Bandhavgarh National Park: Home To The Royal Bengal Tiger

Bandhavgarh National Park, set in the hills of rural India in Madhya Pradesh, encompasses an area of 105km² open to the public, with a further 1,000km² under protection. It is one of the most wildlife-rich parks in the Indian subcontinent, particularly renowned for its dense Tiger population.

A popular site for Tiger tours, the park’s accessibility and astounding bio-diversity have assured its reputation as the best place in the world to encounter the majestic Panthera tigris tigris – the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Geography

Nestled amidst the picturesque Vindhya Hills, the park has been increased from its original size to include the lush surrounding Sal forests, a favoured habitat of the big cat. Since the inception of the park, its population has increased significantly within the protected area.

Sitting at an elevation of between 410-818m, the extremely diverse topography affords a wide array of habitats, including dense hilly regions, Sal forests, high altitude meadows, jungles, grasslands and more than 20 streams that eventually merge into a tributary of the mighty Ganges. 

Enter the Tala Zone

Bandhavgarh is divided into three zones called Magdi, Bamera and Tala. An abundance of wildlife subsists in all three zones, but it is the central Tala zone that provides prime viewing opportunities on Tiger tours.

A Wealth of Wildlife

For those who come to the park on dedicated Tiger tours, the big cat isn’t the only wildlife that can be enjoyed. The reserve is home to a wealth of other species, including 80 species of butterflies, 250 species of birds, and 37 species of mammals. It also boasts the largest breeding population of another elusive big cat, the Leopard, and, although there have been no sightings for over 50 years, it has a history as being the home of the last wild White Tigers.

The most effective way of sighting as much wildlife as possible is on game drive outs around dawn and dusk, when the animals are most active. While the best Tiger tours are accompanied by an expert naturalist, the park management also requires all visitors to be accompanied by a local Forest Department Guide.

An Ancient Fort

Situated to the south of the reserve – which has prestigious royal connections as a former hunting reserve of a Maharaja – is the oldest fort in the country. Bandhavgarh Fort preserves the mythology of Shri Rama; legend has it that when he returned from war he constructed the fort as a gift for his beloved brother, Lakshmana, hence the name: Bandhav meaning brother and garh meaning fort. Dating back to the third century, the ruins of the hilltop fort encompass around 560 acres and include caves, rock paintings, statues and temples.

The Surrounding Area

For those who visit the national park on Tiger tours, there are also attractions in the surrounding area. These include Varanasi, Jabalpur and Panna and Kanha national parks, with Agra, Chambal and Bharatpur often offered as optional extensions. 

This magnificent natural reserve is a truly special place and, for nature lovers, offers the guarantee of a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Author Plate

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer with a special interest in Tiger watching. As a passionate lover of wildlife, Marissa chooses the expert-led Tiger safari itineraries organised by Naturetrek, which have brought her unforgettable sightings of a wide range of species in some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.