Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is a heaven for wildlife lovers which is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. Boasting of its enchanting tigers and leopards, this Park is a destination which is best visited from mid November to June.

Bandhavgarh, the very word conjures up images of fierce tiger. Covering an area of 437 sq km, the Park is surrounded by the Vindhyan mountains ranges. Located in the enchanting state of Madhya Pradesh, the Park is famous for the highest density of tiger population in India. It also boasts of a large population of leopards and several species of deer.

History

Bandhavgarh National Park was declared a national park in 1968. A white tiger was spotted by Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa in this Park in 1951. It was for the first time that a white tiger was discovered in India. He captured the white tiger which is now stuffed and on display in the palace of the Maharajas of Rewa.

Attractions

Bandhavgarh National Park boasts of around 50 tigers. As the white tiger was first discovered in this Park, it is affectionately dubbed as White Tiger Jungle. It has the maximum population of tigers in the country. It came under Project Tiger in 1993. The other wildlife species found here are Chausingha, Wild Boar Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, leopard, buffalo , sambar, barking deer, Jackal etc.

The chances of wildlife sighting is bright in the core area of the park.? However, in the last 52 years no white tigers have been spotted in Bandhavgarh. The wetlands that dominate the plains of the park are home to enchanting Kingfishers and Egrets. Vultures are also spotted here. The Park can be explored by jeep safari or elephant safari.

The Bandhavgarh Fort inside the Park is a wonderful attraction which should not be missed. Built in the 14th century, the fort is surrounded by age-old caves.