is considered as the best option to enjoy jungle tour.

Safari Timings

Each zone of the park can be visited by the Jeep Safari rides and the number of vehicles permitted in a particular shift in each zone of the national park are listed below:-

Sector Name -Shift	Morning	Afternoon
Tala	25	25
Magadhi	66	66
Khitauli	35	35
Panpatha	35	35

Each jeep allows 6 visitors with one naturalist and driver are taken to visit the park at particular time. The safari timings are similar to any of the other park of India. The different seasons have different schedule for the safari timings. During winters, the morning safaris are planned a little late while the evening safaris end up sooner in the evenings.

The dates for visiting the Bandhavgarh national park are from 15th October till 30th June and the timings to visit the national park is specified below:-

Safari Timings and Dates - Shift	Morning	Afternoon
15th October till 15th February	6:30 AM to 11 AM	2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
16th February till 31st March	6:30 AM to 11 AM	3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
1st April till 30thJune	5:30 AM to 10 AM	4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Note: - The Jeep Safaris are not operational on the afternoons of Wednesday while on the occasion of Holi festival there is schedule for the Jeep Safari that majorly is in the month of March.

Few of the mandatory information to be provided before going on Jeep Safari:-

• Name, Age and Gender of each visitor
• Nationality of the visitor
• Photo identity proof like Passport, PAN Card, Driving License and Voter ID card

How to Reach Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh bounded in the Vindhya hills. The park spreads over an area of 105 sq. km. and still can be expanded to an area of over 400 sq. km. The park comprises of sharp crests, rippling’s, paddocks etc. The Royal Bengal Tigers are also seen in the boundaries of this national park. This park comprises of highest population if this species of tiger in the country.

By Road

The national park is well networked with the neighboring cities and towns that are Jabalpur, Umaria, Satna and Khajuraho etc. The various cities and their distance from the park are mentioned in table below:-

Destination - Distance from National Park in kms

• Nagpur - 490
• Varanasi - 350
• Khajuraho - 250
• Kanha National Park - 250
• Jabalpur - 200
• Katni - 100
• Umaria - 35

By Train

Umaria and Katni is the nearest railway lines located at a distance of 35 kms and 100 kms respectively from the Bandhavgarh National Park. It takes 45 minutes to drive by car from Umaria while 2 hrs drive from Katni.

By Air

Jabalpur and Khajuraho are closest airports to Bandhavgarh National Park that are at distance of 200 kms and 250 kms from Bandhavgarh National Park. Both airports are well connected to the flights from all the major cities of country.

Structure of Bandhavgarh National Park

The four different sections of the Bandhavgarh National Park can be named as Tala, Khitauli, Magdhi and Panpatta. Among these areas, Tala has been named as the richest in lieu of the biodiversity that majorly comprises of tigers. The total area covered by these four different sections is summed up to 694 sq. km. The extra area that is related to the forest division falls under Umaria and Katni. The national park was dated back to year 1968 but was majorly considered Tala region for a specific time. The schemes that are currently applicable to the park were designed in the year 1993.

Considering the biogeographic categories the national park is located in the Zone-6A of Deccan Peninsula of Central Highlands. The grouping of the Champion & Seth has been mentioned in the Northern India’s moist deciduous forests. The valley majorly has a Sal forest vegetation on upper zones while on the lower slopes is the mixed deciduous forest in the hills and in hotter zones located in the southern and western region of the park.

The broad valleys that are situated near the streams are marked by the linear and long grasslands that are majorly covered by the Sal forests. The mixed vegetation on the hills comprises of Sal (majorly shorea rubusta), Salai, Saja and Dhobin etc. along with the dense bamboo copses found on many areas. With combination of all these, the national park of Bandhavgarh has the rich biodiversity.

