
Overview
Fast Fact
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When to go Bandhavgarh
The Park is closed from July to October during the rains, Rest if the year is fine, barring summer.
Situated in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is located in Shahdol district among the remote hills of the Vindhya Range. Bandhavgarh was originally the home of White Tigers in India; however, today it is abode of the Bandhavgarh National Park. It used to be the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Rewa. Their old fort, Bandhavgarh Fort, still dominates a hill rising out of the forest.
The last known white tiger, Mohan, was captured by Maharajah Martand Singh in 1951. This tiger is now stuffed and is on display in the palace of the Maharajas of Rewa. /
Prior to becoming a National park, the forest around Bandhavgarh had long been maintained as a 'Shikargah' or game preserve, of the Maharajahs of Rewa. Hunting was carried out by the Maharajahs and their guests - otherwise the wildlife was relatively well-protected. It was considered a good omen for a Maharajah of Rewa to shoot 109 Tigers. His highness Maharajah Venkat Raman Singh shot 111 Tigers by 1914.
The vegetation is chiefly of Sal forest in the valleys and on the lower slopes, gradually changing to mixed deciduous forest on the hills and in the hotter, drier areas of the park in the south and west. Grassy meadow patches occur in the valley and along the nalas.
History:
Various dynasties have ruled the fort. For example, The Mauryans till the 3rd century BC, Vakataka rulers from 3rd century till the 5th century, the Sengars from 5th century and the Kalachuris from 10th century. In the 13th century, the Baghels took over, and ruled Bandhavgarh until 1617, when Maharaja Vikramaditya Singh moved his capital to Rewa. The last inhabitants deserted the fort in 1935.
No records remain to show when Bandhavgarh Fort was constructed. It is thought, however, to be some 2,000 years old, and there are references to it in the ancient books like the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Siva Purana.
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Places to visit in Bandhavgarh
The Bandhavgarh Fort
It is located on the Bandhavgarh hill, rising 811 meters above sea level at the centre of the Bandhavgarh National Park. The place derives its name from the most prominent hillock of the area, which is said to be given by Hindu Lord Ram to his brother Lakshman to keep a watch on Lanka (Ceylon). Hence the name 'Bandhavgarh' (Sanskrit: Brother's Fort).
This fort is believed to have been built in the 10th century. This dilapidated structure was originally built with stones. The current owner of this fort is the Government of India, but it's controlled by the Bahela Rajputs.
The fort is also home to many of the endangered species of vultures in India.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the popular national parks in India located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968, with an area of 105 km2.
This park has a large biodiversity. The density of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh is one of the highest known in India. The park has a large breeding population of Leopards, and various species of deer. Certain areas of the park (particularly the south and the west) are drier in character, and hold such species as the Nilgai and the Chinkara. -
Zone of interest inside the Bandhavgarh National Park
Sidhbaba: This place is named after the holy temple of sidhbaba (god of Indian worship). This is the most common point from where you can see a tiger near this temple. The sidhbaba region was the territory of some the prime tigers of bandhavgarh such as Charger and Bokha. Here you will find almost guaranteed sighting of sambhar, chital, painted stroke and sometimes wild boars.
Charkadhara: Charkradhara area is a large meadow area inside the park popular for the tiger sighting. During the summers this meadow looks like an open hunting ground for the predators, since the lush green forests are replaced by dry arid trees. Since the availability of food, water and hiding grass is perennial, the wild animals can be easily sighted in this region.
Gopalpur: Gopalpur region is at the north east region of bandhavgarh national park. The aquatic plants and mammals are rich in this area which makes the area suitable for bird watching. Some of the avifauna found in this region is- Kingfishers, painted storks, lapwings and stilts.
Shesh Shaiya: This 65 ft horizontally laid idol of lord vishnu is the origin of river charanganga. The reclining statute of Lord Vishnu on the seven hooded serpent is the most appreciated architecture of the past. The vicinity is rich with fruit bearing trees. During the festival of Diwali, people use lamps around the Vishnu Idol to decorate it. While in Shesh Shaiya, watch out for the malabar multicolored hornbill, a rare sight.
Bari Gufa: 'Badi Gufa' or the big cave, as the name suggests is one of the biggest caves in the bandhavgarh national park region which dates back to the 10th century. This cave was made by carving solid rock of sandstone, hence it's a man made cave, not a natural one. It has a broad entrance, nine small rooms and several pillars. It's spacious and has adequate vertical room for a person of average height to stand and walk. It is visible from the fort, which probably signifies its strategic location. The cave appears to be primitive, lacking the elaborate statues and carvings seen in the caves of the Buddhist period. Its purpose remains a mystery, although initially it could have been used by monks for spiritual pursuits and later by the army for strategic purposes. Today, however, the caves are home to wide variety of bats.
Ketkiha: This wet region inside the bandhavgarh reserve is full of aromatic plant 'Pendanus'. That is why it is also known as 'The Pendanus point'. The Indian name of pendanus plant is kewra. This region is surrounded by the shadows of lofty Jamun and Arjun trees. Three Cave Point: The three cave point is visible from the ganesh hillock road. It is a classic example of the architectural techniques that were prevalent in the past. The caves now provide the shelter for wild animals like tiger, sloth bear and even for the leopards.
Sita Mandap: The name of this region resembles the wedding ground of the wife of Lord Ram, Sita. It is a single rock which arches over like a bridge. The name of the famous tigress Sita was named after this place. Sita (the tigress) is the mother of the most of the tigers and tigresses in bandhavgarh reserve area. The Photographer's Point: This point at the mountain top gives a panoramic view of the bandhavgarh wildlife sanctuary. Ironically, photography from this point is not allowed for every visitor. Special permission is to be taken from the forest director for the purpose of photography.
Andheri Jhiria: The Tigers during the summers spend their afternoon in this region as this area is mostly covered with the shadows of the trees. Due to this reason it is relatively difficult to sight a tiger in this area. There is a spring water source in this area from which water comes throughout the year, even during summers.
Raj- bahera: The Rajbahera region is a marshy meadow which feeds mammals like the chitals, sambhar and wild boars. The river Damnar originates from Rajbahera. Different species of birds can be easily sighted from this area. You can also see the Bandini Hills from this region.
Charger's Place: Charger was the dominant male tiger in Bandhavgarh who presided over the jungle for over a decade. This place was the raising ground of Charger. He died in the year 2000 due to natural cause. Interestingly, Charger holds the record to the most photographed male tiger in the whole world.