Bandhavgarh National Park in 2024: A Complete Guide to the Journey into the Wild!

Bandhavgarh National Park in 2024: A Complete Guide to the Journey into the Wild!

Bandhavgarh National Park stands as a testament to the rich biodiversity and mesmerizing landscapes that India has to offer. Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, this sprawling sanctuary beckons adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers alike to immerse themselves in its untamed beauty. Join us on a captivating journey into the wild as we explore the wonders and history of Bandhavgarh National Park.

Bandhavgarh National Park is spread over 1,500 square kilometers in the middle of the Vindhyachal mountain range in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. According to the statistics for 2014, there are a total of 49 tigers living here. The population is small. Despite this, many tourists who visit Bandhavgarh invariably see a tiger.

The Tiger’s Decline: Hunting Epidemic in 19th Century India

In the middle of the nineteenth century, the population of tigers in India was around 100,000. Tigers roamed fearlessly in the dense forests of regions like Garhwal, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. But in the decade of 1860, there was a sudden change in that situation. The white Latsahebs took a rifle in hand to fulfill their hunting passion. During the nineties, they demonstrated their bravery (indeed, wildness) by killing several tigers. This perverse hobby was not limited to the English Latsahebs. Even the kings and maharajas of India were infected with it. Hence, the number of tigers that their rifle had killed was enormous.

Dark Time: The Carnage of India’s Wildlife (1911–1915)

The worst four years for wildlife in India were 1911–1915. The lords and monarchs of Britain murdered 27,000 leopards and 9,000 tigers because they saw hunting as their “hobby.” In three months, a white bureaucrat chased 25 bears, 4 leopards, and 98 tigers. An Englishman named George Yule is known to have killed roughly 400 tigers in history, and in 1953, the Maharaja of the 15,000 square kilometer state of Madhya Pradesh’s Surguja set a global record by killing 1,100 tigers!

The result of this kind of slaughter was that, when India gained independence in 1947, the number of tigers was reduced to less than 40,000. Population less than half in nine decades! Poaching continued in the post-independence years, resulting in the total number of tigers reaching a miserable figure of 1,800 in the country during the 1970s.

Rarest of the rare Albino Tigers

Before independence, Bandhavgarh was a province of the princely state of Rewa. Maharaja Gulab Singh, a keen hunter of Rewa, came across a white tiger while hunting in the forest, which he captured alive and kept in his palace. After this tiger died a natural death in 1920, another albino tiger was not seen in Madhya Pradesh (as well as in the whole of India) for another 30 years. In 1951, Gulab Singh’s son, Martand Singh was finally blessed with an albino tiger cub. He adopted the cub, named it ‘Mohan‘, and nurtured it carefully. Over time, a total of 30 cubs were born from ‘Mohan’ to different tigresses, out of which 9 were albino.

Legacy of Mohan: The Story of Albino Tigers in Zoos

The cub named ‘Mohini’ was bought from Maharaja Martand Singh by an American auctioneer for $10,000 and gifted to the Washington DC Zoo. Two more albino cubs named ‘Raja’ and ‘Rani’ were sent to Delhi Zoo, where another 20 white cubs were born. On the other hand, ‘Radha’ (‘King’ and “Rani’s” mother) found 13 more albino cubs from ‘Mohan’, who were then sent to zoos or breeding centers. Thus, the family of ‘Mohan’ spread abroad. Animal experts believe that the white tigers seen in various zoos around the world today may have some genes of the albino ‘Mohan’.

The Return of the White Tiger: Vindhya’s Tale

‘Mohan’ was the last white tiger to be found in the forests of Madhya Pradesh. Now the white tiger named ‘Vindhya’ has been released by the Madhya Pradesh government to roam freely in the forests of Mukundpur, so it has been six and a half decades since the white tiger returned to its natural habitat. The ‘Vindhya’, a tigress with light brown-white fur instead of the flamboyant saffron, has now become a living legend of nature for many, to see which the ‘White Tiger Safari’ of Mukundpur forests has become the center of attraction.

