Madhya Pradesh, the home of the Central Indian Highlands, is full of vast and majestic patches of jungles that are distinct in their beauty and diversity. With their massive canopies and old trees, these forests are brimming with life and provide a stunning window into the wild and unadulterated side of nature. Among them, Bandhavgarh National Park, well-known for its sizable population of Royal Bengal tigers, is one of the largest forests. This immaculate reserve provides a singular chance to see these magnificent creatures in their native environment. Spread across 1,537 square kilometres, the park supports a varied ecosystem of valleys, hills, plains, and lush forests, with sal trees making up the majority of the forest's population. The lush green foliage, winding rivers, and rolling hills create a landscape as picturesque as it is untamed, making Madhya Pradesh a true haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

　　Origins and History

　　India, renowned for its extensive mythology and legends, has a fair share of history entrenched in Bandhavgarh. The name "Bandhavgarh" comes from the legend that says Lakshman received the Bandhavgarh Fort as a gift from his brother, Lord Ram, to guard Lanka (Bandhav means brother, Garh means fort). Hanuman and his followers are credited with building the fort's nearly impenetrable cliff walls. The Narad Panch Ratna and Shiva Sanhita Purans make mention of this old fort, and its man-made caves bearing inscriptions and rock paintings imply that Bandhavgarh's settlements date back to pre-Christmas, if not earlier.

　　With inscriptions of King Bhimsen still discernible in the caves, the earliest documented history of Bandhavgarh Fort dates to 300 A.D., during the reign of the Bharhivas-Vakatak Dynasty. The Sengars, Kuruvanshees, Baghels, and Kalachuris Rajputs all had different ownership of the fort over the ages. The Baghels moved their capital to Rewa by 1617, which caused the fort and its neighbouring villages to gradually disappear. This change made it possible for the jungle to reclaim the area, giving tigers and other wildlife a healthy home. After independence, the fort—once the Maharajas of Rewa's exclusive hunting reserve—became a protected area under the control of the Indian government.

　　Landscape and Biodiversity

　　The terrain of the Reserve consists of grasslands, mixed forests, and tropical moist deciduous forests. Sal trees predominate and provide a lush habitat that is ideal for wildlife. A wide range of plant and animal species are able to thrive in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve due to its steep hillocks with varying degrees of slope and rolling meadows with lush grasses in the valleys. These features offer unique ecosystems and create diverse types of wildlife habitats.

　　With over 510 species of flowering plants reported, approximately 47 recorded mammals, approximately 250 species of birds, over 100 species of butterflies, and numerous reptiles, the Reserve is rich in both floral and faunal diversity. Some uncommon plant and animal species can also be found in the Reserve. In addition to tigers, Bandhavgarh is home to a wide range of wildlife. Spotted deer, sambar deer, sloth bears, and leopards all live in freedom. The colourful Indian roller and the elusive Malabar pied hornbill are sure to delight birdwatchers.

　　Key Safari Trails

　　In Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, there are three key safari trails, each with its own highlights and offerings. Here are the three zones enlisted with their specialities.

　　Tala Zone

　　Terrain: Bandhavgarh's crown jewel is the Tala Zone. Its rolling terrain is made up of grassy meadows, dense sal forests, and rocky outcrops. The rough terrain gives your safari a sense of adventure.

　　Tiger Territory: Often referred to as ideal tiger habitat, this area provides the highest likelihood of seeing these magnificent animals. Look for new pugmarks, deer or langurs raising an alarm, and those elusive black-and-orange stripes peeking through the foliage.

　　Jeep Safaris: Climb aboard an open jeep and discover the meandering paths of Tala. Skilled tour leaders will impart knowledge on the park's wildlife, plants, and tiger behaviour. This is the place where the chances of spotting a wild tiger are exceedingly high.

　　Magadhi Zone

　　Varying Terrains: Magadhi showcases a mosaic of natural environments. It’s a haven of open grasslands and bamboo thickets for lovers of the great outdoors. A vast variety of wildlife is drawn to the varied terrain.

　　Birdwatcher’s Delight: Birdwatchers will be in their element, even though tiger sightings are not as common. Keep an ear out for the melodic calls of raptors, sunbirds, and Indian rollers. If you’re near water, keep your binoculars close at hand to see colourful kingfishers.

