Geo details -
Coordinates : From 23-30-00 N To 23-57-00 N and 80-47-00 E To 81-12-00 E
Area : 450 sq km
Location : Umaria, Madhya Pradesh, India

Introduction -
Bandhavgarh National Park is located in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. It was declared as National Park in the year 1968, with an area of 105 sq km. With the time, it has spread over the forests of Umaria and Katni, which make total area of 450sq km of Bandhavgarh national park.

As located in Vindhya Range, this national park encompasses around 32 hills with either flat plateaus or overhanging cliffs. These plateaus and cliffs are covered with mixed forest of sal, saga, dhobin and large stretches of grasslands with bamboo grooves. Combination of hills, rivers, valleys, meadows and marshes, Bandhavgarh's forests are generally moist deciduous type. This national park with large area is known for highest density of tiger population. Also, this park has a large breeding population of panthers and various species of deer.

Flora -
Northern region of Bandhavgarh national park consists of a series of rocky ridges with deep crevices cut by perennial streams. While, in the southern region, the extensions which were included in the park in 1986, consist of low hills covered with forest but interspersed with grasslands that were formerly agricultural land. Central portion of the park consists of the original area of 106 sq. kms and the fort, which is still the main sighting area.

Bandhavgarh forest mainly consists sal trees and changes to mixed vegetation of sali, saj, saja, dhobin etc. only in the slightly higher reaches.

Fauna -
Bandhavgarh National Park is the natural habitat of different animals as well as birds. Animals like leopards, chital (spotted deer), Sambar deer, Dholes, sloth bears, rhesus macaques, hyenas etc. and birds like crested hawk, serpant eagle, honey buzzard, lesser kestrel etc. can be easily spotted here. In total, 37 species are listed for this national park including 3 types of antelopes. On the other hand, this park have 70 species of butterflies and near about 255 species of birds.

Density of big cat population has made Bandhavgarh National Park famous across the globe. Many of the tigers have played pivot roles of numerous films made on wildlife.

Nearby Tourist Destinations -
Apart from the national park, there are various other attractions for tourists. The list of the places that should be visited in Bandhavgarh are:

Kalchuri Archeological Remains :
Besides wildlife, Bandhavgarh is also famous for archaeological remains of the Kalchuri period.

Bandhavgarh Fort :
Built in 14th century, Bandhavgarh national park area is dominated by the majestic Bandhavgarh fort. This fort and the adjacent hills have a large number of caves belonging to the pre-historic period.

Jeep & Elephant Safari :
One can view the wildlife of Bandhavgarh by two ways including Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari. During early morning hours till evening, jeep safaris are undertaken while elephant safari trips are organized early in the morning for tiger tracking. A forest department guide is always their with the visitors on these jeep trips taken inside the park.

Best Time to Visit -
Bandhavgarh National Park is opened from October to June and can be visited from November till June only as it is closed during monsoon period. The best time time to visit there is from January till April.

How to Reach -
There are different transportation means to reach Bandhavgarh National Park:

Air : Nearest airport is Khajuraho at a distance of 237 km.

Rail : Umaria is the nearest railway stations (35 km). The nearest major station is Satna.

Road : Bandhavgarh National Park can be easily reached through road from various places like Jabalpur, Satna, Umeria and Khajuraho.