Since the tigers are at the top of food chain, it has 37 different varied varieties of 37 mammals. As per the park authorities, the park has 250 different species of birds, butterflies of 80 different types and few types of reptiles. As per many of the visitors, the park has 350 different species of the birds of whom the photographs are available. Since the park iss calm and lush, it attracts pairs of Sarus Cranes for breeding during the monsoon.

The major attraction of the park is spotting the tigers (panther tigris tigris). The park comprises of higher bulk of tigers within its vicinity. The park area of 105 sq. km has total pf 22 number of tigers that means one tiger in each 4.77 sq. km as per the records recorded in 2001. As per the current records recorded in 2012, the total numbers of tigers spotted were 44 to 49. The statement related to the national parks is said to be if one spots the tiger in any of the national park, then he or she must consider himself lucky but if one doesn’t spot a tiger in the Bandhavgarh national park, then he or she must be consider himself unlucky. In the current times, it has become rare to spot a tiger by the tourists of the national park. Only one out of ten tourists could spot a tiger during current times.

The other species of the park are gaur, Indian bison, sambar, barking deer, Nilgai are spotted in the open areas of the national park.

Geographical Location of Bandhavgarh National Park

In the central part of the county towards the northern east border of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is located. The park is abided by the Umaria-Shahdol district that is bounded by Satpura mountain range. The park latitude location of park is 23°30’ to 23°46’ N while longitude location of the park is 80° 11’ to 36°E. The elevation of the park is at a height of 410 m and 810 m. The mountain range of Bandhavgarh Tala comprises of sandstone and soil that is loamy. The park comprises of total of 20 numbers of shiny streams and few of these streams are named as Johilla, charanganga, Banbei, Andhiyari Jhiria, janadh, damnar and ambanala. These entirestreams join to form a river son that further forms to merge into River Ganges of the southern tributary.

In the premises of Bandhavgarh Park are also many caves and lakes majorly situated near the fort area.

The location of Bandhavgarh National Park is towards the northern east boundary of state of Madhya Pradesh while towards the northern boundaries is situated the Satpura mountain range. Since, the national park is located in the tropical monsoon climatic area hence the park is well organized for the winters, summers and rainy seasons. The weather in the park makes the park green and lush and has not been tampered.

The altitude at which the national park is located ranges from 410 meters to 810 meters and comprises of total 32 numbers of hills that also has a huge fort with a park in the center of the park. The fort has a big view the sides with crags that range from 2625 feet height to 1000 feet above the adjoining landscapes. The entire range of land is covered with thick Sal forests that provide a magnificent look to the national park. The upper areas of the park is comprises of mixed forests having Sai, Saja, Dhobin and also has the Sal trees.

Though the Bandhavgarh National park is spread over a large area of 1161 sq km, but the tourist can only visit an area of 105 sq km that is named as the Tala Range. The national park has a rich biodiversity and hence is a favorable place to spot the tiger. The entire national park is sectioned into four different sectors that are named as Magdhi, Khitauli, Kallwah and Panpatha.

This area is very cool during the winter season that almost freezes during the night and in daytime it reaches to 68 degree Fahrenheit in day. The tropical conditions the nights in the summers are also much cooler in comparison to day when the temperature reaches 104 degree Fahrenheit. During the breeding time and months from July and August, the forest is closed.

Wildlife of Bandhavgarh National Park

The wildlife of the park comprises of almost 22 different species of mammals along with 250 different kinds of bird species. Few of these mammals to be named are common Langurs and Rhesus Macaque. The carnivore’s species of the park included Asiatic Jackal, Sloth Bear, Gray Mongoose, Jungle Cat, Tiger, Bengal Fox, Ratel, Striped Hyena and Leopard. The various artiodactyls species that can be seen here comprises of Wild Pigs, Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur, Spotted Dear, Chausingha and Chinkara. The variety of mammal species that are seen here includes Dhole, Palm Squirrel, small Indian Civet and Lesser Bandicoot. The only herbivore that can be seen in this park is Gaur.

