Bandhavgarh National Park - Madhya Pradesh

Trip Overview:

  • Destination: Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
  • Recommended Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
  • Best Time to Visit: October to June (For tiger sightings, the peak time is from March to June)
  • 3 major core zones : Tala, Magadhi and Khitauli. They are equaly good in terms of Flora and Tiger Sighting.
  • Tigers: 'Sita' and 'Charger' has made Bandhavgarh famous among tourist.

Nearest Airport from Bandhavgarh: Jabalpur (4 hrs. drive)
Other options for transfers also available. Katni (2 hrs
drive)/Umaria (45 mis drive)

Day 1: Arrival in Jabalpur and Transfer to Bandhavgarh

  • Transport Type: Flight/Train to Jabalpur + Road Transfer to Bandhavgarh
  • Road Distance: 170 km (Approx. 4 hours drive)

Places to Visit In Route:

  • Dhuandhar Waterfalls (If time permits)
  • Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat

Hotel Check-in:

  • Recommended Hotels:
    • Official accommodation facility is available in Tala inside forest colony. 
    • On spot payment facility is only applicable and the right of reservation lies with the Field Director, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
    • Accommodation can be booked in advance during the office hour (1030-1730 hrs) over Phone No. 07653 – 222214, Email- fdbnp.umr@mp.gov.in or ddbgad@mp.gov.
    • Premium: Mahua Kothi, Taj Safari Lodge (20K+ per night, varies with season, 4.6/5 rating)
    • Deluxe: Tree House Hideaway (₹6,000 per night, 4.5/5 rating), Kings Lodge
    • Standard: Tiger Den Resort (₹3,500 per night, 4.3/5 rating) , Tiger Heaven Resort (₹4,000 - ₹6,000 per night). 
3 major core zones to cover in the Safari for next 2 days
Tala: The largest zone, and the most popular choice for tiger safaris. It's considered the best zone for tiger sightings, with the highest odds of seeing one.
Magadhi: A nearby zone with good chances of seeing tigers, but it's on the edge of the park.
Khitauli: A less commonly visited zone by tigers, but it's more picturesque and great for bird watching.

Day 2: First Safari Experience

  • Wake up early morning at 5am
  • Transport Type: Open Jeep Safari (Approx. ₹3,500 - ₹4,500 per safari for 6 people, including guide charges)

Link For Safari Booking: https://forest.mponline.gov.in/Search.aspx?park=1

Morning Safari (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM)

  • Safari Zones: Tala Zone 
  • Chance to spot tigers, leopards, deer, and various bird species.

Return to Hotel: Breakfast and relax

Afternoon Safari (2:30 PM – 6:00 PM)

  • Safari ZonesMaghdhi Zone / Tala Zone (again)
  • Exploring different areas within the park, maximizing chances to see more wildlife.

Evening:

  • Enjoy a nature walk, followed by a campfire and dinner.

Day 3: Explore Bandhavgarh Fort and Safari

  • Transport Type: Jeep to Bandhavgarh Fort (Part of the National Park tour)
    • Approx. Cost: Included in the safari charges

Morning: Visit Bandhavgarh Fort

  • Explore the ancient fort and enjoy panoramic views of the park.
  • Highlights: Statues of Lord Vishnu, Shesh Shaiya (an ancient 65-foot statue of Lord Vishnu lying on a serpent)

Afternoon Safari:(2:30 PM – 6:00 PM)

  • Safari ZonesMaghdhi Zone/Khitauli Zone for a different experience.
Note: Khitauli Zone is less commonly visited zone by tigers, but it's more picturesque and great for bird watching.

Evening:

  • Wildlife film screening, nature walk, or just relax at the resort.

Day 4: Departure

  • Transport Type: Road Transfer to Jabalpur (170 km, 4 hours drive)
  • Flight/Train back home

Estimated Costs:

Safari:

Example Cost Calculation (Single Seat, Weekday Morning Safari):

  • Park Entry: ₹3,000 / 6 seats = ₹500
  • Jeep Safari: ₹4,000 / 6 seats = ₹667 (approx.)
  • Guide Fees: ₹700 / 6 seats = ₹117 (approx.)

Total Estimated Cost per person: ₹1,284  (approx.)

Total Estimated Cost Entire Vehicle : ₹7,700  (approx.)

Please keep in mind that these are estimated costs, and actual prices might vary depending on the season, zone, and any additional services you opt for.

  • Important Notes:

    • Child under 5 years old: Free entry.
    • Booking in Advance: Safaris, especially during peak season, should be booked well in advance (around 120 days prior) to ensure availability.
    • Vehicle Capacity: A maximum of 6 people are allowed in one jeep.
    • Park Closure: The park is closed on Wednesday evenings.
    • Night Safari: Only available in the buffer zone and subject to availability.

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