Bandhavgarh lies in the heart of Madhya Pradesh- traditional tiger country. This is where Rudyard Kipling found inspiration for his famous Jungle Book (remember Mowgli?), and this is where the tiger still roams- although now protected by dozens of laws, some effective, some not.

Once the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Rewa, where an alarming number of tigers were hunted down in pre-independence India, Bandhavgarh was mercifully declared a National Park in 1968. Today, the Bandhavgarh National Park is a compact reserve (448 sq. km) of sal trees, bamboo thickets and grasslands, teeming with birds

Located in the Vindhya Hills, Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh encompasses 32 hills covered with a mixed forest of sal, dhobin and saga and large stretches of grasslands with bamboo groves. Dominated by a large fort said to have been built by Lord Rama the hero of the Indian epic Ramayana, Bandhavgarh is famous for its tigers.

and animals and the highest population of tigers anywhere in India. The park is now home to 22 species of wildlife, including the regal 'gaur', umpteen varieties of deer, and carnivores such as the striped hyena, jungle cat and sloth bear and over 250 species of birds. Within the park itself is the Bandhavgarh Fort, now in ruins and largely overrun by the surrounding forest.

Although Bandhavgarh is in the area where the famous white tigers of Rewa were first found, don't expect to see any of the exotic beauties around. What you will see, however, is an amazing diversity of flora and fauna which can certainly make a trip to this wildlife preserve utterly worthwhile.

Wildlife Attractions : Bandhavgarh has become one of the most visited national parks in India and most of the visitors come here to get a glimpse of tiger, the most majestic beast that roams on the face of this earth. Along with the king, other resident of the park you can get a sight of are leopards, nilgai, Sambhar deer, rhesus macaques, sloth bears and many more. The species of wild boars, Sambhar deer and Barking deer are larger than their counterparts in other parts of the country. The place is a virtual heaven for the bird watchers as well. Migratory birds as well resident birds are found in ample here. There are 150 species of birds that have been seen here and are registered officially. The main birds that are found here are warblers and steppe eagles, teal, sarus crane, black ibis, kingfisher, Egyptian vulture and white eyed buzzard. Many rare species of birds also have their nest in the Bandhavgarh fort. Head the grand fort to explore the heritage richness along with special sightings of the birds. The fort is around 2000 year old that is situated on a huge cliff. This is the only area in the park where you will be allowed to walk on foot. Also visit the sandstone caves which have Brahmi inscriptions carved on the walls which date back to 1st century BC.

Jungle Safaris : Safaris in the wild lands is an experience that cannot be forgotten very quickly. You can take a jeep safari as well as an elephant safari into the deep jungles of Bandhavgarh. If possible, don't miss even a single safari tour as sighting a tiger is not at all guaranteed. Most of the safaris are organized in early mornings or in the afternoons. The best thing about roaming inside the park is that you can take your own four wheeler but only in company of an authorized guide. You can also take up a tiger show tour on an elephant, that is a stage managed encounter with the tiger. The position of the tiger is kept track of, and you are taken to the place where the tiger might be resting.

Staying Options : For your stay, there are ample of Jungle resorts that are situated in the nearby villages. Most of these resorts are well equipped to give you a comfortable stay. They arrange for both, jeep and elephant jungle safari with their own trained guide. When not in jungle shooting the beasts with your camera, enjoy a delicious barbecue and a folk performance by local tribals. Many hotels also organize audio visual presentations in the evening that give a lot of information about the park and wildlife as a whole.