Bandhavgarh
 Prior to becoming a
National park, the forest around Bandhavgarh had long been
maintained as a Shikargah, or game preserve, of the Maharajahs
of Rewa. Hunting was carried out by the Maharajahs and their guests-
otherwise the wildlife was relatively well-protected.
It was considered a good omen for a Maharajah of Rewa to shoot 109 Tigers. His
highness Maharajah Venkat Raman Singh shot 111 Tigers by 1914.
This is a small National Park; compact, yet full of game. The density of the
Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India.
This is also White Tiger country. These have been found in the
old state of Rewa for many years. The last known was captured by Maharajah
Martand Singh in 1951. This White Tiger, Mohun, is now stuffed
and on display in the palace of the Maharajahs of Rewa.
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Covering 448 sq km, Bandhavgarh is situated in Shahdol district among the
outlying hills of the Vindhya range. At the centre of the park is Bandhavgarh
hill, rising 811 mt above MSL. Surrounding it are a large number of smaller
hills separated by gently sloping valleys. These valleys end in small, swampy
meadows, locally known as 'Bohera'. The lowest point in the park is at
Tala (440 mt above MSL). The vegetation is chiefly of Sal forest in the valleys
and on the lower slopes, gradually changing to mixed deciduous forest on the
hills and in the hotter, drier areas of the park in the south and west. Bamboo
is found throughout.
What to see :
The Fort
:
 No records remain to show when Bandhavgarh Fort was constructed. It is thought,
however, to be some 2,000 years old, and there are references to it in the
ancient books, the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Siva Purana. Various dynasties have
ruled this fort: for example, the Maghas from the 1st century AD, the Vakatakas
from the 3rd century; the Sengars from the 5th century and the Kalchuris from
the 10th century. In the 13th century AD, the Baghels took over, ruling from
Bandhavgarh until 1617, when Maharajah Vikramaditya Singh moved his capital to
Rewa. The last inhabitants deserted the fort in 1935.
The Flora & Fauna:The forest
of Bandhavgarh can be classified as moist deciduous, and the National Park holds
all those animal species which are typical of this habitat in Central India.
Certain areas of the park (particularly the south and the west) are drier in
character, and hold such species as the Nilgai and the Chinkara.
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Wildlife :
 Bandhavgarh
is densely populated with tiger and other wildlife species. The great
Gaur, or Indian Bison, can be seen with ease, as they
come onto the meadows to graze at dusk; Sambar and Barking Deer are a common
sight, and Nilgai are to be seen in the more open areas of the park.
There are more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds. Common
Langurs and Rhesus Macaque represent the primate group. Carnivores include the
Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Gray Mongoose, Striped Hyena,
Jungle Cat, Leopard and Tiger. The artiodactyls frequently sighted are Wild
Pigs, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chausingha, Nilgai, Chinkara and Gaur. Mammals such
as Dhole, the small Indian Civet, Palm Squirrel and Lesser Bandicoot Rat are
seen occasionally. Among the herbivores, Gaur is the only coarse feeder.
Wildlife Viewing :
There are two main ways of
getting about in the park- in a motor vehicle or on elephant back. Many of the
animals are now accustomed to both; even so, it is best to talk quietly and not
make rapid movements.
 Jeep safaris are best undertaken from dawn until about 10am and from about 4pm
until dusk, as the animals are most active during these periods. A Forest
Department guide must always accompany you. This guide will be able to direct
you and point out wildlife.
Elephants are used every morning by the Forest Department for Tiger- tracking.
If a Tiger is found, then the elephant will take you directly to the Tiger
either from the lodge or from a nearby point reached by jeep/car.
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about this place and booking details!!
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