The park can be visited either on a motor vehicle or taking ride sitting on elephant back. People visiting this park enjoy both of these rides. The jeep safari starts very early morning till 10 AM whereas in the evening from 4 PM to late evening since this is the best time to spot most of the animals. A forest department guide always escorts the group. The elephant safari is majorly used in the morning for spotting tigers by the forest department. After a tiger is spotted, visitors are taken as close as possible to view it.

Know About the Visitor Information for Bandhavgarh National Park

Safety Tips During Safari

• Slow drive is always preferred in the park for not disturbing the wildlife.
• Always follow the trials and routes designed for drive so that the habitats of the park are not disturbed. Getting off the designated pats may lead to blockage of movement because of the taller grasses spread on the major areas of the park.
• Keep safe distance from the wild animals for self-safety reasons. Never tease or distract the animals.
• Never get down of the jeep and always be seated on the designated seats for self-safety.
• Don’t be disappointed for not spotting a tiger during the safari rides. There are also other varied species of wild creatures that can be spotted in the park. Don’t only wait to spot the tiger, take advantage of exploring the animals till the time a tiger is spotted.
• This is a wildlife park and hence not all areas are bounded with the wildlife species.
• Don’t litter in vicinity of the park. Always use the trash in the designated trash bins.
• Always follow the instructions of the guides for a safe and enjoyable visit to the park.
• Smoking and camp fire is not permitted in the vicinity of the national park, since these could be harmful and may cause fire in the entire forest.

Things to Carry

• There are various things that the visitors are advised to carry during their visit to the Bandhavgarh National Park. Few of them have been listed below: -
• In winter season that is from the months of November to February, visitors are advised to carry warm clothes like jackets, caps, gloves etc. when planning for the morning open jeep safari.
• The months of April to June are the summer seasons, when the temperature is high and hence loose fitted light colored cotton clothing’s are preferred along with cap and sunglasses. Sun screens must be applied during these months.
• In the months from October to March when the days are warm, light clothes are preferred.
• The clothes must not be of bright colors rather pastel shade clothes like beige, green, brown must be worn.
• Carrying binoculars and cameras make the trip more enjoyable. Extra batteries must be carried during the safari rides.

Best Time to Visit

The visitors can visit the Bandhavgarh National Park from 15th October till 30th June every year. The months from October to March is considered as the most favorable time to make a visit to the Bandhavgarh National Park. The park experiences maximum number of visitors during the months from November to March since the climatic conditions is very favorable. Since during the summers, it get too hot hence people avoid visiting the park as they have to travel in open areas under direct sun. Visit during the winter months is also considered good since the entire vegetation of the park gets cleaner due to monsoon rains. In the months from March to May, the vegetation in the national park gets dry and it gets easier to spot the tiger movement in these months.

Visitor Information for Bandhavgarh National Park Wildlife Safari

Instructions and practical tips for enjoying a successful wild life experience in Bandhavgarh

Tourists come to visit this Tiger reserve to watch the wild creatures bask in the natural habitat. The enthusiasm can be sustained by following the care and instructions handed out to them so that the trip is safe and successful. The pleasurable trip within can be experienced by getting onto a motor bike or on the back of a trained elephant. There is no other scope to get into the forest reserves, except these two. The creatures, animals and birds are used to the motor vehicles and elephant-back riders. Hence they don’t get annoyed when they come across the tourists on these medium, but it is advisable to be patient and quiet so that the animals don’t get disturbed. Therefore, make little noise and avoid rapid movements. 

