Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

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.

IN THE FIELD UPDATE

Feb 2011 - Today in the Tala tourism zone we have extraordinary high numbers of tigers, reckoned to be 30 in its 109 sq kms range – or one in every 3.5sq kms. Visitors are often seeing a number on any single game drive. No young cubs, but a number of females with sub adults. Sloth bear are quite common too, and recently 19 gaur (bison or wild cows) were moved from Kanha and penned in the area, to be released soon. However, this tiger density is not necessarily good news, as prey species are reckoned to be down considerably and TOFT sources say 60% of tigers now exist on cattle kills, which is worrying. The recently constructed fence is now coming down to see if this helps tiger dispersal.

Please note: Please ensure your lodge is using TOFT trained guides and good jeep drivers with a good driving record in the park. (Many are not obeying driver etiquette rules - with reports of some drivers and guides being regularly drunk!)

There are no elephant rides here. This park is also getting heavy tourism pressure. Please report any poor practices or bad driving to us on admin@toftindia.org and we will pursue it with the relevant authorities.