Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh is nestled in the Vindhya mountain range, offering a rich mix of sal forests, bamboo thickets, grasslands, and rocky hills. The terrain is both rugged and scenic, with natural caves, seasonal streams, and dense vegetation. The park is also famous for the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, perched on a hilltop and surrounded by legends dating back over 2,000 years.

The park’s biggest attraction is the Royal Bengal tiger, and sightings are relatively frequent, especially in core zones like Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli. In fact, Bandhavgarh gained fame as the home of the legendary tiger Charger and the iconic Sita, both of whom were widely photographed and documented.

• Leopards
• Sloth bears
• Wild boars
• Sambar deer
• Chital (spotted deer)
• Indian bison (gaur)
• Langurs and jackals

Jeep safaris are the best way to explore Bandhavgarh and are conducted twice daily—in the early morning and late afternoon. The park is divided into several zones, and each offers a unique wildlife experience.

The best time to visit Bandhavgarh is between October and June, with the peak tiger-sighting season being from March to May.

• Tala Zone
• Khitauli Zone
• Magadhi Zone

• Dhamokhar Zone
• Panpatha Zone
• Johila Zone

Each zone offers a unique experience in terms of terrain, wildlife, and crowd density. While Tala remains the most sought-after, buffer zones are ideal for those looking for fewer tourists and more personalized jungle experiences.

Let me know if you’d like a comparison chart or help choosing the best zone based on your travel dates!

• October to June is the best time to visit Bandhavgarh.
• October to February: Pleasant weather and good for birding.
• March to May: Excellent time for tiger sightings, as animals frequent waterholes during the hot, dry season.

The park remains closed during the monsoon season (July to mid-October).

How to Reach

By Air: Nearest airport: Jabalpur (170 km)
Other nearby airports: Khajuraho (230 km), Raipur (250 km)
By Train: Nearest railway station: Umaria (35 km)
Others: Katni (100 km), Jabalpur (170 km)
By Road: Bandhavgarh is accessible by road from cities like Jabalpur, Katni, Rewa, and Khajuraho.
Private taxis and buses are available from major towns.