The Bandhavgarh National Park is famous for its "White Tigers". The Park lies in the Umaria district of Madhay Pradesh covering an area of 450 sq.km along the Bandhavgarh hills. The Park, set amidst the Vindhyan ranges, was the former hunting ground of the Maharaja of Rewa. The Park is known for its high Tiger Population and was declared a National park in the year 1968. Located around 195 kms away from Jabalpur and 210kms from Khajuraho, it is also considered a wildlife heritage. The enchanting landscape and the archaeological remains of the Kalchuri period with the majestic 14th century " Bandhavgarh Fort" makes the park a place worth seeing. The Park can be visited during the period of mid November to mid June, still the best time for the nature lovers are January to April. The park is open to visitors from 1st of October to 30th June only.


Wildlife Attractions
Fauna - This is the place where the white tigers were discovered. The other wild attraction of the park apart from a White Tiger are Nilgai, Chausinga, Chital, Chinkara, and Wild Boars. The dense forest contains the Sambhar or Indian Stag while Gaurs can be seen during the month of March and April. Other rare animals found in the natural habitat of the Bandhavgarh park are the Blackbucks, Squirrel, Hyena, Jackals and the Hanuman Langur. The reptiles include Cobras, Pythons and Lizards .

Flora - The park, covered with rocky terrains and grassy swamps with forested valleys, is an amalgamation of the deciduous Sal trees with the Bamboo shoots. The Sal also provides precious timber and yields a resin that is used to produce incence sticks.

Birds - About 150 or more species of birds are seen in this park including the migratory birds. Paradise fly catcher, Blue Jays, Purple Sunbirds, Green Barbets, Mynah along with the enchanting movements of the Peacock can be viewed. Among the migratory birds, the Steppe Eagle and a variety of Wildfowl feature the regular visitors to the park.


Park Trips
The park can be seen on Elephants backs as well as on "Jeep Safaris," well protected and guided by a forest official. Apart from the wildlife, Bandhavgarh is also famous for the Kalchuri Archaeological remains that makes the Park a historic site too. The Bandhavgarh Fort gives a better view of the park from its 800 mts height and the adjacent hills have a large number of caves belonging to the 14th century historic period.


Accommodation
Taal jungle resort is located in the village Tala, some 400 yards from Bandhavgarh National Park. The resort has 16 cottage type twin bedded rooms with attached toilet, running hot and cold water. The facilities of the resort includes a restaurant with Indian, Continental and Chinese Cuisine. Room service as well as laundry service is available. Folk music and Dance on request.

The Bandhavgarh Jungle resort is quite close to the park. It has a unique setting as it is built on the theme of the Indian villages, A spacy, cosy thatched dining room is the point of attraction serving Indian and Continental Cuisine. Apart from the Jungle resorts, Government Guest Houses are available at fair rates.


How to Reach
By Air - Khajuraho is the nearest airport available, from where the Bandhavgarh park is a five hour drive (273kms) through the Ken river and Panna town.
By Rail - The nearest railway station from Bandhavgarh are Jabalpur (164kms), Katni (102kms) and Satna (120kms ) from central railways while Umaria (35kms) is on the South Eastern Railway. Jeeps are available for transfer of the tourist to the Park.
By Road - The Park can be reached from Jabalpur, Satna, Katni, Umaria, Bilaspur and Khajuraho. State transport buses are available any time.