Rare Gems: The World of Albino Tigers and Mukundpur’s Unique Habitat

According to the latest statistics, there are about 200 albino tigers in the world, mostly in zoos in those countries. Mukundpur, in Madhya Pradesh, is the only forest in the world with white tigers. It is located about one and a half hundred kilometers north of Bandhavgarh National Park. More information will be found at www.whitetigersafari.in

Discovering the Flora and Fauna

A wildlife enthusiast’s dream come true, Bandhavgarh National Park boasts an incredible diversity of flora and animals. As you venture farther into its lush forests and vast meadows, you will encounter a diverse range of animals, such as majestic Bengal tigers, secretive leopards, graceful sambars, comical langurs, and rare birdlife.

Large grasslands, rocky hills, and deep forests make up the park’s varied topography, which is perfect for sustaining a wide range of plant and animal species. The park’s enticing allure is heightened by its varied range of vegetation, which includes towering sal trees and fragrant dhok bushes. This creates an ideal atmosphere for thrilling wildlife encounters.

A Photographer’s Paradise

Photographers have unparalleled opportunities to capture breathtaking scenes in the great outdoors at Bandhavgarh National Park. No matter how experienced you are, you will be captivated by the park’s amazing scenery and abundance of species.

Imagine being able to capture the unadulterated intensity of a tiger’s stare, or the serene beauty of a daybreak above the jungle canopy. With each press of the shutter, you’ll capture the untamed spirit of the outdoors and create lifelong memories.

Safari Adventures

Set off on an unforgettable safari adventure through Bandhavgarh National Park’s center section. These excursions, which are guided by experienced rangers and naturalists, offer a rare glimpse into the daily routines and customs of the park’s inhabitants.

By choosing an elephant or jeep safari, you may explore the park’s hidden corners and hidden gems, increasing your chances of spotting elusive and endangered species in their natural habitat.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation is a top priority at Bandhavgarh National Park. A dedicated team of rangers, conservationists, and researchers works around the clock to protect the park’s irreplaceable nature and the future of its visitors.

The park uses initiatives including community outreach, habitat restoration, and anti-poaching patrols to safeguard the long-term viability of its wildlife population and to encourage sustainable tourism.

Planning Your Visit

Making the most of your time in Bandhavgarh National Park is essential when planning a visit. If at all feasible, schedule your trip during the dry season (October through March), when there are better chances to encounter wildlife and the weather is pleasant.

The park’s lodges and resorts fill up quickly, especially during the busiest visitor season, so make sure to book your accommodations well in advance. Remember to obtain the necessary permits and follow the park’s rules and regulations to further lessen your impact on the environment.

Good to Know for better Trip…

• The nearest railway station and airport are in Jabalpur. Bandhavgarh is located at a distance of 165 km, or four hours. There are no major hotels or basic amenities on this route, so overnight stays may not be possible on the way.

* There are many resorts and hotels in Bandhavgarh, but it is imperative to stay at one of the resorts/hotels near the interpretation office. There are no separate restaurants for food and drink, so the option is to eat at the place of stay. However, every hotel and resort serves good quality food.

• Booking for Jungle Safari in Bandhavgarh opens 120 days in advance. Single seat and full vehicle (renting a whole Jeep) are two options for the core zone, while only full-vehicle is the option for the buffer zone. Since Tala is most popular in the core zone, it gets booked first. Hence, booking should be done 4 months in advance. Online booking of safari can be done from https://forest.mponline.gov.in/Search.aspx?park=1

* For the morning safari, the remaining money should be paid the evening before, and the jeep number and guide number should be taken after taking the necessary steps. This information has to be obtained 1 hour before the afternoon safari.

* It is imperative to book at least 2 different safaris. Like, Tala in the morning, Magadhi in the evening. Or Tala in the morning and Khitauli in the evening. The mobile phone network is not good in Bandhavgarh. A little network is available in Tala village.

Conclusion

Bandhavgarh National Park offers a truly immersive wildlife experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on every visitor. From its diverse flora and fauna to its awe-inspiring landscapes and conservation efforts, the park embodies the untamed beauty of India’s natural heritage.

So pack your camera, lace up your boots, and prepare for an adventure like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, Bandhavgarh National Park promises an unforgettable journey into the wild.

Click Here for:

Discover the Hidden Gems: Top Places to Visit in Gangtok That Will Take Your Breath Away!

Discover the Hidden Gems: Top Places to Visit in Gangtok That Will Take Your Breath Away!