Travel to Bandhavgarh National Park in India

Bandhavgarh 

Situated in the Highlands of Central India Bandhavgarh is a paradise and tiger heaven. Wrongfully credited with sightings of the first and only white tiger in the World, the destination was contiguous with Sanjay National Park nearby in Sidhi District its rightful birthplace. 

This tiger reserve nevertheless is one of the most prolific breeding grounds for the big cats. It is a land of upheaval with a tortured terrain charismatic and densely forested. Bare-faced steep cliffs jut out of the earthen womb as a huge surprise. The lofty land mass creates deep glens and marshy plains where mountain rivulets invade...they are the lifeline of this diverse ecosystem that supports a myriad of lifeforms. The big cats prefer to hunt in the marshy grasslands which slows the movement of the herbivores. 

The National Park is ideal for animal and bird watching with a focus on the tigers. There are more than twenty-two mammals in the park beside a large number of reptilian species and birds. Ideal for wildlife holidays the destination also provides recreation and excitement on tour. Experiencing remote India has a calming effect with serenity and picture-perfect ambiance all around. The forests are home to peace and silence and the feeling is exhilarating.      

There is a little-known secret of this destination. An ancient civilization that thrived more than two thousand years back has left telltale marks in form of a fort, temples, pool, and numerous structures that confine themselves to the Tala Zone. Created by tribal and dynasties that came to rule now and then the architectural splendor is like a cynosure in the deep jungles devoid of modern urbanity. The fort is out of bounds for tourists but Sesh Shaiyya a reclining statue of Lord Vishnu is worth a visit. It is a small pool under a grove that contains the statue and numerous trickles emerge from the fern-infested slopes of the mountain that inundates. It is an esoteric experience in the place where the tigress often breeds. The River Charanganga emerges from this mountain and flows down to the plains creating a spectacular biodiversity hub. Time stands still in these confines as if frozen for eternity.            

                                                       Shesh Shhaiya

On the way to the park at Umaria about 32 km, you will also come across a 10th-century temple with the telltale architecture of ancient Central India. The access to reach Umaria and then Bandhavgarh is through Shahpura Township eighty km from Jabalpur Airport. The township is famous for plant fossils dating back 60 million years. The Fossil Park is situated on the way to Mandla and houses a museum or a collection of fossils along with a cafeteria. This is an ideal stop for freshening up and exploring the fossils. 

Jabalpur to Shahpura via Kundum drive is safe and pleasant along the scenic surrounds, teak forests, green fields, and quaint hamlets situated in between the mountains. The rows of dhabas or eateries provide hot snacks and meals to travelers. They are small and hygienic places some with toilet facilities to facilitate this long journey.      

Albeit there is not much need to make a stop nevertheless a cup of tea on the way is refreshing as you will encounter many little shops selling this wonderful brew. Most of the purchasing of essentials should be done at Jabalpur with flights connected to New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai. The railhead too is well connected.       

A short holiday of at least two nights should be organized, and permits should be booked in advance at MP Online Portal. Entry into the core zone is not permitted to those without a permit. There is a number of wildlife resorts for accommodation which you can book online. These accommodations provide you with good food as well which includes Intercontinental and Indian.

Safaris are conducted in the early morning period and then in the late evening. The excursions are conducted on open jeeps and canters. On-foot safari and off-roading are not possible at Bandhavgarh Reserve.  

For overseas visitors on tiger safari in Central India it is best to contact a tour operator. The packages available take care of all the bookings and journeys besides being economical. Group travel is the best means to travel on package tours organized for wildlife watching and birding.     

The package tours also include travel to Kanha National Park at a distance of five hours via Shahpura from Bandhavgarh. Kanha is a popular tiger reserve and much visited.  

Raipur Amazing Rise

Many years back I was on my first trip to the City of Raipur in the then-erstwhile State of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. An important part of extensive land of the state of MP, Raipur nevertheless was neglected. Though culturally and economically rich telescopic management was taking its toll. 

Too big to manage with rising insurgency, the extra dimension of the state was eventually bifurcated and a new State of Chhattisgarh was born. New State, New Government catapulted Raipur into a state of unprecedented development in India.          

Amarkantak - Neeraj Vegad

Development surge has not taken place solely because new capital was being established. Raipur and its surroundings are endowed with many productive features which came into the picture as the city emerged from submergence and started to scale the growth map of India.    

There is one distinct characteristic of the State of Chhattisgarh and that is its charismatic beauty, Endowed with large tracts of forests, natural phenomena, and unique topography - a virtual greenery pervades all over.    

Dominated by tribal communities, the state is experiencing an economic resurgence thanks to abundant natural resources in form of minerals and ores. Raipur now the Capital City is experiencing the fastest growth followed by neighboring Bilaspur. 

Development and economic growth has spurned the tourism industry as well. Wildlife tourism and sightseeing have emerged as segment leaders. Chhattisgarh comprises of Sal & mixed forests some of which have been brought under state protection and declared as National Park and wildlife sanctuaries.  