For a safe and enjoyable trip in Jungle safari of Bandhavgarh, follow the tips listed below:

• Most of the animals are active during pre-sun rise and post sunset timings. Hence, prefer for a jeep safari before 10 a.m. in the morning and post 4 p.m. in the evening
• e in the company of a forest guide who can show the directions and also point at wild species that are rare.
• To watch a tiger wandering in the forest, prefer an elephant safari which takes you to the nearest one when spotted from the lodge directly or drop you at the nearest point to jeep/ car. 
• Your outfit also matters a lot when taking a safari tour. Prefer a camouflage coloured cloth rather than an animal disturbing/distracting bright colour. Also the clothing should enable ease of movements.
• Cotton clothes are advisable. Bright coloured clothes disturb the sight of wild animals and they may get annoyed, so avoid such clothing.
• The wild creatures get disturbed by movements of people, so restrict your movements to bare minimum levels. So avoid rapid movements, walk and talk slowly.
• Avoid carrying heavy luggage, but be sure to carry along all the necessary items. Loads of luggage causes fatigue restricting enjoyment during safari ride.
• The jungle trip is vulnerable to accidents so don’t forget to carry a first-aid kit along to avoid inconveniences.
• The best part of wild life watching is to click the best shots while on a safari tour. Carry a camera which does not make sounds while clicking the pictures. The sounds are likeable to disturb the wild animals.
• The distinct feature of every wild creature can be observed only by being patient with their movements. Taking down notes while observing their movements is also advisable for record purposes. Noting down the points while enjoying the bird-watching trip is an enjoyment in itself as these notes will remain forever even if the memories fade away.

Follow the tips below to enjoy bird watching trip of wild life tour:

• The observation of flying creatures of nature require a constant eye and active reflexes to read their movements.
• To distinguish one species to other, observe the movement, appearance and voice which is distinctly different from one another.
• The observations for record should include aspects like colour, size, size of peak, wings, hood shape, pattern of birds, flying style and their movements. Your observation should also include the feeding habits and their style of flying.
• Observing ta bird lover will be enthralled to observe the general habitation, climate and areas where the common birds flock and enhance his knowledge about birds which will also be a part of bird watching enjoyment.
• The success of bird watching trip in Bandhavgarh National park lies in making a record of patient and careful observation which encompasses more than 150 species of birds.
• A typical follower of the above tips is sure to enjoy the safari and bird watching trip within Bandhavgarh National park.

Enjoy Luxury Wildlife Safari Offered by Mahua Kothi Hotel to its Customers

Apart from offering a comfortable stay, it also offers the luxurious experience of the wildlife safaris. If you are fond of exploring the greenery of India, you will have a great experience. You can hire an open safari which can accommodate around 8 people. Its charges are usually reasonable and you can book any number of safaris depending on the number of people traveling with you. Once you get started, you will be able to discover some of the rarest flora species and wildlife animals too.

Mahua Kothi Luxury Safari – An Unforgettable Experience

There is no doubt about the fact that the Mahua Kothi luxury safari experience will surely be a memorable one for you. It is because the natural beauty will surely grab your attention and seeing the animals from close will be thrilling. You might never have experienced this before and this is what excites the people. It is not only the beauty of the nature which seeks the attention of the people but the fun which is packed in this journey. 

As the safaris are comfortable, therefore, you will not face any problem but will enjoy the journey. The Mahua Kothi luxury safari will take around the dense jungle where you will come across a variety of wildlife animals like tigers whose roaring sound will definitely frighten you. One of the popular attractions of this trip is the Bengal Tiger which is must to see. Though getting their glimpse is quite difficult but if you are lucky, you will certainly be able to see them in the jungle. Apart from the tigers, even the forest deer is another animal that you may get to see. 

The colorful birds are the most fascinating thing that you will get to see. There are lots of unique species of birds that hover around the Jungle. If you are fond of bird watching, you can enjoy this activity here. The experience of exploring the nature and wildlife together is quite amazing and that is why many people come here every year. This experience is mind-blowing and you will cherish it for your life-time.

If you want to have a great time with your family and friends, book the Mahua Kothi luxury safari now. The cost is affordable and you can book the safari online as well. So, get ready for a lifetime experience!

Enjoy Beauty of Wildlife While Staying at Luxury Resorts of Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh, in Umaria district in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most famous national parks because of its wide range of flora and fauna. The number of tigers in this park is the highest population in India. There are other animals like deer (many species), leopards and a very large variety of birds. The park is spread across a huge area of 109 km² and the excess comes under the forest divisions.

