Location
Bandhavgarh located in the Sahdol district of Madhya Pradesh, in the central part of India.


An Overview
Bandhavgarh was the hunting ground preserved by the Maharaja of Rewa. Consisting of an area of 448 sq. km. it was first declared as a National Park in the year 1968. The park is known for its tiger population and immense variety of flora and fauna. In the year 1993, the park came under the Project Tiger Scheme to preserve the endangered tiger population.


Climate & Ideal Time to Visit
The Parks experiences an extreme climate with cold winters and hot summers. The winter temperature varies between 0 to 20 degrees C during the months of November and February. In summers the maximum temperature goes up to 46 degrees C. During Monsoon (June-November) the park receives an average annual rainfall of 1200mm. Mid-November to June is the ideal time to visit the park. The park is closed during monsoon season.

Wildlife Attractions
The Park has an amazing diversity of flora and fauna and one of the best place for wildlife viewing.
Flora - About Half of the park is covered with a large varieties of trees including Sal, sali, saj, saja, dhobin and bamboo trees. These trees provide food and shelter to a wide species of wildlife.

» Fauna - It houses around 22 species of wildlife including tigers, leopards and bears. The major fauna species include the tiger, leopards, gaur, chital, sambar, nilgai, wild boar, sloth bear, jungle cats, porcupines, hyena, jackals, foxes etc.

» Avi-fauna - Besides various mammalian species, the park is also home to around 150 bird species. Some of the major bird species are the Grey headed fishing eagle, horn bill, falcon, green pigeons, blossom headed parakeets, bee eater, owl, minivets, wood shrikes and flycatchers.


Activities
The Park authority provides facilities for elephant safari and jeep safari in early morning or after 4 pm. These safaris are the best way to explore the rich flora and fauna of the park. The forest department also provide guides for these two safari activities.

Accommodation
Forest lodge of the state forest department, the PWD and the Forest Department guest houses provide accommodation facilities within the park. Besides, there are hotels and forest lodges at Tala near the park.


Nearest Attractions
Besides wildlife, Bandhavgarh is also famous for some other attractions including the archaeological remains of Kalchuri and Bandhavgarh Fort.

» Kalchuri Archaeological Remains - Several archaeological remains belong to the Kalchuri period have been found here.

» Bandhavgarh Fort - Built in the 14th century the majestic Bandhavgarh Fort is another must visit place inside the park.

Access
Reaching Bandhavgarh is not very difficult as it is well connected to all parts of India through air, rail and road.
» Air - The nearest airport is at Khajuraho at a distance of 230km, which is connected to Delhi, Agra and Varanasi.

» Rail - Located at a distance of 30 km, Umaria is the nearest railhead. It is connected to the cities of Madhya Pradesh and other surrounding states including the national capital, Delhi.

» Road - State owned and private buses are available from all major towns of Madhya Pradesh. One can also hire a taxi to get in to the Bandhavgarh. Some important road distances are : Varanasi(340km), Khajuraho(230km), Katni(75km), Rewa(115km), Umaria(30km).