Bandhavgarh National Park is one of India’s premier wildlife destinations, renowned for its dense tiger population and breathtaking landscapes. Nestled in the Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh, this park spans rugged terrain, lush forests, and open grasslands, making it an exceptional place to experience India’s rich biodiversity. With a history steeped in mythology and royal legacy, Bandhavgarh is not just a wildlife haven but also a site of cultural significance, with ancient caves and the historic Bandhavgarh Fort adding to its mystique.
What truly sets Bandhavgarh apart is its reputation as one of the best places in the world to spot wild tigers. The park’s relatively high density of these majestic big cats increases the chances of an unforgettable sighting. Safari drives through the park’s various zones—Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli—offer incredible opportunities to observe not only tigers but also leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, and an array of bird species. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, or simply a traveler seeking an extraordinary adventure, Bandhavgarh promises an immersive and thrilling experience in the heart of India’s wilderness.
Bandhavgarh is one of the most reliable places to spot Bengal tigers in the wild, and you would be very unlucky not to see at least one during a visit. The park also harbors leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, and a diverse population of deer, including the elegant chital, the majestic sambar, and the unique but rare four-horned antelope. The chance to observe these animals in a stunning natural setting makes Bandhavgarh a must-visit for anyone passionate about wildlife.
Bandhavgarh is also a dream destination for those keen on birdwatching. While the park is world-famous for its tigers, it is also a fantastic location to observe a wide range of bird species and other wildlife. With over 250 species of birds, including the Oriental honey-buzzard, Indian grey hornbill, and paradise flycatcher, this is one of the best places in Central India for birdwatching. The park’s mixture of dense sal forests, bamboo groves, and open meadows creates a variety of habitats that attract both resident and migratory species.
Short answer: Tiger safaris, birdwatching, nature walks
Long answer:
Most visitors come to Bandhavgarh for jeep safaris, which offer the best chance of spotting both big mammals and a wide array of birds. These safaris take place in designated tourism zones, with Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli being the most well-known. Tala is the most scenic and has the highest tiger density, while Magadhi and Khitauli offer more open landscapes, which can be excellent for spotting birds and other wildlife. Morning and afternoon safaris are available, and booking in advance is essential.
For dedicated birdwatchers, walking trails outside the park boundaries provide excellent opportunities to spot forest and grassland species. The Bandhavgarh Fort, perched atop a hill within the park, is another fantastic location for birdwatching. The forested slopes surrounding the fort attract a variety of species that can be observed in a more tranquil setting compared to the busier safari zones.
Photographers will find Bandhavgarh particularly rewarding. Whether capturing a tiger in golden light, a hornbill in mid-flight, or a herd of spotted deer drinking from a stream, the park offers stunning backdrops for wildlife photography.
For those looking for a deeper connection with the region, local community-run eco-lodges and nature walks can be arranged, providing insight into the conservation efforts and indigenous knowledge of the land.
The best time to visit Bandhavgarh depends on what you’re looking for.
- For tiger sightings and general wildlife: The dry season (March to May) is ideal, as vegetation thins out and animals gather around water sources, increasing visibility. Although it can get very hot, this is the best time for high chances of tiger encounters.
- For birdwatching: The winter months (November to February) are the most rewarding, as many migratory species arrive, and the cool weather makes long birding excursions comfortable. This is also when the park is at its most scenic, with lush greenery and pleasant temperatures.
- Monsoon season (June to mid-October): The park remains closed during monsoons, as heavy rains make it inaccessible, and wildlife disperses into dense forest cover.
If your focus is a mix of good birding and wildlife viewing, the transition periods (October-November and February-March) provide a balance between comfortable weather and excellent sightings.
Bandhavgarh is located in Madhya Pradesh, and while it is a remote destination, it is well-connected to major travel hubs.
- By Air: The nearest airport is in Jabalpur (160 km), which has regular flights from major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai. From Jabalpur, a taxi or private transfer can take you to Bandhavgarh in around 4 hours.
- By Train: The closest railway stations are Umaria (35 km) and Katni (100 km). Umaria is the most convenient option, with direct trains from cities like Delhi, Varanasi, and Jabalpur. Many lodges provide pick-up services from the station.
- By Road: Bandhavgarh is accessible via road from major towns and cities in Madhya Pradesh. It is 170 km from Khajuraho, a popular tourist destination known for its temples, making it a good stop on a broader wildlife and cultural itinerary. Roads leading to Bandhavgarh are in decent condition, but traveling during the monsoon months can be difficult due to heavy rainfall.
In April 2023, I went to Bandhavgarh as the first park out of four on a two week tour to see and photograph tigers. I had heard it was the park in India with the highest chance of seeing tigers, and it did not disappoint! On our very first drive, we got a female walking down the road right next to the car, and a male tiger relaxing in the shade quite a distance away. On our second drive we got a female and her two cubs at a water hole, were we watched the cubs play around for a long time. Later we also got a large male tiger drinking from the same water hole. For the next two drives we got another female in the distance, a male crossing a dry river bed by the road, and another tiger at the same water hole from the previous day, totaling 9 individual tigers in two days! If you plan on seeing tigers in India, be sure to include this park on your itinerary!
Apart from the tigers, we got plenty of other species as well (see a list of the ones I got to photograph further down on the page). For a more detailed look at the species I saw and my observations, check out this link to iNaturalist.
If you want a more in depth recollection of my experience at Bandhavgarh, with photos, details from my accommodation, the drives, and how the observations happened, be sure to check out my blog post about this trip!
