Wildlife & Bird Sanctuatries > Bandhavgarh

-by Anil Benipuri

Bandhavgarh used to be the hunting reserve of the royal family of Rewa, though its history goes back two millennia. Ancient caves in the park hold old vegetable dye paintings.

The park is spread over an area of 450 sqkm. Half the park forests comprise the Sal trees. The higher reaches of the hills sport mixed vegetation. Stretches of bamboo and grasslands extend to the north. The main viewing area is still in the core of the Park with its 32 picturesque, wooded hills. An ancient fort on a precipice 800 m high, dominates the Park.

WILDLIFE: This is where the famous white tigers of Rewa were discovered. Also seen here are neelgai, chousingha, chital, chinkara, wild boar, foxes, jackals, the jungle cat, rattle, hyena, porcupine, the rhesus macaque and the black-faced langur. About 150 species of birds are also found here and include the migratory birds that arrive in winter like the steppe eagle and various water birds.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Best time to visit: November-June (Park closes in July for the monsoons).

Nearest Town: Umaria (30 km).

HOW TO GET THERE:

By Rail: The nearest railhead to the park is Umaria about 30 km away.

By Air: The nearest airfield is Khajuraho, about 210 km away.

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