This area was a hunting reserve for the kings of Rewa and it was where the first white tiger was spotted in India. This tiger has been stuffed and preserved in the palace of Rewa. The history of the park goes back to the ancient times of Ramayana. It is said that the hill present in the park was assigned to Lakshman by Lord Ram to keep an eye on Lanka. This is how the name Bandhavgarh was derived, which means a Brother’s Fort in the Sanskrit language.

As a tourist or visitor to the Bandhavgarh, you have many options to see and do. There are multiple tours and packages available on internet to cover the visit and sight-seeing. There are now many luxury resorts in Bandhavgarh where you can stay and enjoy the wildlife. You can stay in ‘tree houses’ built by these luxury resorts which blend perfectly into the nature’s habitat and is quite difficult for the animals to spot. You can enjoy quiet and exciting view from the balcony of your room which overlooks the Tiger Reserve and gives you the most spectacular view of the nature at its best.

Bandhavgarh National Park resort booking is available online. You can log on to the resort website and book your stay. These resorts have fully modernized air-conditioned rooms with 24 hours water and power backup. You also can also book a tour offered by them. The Safari is a ‘Do Not Miss’ tour attraction where you are taken through the park and can see the wildlife face to face. There are guides available who are trained to handle every situation the nature throws at them. Many resorts promote cycling and walking into the parks periphery, with trained guides, so as to reduce the increasing number of vehicles leading to pollution and chaos.

Plan your next vacation to luxury resorts in Bandhavgarh and stay a step ahead through Bandhavgarh National Park resort booking available online.

Birding/Avifauna in Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is well known for tiger reserves but the lesser known fact is that this park also houses a variety of bird species. Located in the heart of India in Vindhya Hills, the Bandhavgarh National park offers excellent opportunities for bird watching in the avi-fauna clad Vindhya ranges. The location comprises of an intriguing mix of dense tropical forests, wetland and scrub, which is an avid location for birds to survive. Every bird lover will enjoy bird watching in this area.

The forest reserves is complete with natural vegetation in the marshes and streams. The vegetation in this area thus becomes the preferred location to almost 150 varieties of birds in the heart of Bandhavgarh Reserves. These amazing flying creatures also offer the opportunity to learn about their distinct features. The bird watching is a jewel in the crown of the tour of Bandhavgarh National park in Madhya Pradesh. 

Fauna of Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park brings a beautiful dense forest trail where you will be able to discover many beautiful species of wild creatures roaming around the lush green surroundings. For facts, the forest has more than 250 species of birds and more than 22 species of mammals in the area with common rhesus macaque and langurs representing the core group.

Previously, the park reserve was being named as Shikargarh. Asides from that, it was also maintained as a game park where hunting was being carried out in full gusto along with their protection. While you wander about the park on an elephant’s back, you may be able to spot a tiger.

The list of Faunas observed at Bandhavgarh National Park is:

Bengal Tigers, White Tigers, Sambar, Leopards, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Chausingha, Gaur, Chinkara, Bengal fox, the Asiatic jackal, ratel, sloth bear, striped hyena, grey mongoose, leopard and tiger. Frequently sighted artiodactyls are spotted deer, wild pig, chausingha, samber, nilgai and chinkara with mammals like dhole, palm squirrel, the small Indian civet and the lesser bandicoot rat and little egret, grebe, sarus crane, lesser adjutant, crested serpent eagle, black kite, Egyptian vulture, black vulture, red jungle fowl, common peafowl, parakeet and the dove. You will also be able to spot the Indian roller. Reptilian fauna include krait, cobra, ratsnake, viper, turtle, python, as well as a number of lizard varieties, including varanus.

The park also consists of many different species of birds such as the Common Teals, Grey Hornbill, Red Jungle Fowl and White Breasted Kingfisher etc.