Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Bandhavgarh National Park is situated in the Umaria district of Eastern Madhya Pradesh (Central India). It covers an area of 450 Square Kilometers and is known for its spectacular collection of flora and fauna. It is a home to more than 250 species of birds and 22 different species of mammals. The vegetation of Bandhavgarh National Park includes tall grasslands and thick Sal forest

Bandhavgarh National Park has three major zones named – Tala, Bamera and Magdi. Among these the Tala zone attracts more tourists as it offers opportunities of sighting the tiger. The park authorities are now working to develop Magdi Zone by creating more opportunities for the tourists to spot tigers. To increase the opportunity of spotting the royal predators in Magdi zone, elephant shows are also organized.

Though, the park is majorly inhabited by white tigers but it also provides shelter to several other Indian wild species like Cheetals, Langurs, Bison and Sambars. The beautiful woods of Bandhavgarh attract numerous tourists from all over the world. The park remains at its best during spring season. The ideal time to explore wildlife in the park is from January to March.

Bandhavgarh has no direct air connectivity. The nearest airport to Bandhavgarh is at Jabalpur, one of the popular cities of India in Madhya Pradesh. Through airways one can reach Bandhavgarh quickly from New Delhi. On arriving at Jabalpur, one has to hire a taxi to Umaria.

Fauna & Flora

The panoramic view of Bandhavgarh National Park’s landscape includes cliffs, 32 hills, plateaus and meadows. The lower slopes of the region have forests of Sal forest and Bamboo. The higher hills of the park include high grasslands which are considered as the main vegetation of Bandhavgarh jungle.

The fertile riverbanks of Bandhavgarh have lush vegetation with 300 species of flora. Some of the major species are as follows:

Saj (Terminalia tomentosa)

Tendu, Arjun (Terminalia arjuna)

Dhaora (Anogeissus latifolia)

Palas (Butea monosperma)

Amla (Emblica officinalis)

Jamun (Blackberry) (Syzygium Cumini)

Mango (Mangifera indica)

Khajur (Phoenix sylvestris)

Ber (Zizyphus Mauritiana)

Salai (Boswellia serrata)

Babul (Accasia nilotica)

Dhok (Anogeossis pendula)

Banyan (F icus benghalensis)

Dhak or Chila (flame of the forest) {Butea monosperma}

Kadam (Authocephalus cadamba)

Khair (Accacia catechu)

Lagerstroemia

Bamboo

Boswelia

Madhuca

Pterocarpus

Kakera (Flacourtia indica)

Fauna of Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is mostly visited by the tourists from worldwide for the white royal predators. It also has a huge list of other animals and birds that can be spotted in the park which includes Bengal Tigers, Nilgai, Sambar, Barking Deer, Gaur, Chausingha, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, the Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Ratel, Grey Mongoose, Jungle Cat, Spotted Deer, Dhole, Palm Squirrel, Small Indian Civet, Little Grebe and Bandicoot Rat.

The species of birds found abundantly are Egret, Sarus Crane, Adjutant, Crested Serpent Eagle, Black Kite, Black Vulture, Common Peafowl, Egyptian Vulture, Dove, Red Jungle Fowl, Indian Roller and Parakeet. Grey Hornbill, White Breasted Kingfisher and Common Teals are some other species of birds spotted in the park.

Reptiles like Cobra, Viper, Krait, Rat Snake, Turtle, Python and varied species of lizard including Varanus are also found in the park.