Tiger Safari at Bandhavgarh And The Ancient Structures

Bandhavgarh National Park is known for its enchanting wilderness, and the tigers. But many people have no inclination toward ancient idols cut from the rock and the inscriptions on the stone in the dense confines of the park. The most amazing ancient structures are the Bandhavgarh Fort complex and the idols of Lord Vishnu in zoomorphic forms. The original structures were built by the Gonds that were subject to further additions by many dynasties that came to rule here.

Tiger Safari at Bandhavgarh

The fort and its surroundings in the dense forests were ruled by tigers and humans from time immemorial but the structures made by the Gond civilization date back 2000 years. Gonds were worshippers of lord Vishnu and other Hindu deities. On the top of the mountain, one will find idols of zoomorphic avatars of Lord Vishnu. It is said that the fort was gifted to brother Laxman by Lord Rama when he visited Bandhavgarh forests in exile.   

The other structure that was carved in stones are courts, horse stables, caves, and rooms and you will see stone wall now in ruins around Bandhavgarh Hill. There are thirty-two steep cliffs and tabletop mountains at Bandhavgarh. The terrain is characterized by steep cliffs deep glens and marshy grasslands interspersed by rivulets.

Since the fort is out of bounds for tourism tourists cannot visit the fort complex. They can go up to the Sesha Shaiyya or reclining Vishnu.  Sesh Shaiyya is a beautiful spot where you can see the twenty feet idols of Lord Vishnu in a reclining position.  The idol is crowned by the heads of the cobra and the whole structure is covered in microscopic algae, fungi, and lichens. Sesh Shaiyya is one of the most beautiful spots in the tiger reserve and must visit. Those who are wishing to see the ancient structures must go for a tiger safari at Tala in Bandhavgarh.   

Rich in the wilderness the park is home to tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, bison, Nilgai, barking deer, four-horned deer, wild boar, and monkeys. It is home to more than 250 birds including the winter migrants.

For an exciting tiger safari at Bandhavgarh, a safari permit is required. So book the safari in advance as the entry of vehicles is limited. Safari can be booked online at MPOnline Portal. You can also ask the tour operators to book a safari for you. They are in the know-how of the best zones in the National Park for you to visit.

You can best reach Bandhavgarh from Jabalpur Airport at 175 km. The overnight train is also available from New Delhi to Umaria which is at a distance of 32 km from Tala Township. Overnight trains from Mumbai and Kolkata ply to Jabalpur in MP.