This is one of the most visited and popular national parks in India. This is located in the Vindhya hill range in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. This is also a tiger reserve which comes under the Project Tiger. Its nearest city is 197 kilometers away which is Jabalpur. Its name has been derived from an ancient fort located in the same area having the name of Bandhavgarh. This National Park is known to have the highest number of tigers in entire India. This Tiger Reserve boasts of having 52 tigers which us the most that and tiger reserve has. This Tiger reserve also has the rarest White Tiger.
History of Bandhavgarh National Park
- Before being declared as a National Park this forest was a royal hunting ground for the bygone Rewa royals if that area. When the cattle grazing and extensive hunting was destroying the flora and fauna if the place, the Indian Government declared it as a National Park in 1968. The Maharaja Martand Singh hunted the first White Tiger if this region in 1951 which caused a stir in the authorities to take a step towards preserving the wildlife.
- The ancient history related to this Bandhavgarh goes back to the time when Mahabharata was happening. It is said that Lord Rama asked his brother Lakshmana to keep a check on Ravana’s Lanka from the hillock of Bandhavgarh which is situated within this National Park.
- The literal meaning if Bandhavgarh means brother’s first. This meant the fort was built for Lakshmana to keep a check on their rival Ravana.
Flora and Fauna at the Bandhavgarh National Park
- This national park is full of biodiversity richness of all kinds. Sal tree is found in abundance here at the Bandhavgarh National Park. This is the most popular tree in the region of Bandhavgarh. Another sort of tree which can be found here at Bandhavgarh sanctuary is the bamboos and teak. As mentioned above, the Bandhavgarh has the highest density of Tiger population in India which is the most of its fauna. However, other animals such as- Chausingha, Nilgau, Jackal, Chital, Fox, insects, reptiles and much more.
- The Avina Fauna of the National Park is also flourished with species such as- Egrets, Kingfishers, Vultures, Owls and etc.
Best time to visit here
Although each month of the year gives a unique experience to a traveler, months between October and March are best recommended for a visit.