Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh is set amongst the Vindya Hills of Madhya Pradesh and consists of a core area of 105 sq km and a buffer area of approximately 400 sq km. The setting for this park is impressive; the ruins of the ancient fort, from which this park derives its name, provide a stunning backdrop. Also scattered around the park are archaeological remains of the Kalchin period and numerous prehistoric caves.

The Maharaja of Rewa was the last occupier of the fort and managed the surrounding forest to increase his chances of a good hunt. The surrounding area was given national park status in 1968 and during the following years has developed into one of India's finest tiger reserves.

In addition to the high density of tigers in the tourism zone of Tala, it is also possible to see sloth bear, dhole (wild dog), leopard chousingha (small four-horned antelope), chital, nilgai, Rheses macaque and the occasional wolf.

The bird life is also abundant (over 150 species); one can see Paradise fly catchers, Golden-and Black-headed orioles, Purple sunbirds and Red-vented bulbuls.