Bandhavgarh

The amazing destination of Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and photographers. The place holds mythological and historical importance too. Find out its secrets as you tour the places to visit in Bandhavgarh. Famous for tiger sightings, the Bandhavgarh National Park is home to mammals, birds and butterflies. It also has tribal villages. A visit to the National Park is a thrilling experience due to the majestic big cats.

The Bandhavgarh Fort is more than 2000 years old and is believed to be built by Lord Ram. As per legend, Lord Ram gifted Bandhavgarh to his brother Lakshman after the battle of Lanka. You should visit this fort when exploring the places to visit in Bandhavgarh. With temples inside the fort, you can add spiritual experience to your vacation. Also, add a dose of real-life experience with museums and village tours as part of your itinerary for places to visit in Bandhavgarh.

Bandhavgarh Overview

When to Visit Bandhavgarh?

The winter season is the best time to visit Bandhavgarh. The months between October to March see Bandhavgarh temperature fall to 10 degrees. These months have a chill in the air, but humidity is low making them ideal for expeditions of the places to visit in Bandhavgarh. The summer months, from April to June, face hot Bandhavgarh weather. With temperatures ranging between 32-38 degrees, this is the shoulder season to tour the places to visit in Bandhavgarh. Monsoons bring in very wet Bandhavgarh weather. You will find a lot of humidity and Bandhavgarh temperature oscillating between 25 and 32 degrees. This is the best time to visit Bandhavgarh if you are a nature enthusiast or an environment researcher.

How to Reach Bandhavgarh?

As Bandhavgarh does not have its own airport, you can avail Khajuraho Airport that is 250 km away. Get a taxi service from the airport to Bandhavgarh. Umaria Railway Station is the nearest station about 35 km away. You can avail jeep services from here to most places to visit in Bandhavgarh. NH 43 and SH 11 and 22, connect Bandhavgarh to all major cities nearby. The roads are in good condition and are the best option to reach the places to visit in Bandhavgarh. There are reliable cab services available in most cities.

What are the Things to See & Do in Bandhavgarh?

Places to visit in Bandhavgarh offer several interesting activities for tourists. Sightseeing in the Bandhavgarh National Park tops the list of things to do in Bandhavgarh. Spotting a tiger and clicking photographs of the varied wildlife is an exciting part this trip. Trek to the Bandhavgarh Fort to see the 35 ft statue of Lord Vishnu. The places to visit in Bandhavgarh also present you with ancient natural and manmade caves that have paintings and inscriptions on the walls. Seek divine blessings at the various temples in Bandhavgarh of which Jwalamukhi Temple is most revered. Shopping, spending leisure time with villagers and tasting Bandhavgarh food are some other interesting things to do during your vacation here.

Places to Visit in Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Bandhavgarh. Royal Bengal tigers are the chief attraction here. The reserved forest is home to 250 species of birds and 22 species of mammals that include wild pigs, nilgai, sambhar, hyena, sloth bear, Bengal fox, chinkara and gaur. The big cats spotted here are leopards and jungle cats too. One of the most exciting places to visit in Bandhavgarh, this park offers both jeep rides and elephant rides that add to the thrill of exploring this location.

Bandhavgarh Ancient Caves

Belonging to human society as old as the 10^th century, Bandhavgarh Ancient Caves have both natural and manmade cave formations. This is one of the historical places to visit in Bandhavgarh that connects you to early civilisation. The biggest cave, named Badi Gufa, has scripts carved on the walls. Pugmarks of animals reveal that tigresses and bears must have kept their cubs here to keep them safe.

Bandhavgarh Fort

Bandhavgarh Fort, sitting atop the Bandhavgarh hill, is a great spot to trek to. One of the age-old places to visit in Bandhavgarh, this fort has religious importance. It houses lakes and temples within it. Bandhavgarh Fort is under the care of the Government of India. You would need official permission from the Divisional Forest Office and a registered guide to tour this place. Visit Shesh Shaiya, a reclining statue of Lord Vishnu.

Baghel Museum

Baghel Museum is located in the royal building of the Maharaja of Rewa and houses the royal assets and belongings. You can have a look at the hunting equipment of the king and spot the stuffed white tiger hunted by the Maharaja. With wildlife photographs and the history of Bandhavgarh on display, this is one of the informative places to visit in Bandhavgarh. The café next to Baghel Museum offers delectable food with some royal items too.

Village Tala

Village Tala is the residential locality near Bandhavgarh Park. This is one of the most tranquil and grounded places to visit in Bandhavgarh. Spot hookah-smoking village elders sitting in front of rustic mud huts. Interact with the villagers and learn more about the quaint village life. This is a good opportunity to sample local Bandhavgarh food too.

Food to Try in Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh food is a mix of different cuisines influenced by Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and local Baiga Tribal cuisine. The food uses most of the local ingredients, but restaurants often serve pan-Indian and Continental food. Try fresh omelettes and pasta alongside Masala chai and Pakoras. Sample the Baiga thali if you can. The simple fare will serve you flatbreads made of local millets (Kodo millet or Kutki millet) and rice with ghee as the central carbohydrate. You may even try the Mahua ka puri (fried flatbread made with Mahua seeds). This is accompanied by a leafy dish green Saag or Lal bhaji (red Amaranthus). You may get a lentil curry, Aloo bhata (potato-brinjal curry) and Chicken curry. Most restaurants are located near the places to visit in Bandhavgarh.

Things to Buy in Bandhavgarh

After you have toured the places to visit in Bandhavgarh, you can carry back the memories of this beautiful destination as souvenirs. There arent many shops in Bandhavgarh. You will find a few in the Tala Village and a few scattered at the entrance of the places to visit in Bandhavgarh. You can pick out jackets, t-shirts and hats with images of tigers on them. Buy some knick-knacks to gift to friends and family key chains, tea coasters, fridge magnets, shell art, ashtrays and more. The WWF wildlife shop offers photographs and paintings of wildlife. Bandhavgarh School of Art displays articles handmade by tribal women including hand-painted craft items.

The places to visit in Bandhavgarh are fascinating and appealing, to say the least. Follow the guidelines and rules to make your trip hassle-free. Wear sturdy shoes and carry drinking water during your excursions. Find out about the dos and donts while visiting the reserved forest. Wildlife gets a priority here be it crossing the pathways or stopping for rest and recreation. Wearing bright colours and perfumes and making noise may agitate the animals and excite them. Read and follow the signs put up at various places to visit in Bandhavgarh.

Spot exotic wildlife in the jungles of Bandhavgarh. You will love tiger-sighting, birdwatching and spotting other mammals. Bandhavgarh doles out a rich cultural experience.

If you're craving for a great vacation, you should plan a trip to Bandhavgarh, where most of the travellers go in the months of October, November, December, January, February and March. And you will have perfect attractions to explore like Bandhavgarh National Park, Baghel Museum and Bandhavgarh Ancient Caves. Scheduling your trip around the moderate season in the months of April, May and June, you will cherish tigers and birds will be close to water bodies. Deer herds can be spotted under Indian butter trees. If you wish to have a grasp of their culture and practices closely, travel around these months: (December to March, March, and June. You will be able to witness their grand festivals: Madai, Bhangoria, and Holi. Take a break from your mundane routine and unwind in Bandhavgarh to make some lovely memories!