Hotel Celebration Raipur

Albeit at a nascent stage, tourism is growing by leaps and bounds. Some of the destinations that could boost tourism are Guru Ghasidas NP, Sanjay Dubri TR, Kanger Valley NP, Indrawati TR, Achanakmar TR and Amarkantak Hill Resort              

Tiger

The State abounds in places of tourist interest, apart from natural places, it is rich in cultural inheritance from ancient times. Chhatisgarh is one of the least explored places in India. 

From the earlier impression of a sleepy town lost in the remote confines of a large state, Raipur City was a big surprise whence I last visited it.  The dimensions of the capital city were burgeoning with the fast development, businesses, offices, high-end hotels, restaurants, eateries, and malls, all indicating towards a rising business hub. In time to come, Chhattisgarh will outpace many other states of India.           

Bandhavgarh National Park - Ruins of The Past

Situated in the cradle of  the Vindhya Hills a chain of mountains that lie to the North of India.  The park is situated in Umaria District of Madhya Pradesh. The erstwhile hunting reserve of Maharajahs of Rewa is now a protected area. 

Apart from dense tiger forests the reserve boats of ancient ruins that date twenty centuries back in history. The ruins belong to ruling Hindu Kings who left their marks on the mountainous tract. The park is home to many animals especially the Bengal Tiger that rules the ruins and the forests. Being a core of protected area no human habitation is allowed anymore.    

The ruins are in shape of idols, statues, caves, horse shelters, temples and gates. The fort lies atop the Bandhavgarh Mountain at 800 MSL. Now in rums some elements are still intact. The unique feature of the fort in ruin is the zoo-morphic statues of Lord Vishnu. Scattered along the tableau are statues of Visnu as Varah, Matsya and Sinh avatar. The Ram Janki Temples lies on the edge of the plateau overlooking the magnificent reserve.    

Hindu Temple

On the ascent to the fort lies Sesh Shaiyya or sleeping idol of Lord Vishnu on edge of the pool. Esoteric and fairy land like the pool is man made and ancient. Ferns and small shrubs decorate the surroundings creating a cool precinct that offered succor and shelter to thirsty and exhausted soldiers of yore. 

Fort Entrance

There are ruins all over and many can be seen on tiger safari at Bandhavgarh. The wildlife is enchanting and consists of tiger, leopard, sloth bear, dhole, deer, and bison. The number of hillocks create a mesmerizing topography making the park one of the most picturesque in India. 

Fort Ruins

In order to reach the destination one needs to drive 170 km from Jabalpur airport & rail head. Other ways of reaching Bandhavgarh are by rail. An overnight train halts at Umaria station 32 km from the park. The road network is well connected. 

Tiger

There are many hotels in Bandhavgarh for accommodation near by in the buffer zone. They conform to different grades like luxury, deluxe, five star and budget. Rest houses are also available for stay but booking is accorded only to Government Officials.  

Reclining Vishnu

Prior booking of safaris are advisable as they are booked well in advance. The bookings can be made at  MP Online Portal. The hotels and resorts cane be booked using the websites.

   Images by Teerath Singh

Places to see in India?

A very difficult question to answer since India is so vast and diverse. It is each to himself or herself depending upon what you wish to see during your travel in India. For lovers of archeology historical places in New Delhi and Agra are must visit, as for example the "Taj Mahal" Delhi Fort, Kutub Minar and Fatehpur Sikri.

For the lovers of Indian desert life it is a trip to vast stretches of Rajasthan to live in Maharaja style in the palaces in Udaipur, Jaipur and Jaisalmer to name few. Rajasthan has a rich colorful culture to offer to the visitors. Bharatpur offers excellent bird watching to birders and is one of finest birding destinations in India.

Central India offers best tiger safaris to wildlife enthusiasts. Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench are popular tiger reserves in India. Pachmarhi is a pristine, unspoiled little paradise for holidaying at high places. It is a popular hill station in Madhya Pradesh.

These posts are going to highlight best places to see in India so keep subscribe if you wish to know about the places to visit in India.

Indian Road Travel

Driving on the Indian roads is the most challenging task during India tour. India has vast road network that stretches miles and miles across. From six lane expressways to two lane highways and main roads, roads in the interiors you ask for it and there is a road.

Roads made of bitumen or good ones made of cement and the usual cross country and jungle roads which are popularly know as metal roads...most primitive type of road in the country.

The roads are classified as good and bad roads and those which do not come in either category are referred to as "ok" roads. During preparation for a road trip the first travel tip that is considered is the road condition, weather and climate come much later perhaps after the details of roadside food joints, dhabas and tea stalls have been inquired about.

Well whatever the road may be it is assured for an enthusiastic traveler it is the way to an exciting unexplored destination of India for him. That is the fun of travel in India the real good roads lead to more or less homogenous globalized metro or capitals but the rough roads to lead exciting destinations like historical places, wildlife reserves and eco resorts.

And in extreme cases road or no road ...keep move ahead...India awaits you.