　　Photography Opportunities: Magadhi’s contrasting landscapes and shifting light make it a photographer’s paradise. Take in the way the shadows play, the colourful bird life, and the tranquil beauty of this area.

　　Khitauli Zone

　　Elephant Safaris: Safaris atop elephants are a unique experience available in Khitauli. The leisurely pace lets you take in the forest's finer details. Savour the sound of leaves crunching beneath your feet, observe butterflies soaring overhead and sense the age-old bond between people and elephants.

　　Private Conversations: You feel very close to nature with the gentle giants. It's possible to see timid animals hiding from loud jeeps. Prepare your camera for unexpected moments, such as a langur brushing its fur or a barking deer emerging from the undergrowth.

　　Nature's Rhythm: You can hear the forest breathing as the elephant moves soundlessly. As such, you can connect to the heart of Bandhavgarh through a meditative experience that is facilitated by the whisper of leaves and the distant call of a peacock.

　　Where to Stay

　　Visitors to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve have a wide range of lodging options from which to select. Check out the Tree House Hideaway, a division of Pugdundee Safaris, which offers opulent tree houses tucked away in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. These homes combine modern conveniences like air conditioning, hot showers, and private balconies with rugged natural surroundings, and they have received a Quality PUG Eco Rating from TOFTigers.

　　Located on 12 acres of grassland encircled by sal forests, the reserve is also home to the Kings Lodge, which offers 18 cottages with large verandahs and ensuite bathrooms, as well as amenities like organic farm-to-table dining, a swimming pool, and an Ayurvedic spa that has also been awarded a Quality PUG Eco Rating.

　　Additionally, Samode Safari Lodge, which is close to the Tala entrance of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, provides opulent lodgings with contemporary conveniences like flat-screen TVs and outdoor pools, as well as recreational opportunities like cycling tours, nature walks, and a kids' club. Samode Safari Lodge is presently being evaluated for a PUG Eco Rating. Mahua Kothi, which occupies 40 acres close to the reserve, offers an Outstanding PUG Eco Rating and 12 traditional jungle village huts, making it an authentic retreat with distinctive dining experiences.

　　Details:

　　Tree House Hideaway

　　Address: Umaria-Badhavgarh Rd, Vijarhia, Rakhi Amodar, Madhya Pradesh 484661

　　Cost: Starts from INR 22,300 per night

　　Kings Lodge

　　Address: Gate Bandhavgarh, near Tala, Sarmaniya, Madhya Pradesh 484661

　　Cost: Starts at INR 16,520 per night

　　Samode Safari Lodge

　　Address: Bandhavgarh National Park, Chomu, Samod, Rajasthan 484661

　　Cost: Starts at INR 45,590 per night

　　Nearby Attractions

　　From the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, you can take village walks to engage with local people and gain an understanding of their way of life, explore the historic Bandhavgarh Fort for panoramic views, and learn about the history and wildlife of the park at the Baghel Museum. Keep in mind that visiting Bandhavgarh is about more than just seeing tigers; it's also about experiencing the wonders of nature, admiring the scenery, and savouring each moment.

　　The Information

　　Best Time to Visit: October to June (especially for tiger sightings)

　　Safari Timings: Morning (6:00 AM - 11:00 AM) and Afternoon (2:30 PM - 5:30 PM)

　　Entry Fee: INR 3,000 for Indians on weekdays and INR 5,000 on weekends. For foreign nationals, it is INR 6,000 on weekdays and INR 10,000 on weekends. A night safari will cost you INR 7,500.

　　Guide Fee: INR 700 per safari

　　Jeep Fare: INR 3,500–4,500 per safari

　　Buffer zones: INR 4,000–5,000

　　How to Reach

　　Air: The nearest airport to Bandhavgarh is Khajuraho. Drive for 7-8 hours to the Tala park entrance from there.

　　Rail: For Bandhavgarh, the nearest railway station is Umaria after Katani railway station, from there it is about 40 minutes drive to Nature Heritage.

　　Road: Travelling to Bandhavgarh by road is convenient as the destination is accessible from the nearby cities and towns like Umaria, Jabalpur, Katni and Khajuraho.