Bandavgarh National Park

Set amidst the Vindhya hills, Bandhavgarh is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. Having the highest density of Bengal tigers known in the world, Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968. Prior to becoming a National Park, the jungle had long been maintained as a Shikargarh, or game preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. The maharaja was the last occupier of the fort, who ably protected the wildlife of this park in order to carry out hunting. The park has a rich history and famous for ‘tiger legends’, such as Charger, Laxmi and B2, who well entertained the visitors during the 90’s and lived way beyond the normal life expectancies of wild tigers. There are now increasingly measures in place to limit the disturbance of the tiger’s activities, hence the number of jeeps are now even more strictly limited. The park contains a wide variety of habitats, including a large number of Tigers, various species of deer and rarely sighted Leopard. It is surrounded by a large number of smaller hills separated by gently sloping valleys, which end in small & swampy meadows.

The Trip starts on Day 01 (Saturday) from Jabalpur and ends on day 06 (Thursday) at Jabalpur.

Special Guidelines to Book Game drives / Safaris

As per the latest guidelines issued by India wildlife authorities some changes have been made to book any game drive in the park. To reduce the pressure from the park, forest department have reduced the number of jeeps for these game drives, therefore, these drives needs to be booked & paid well in advance. These game drives once booked & paid are non refundable. In order to book these game drives names of all the clients are required along with their latest Passport details. No name change is permitted at later stage once its booked. The park official checks each client’s passport at the park gate while getting in for safari. If you apply for a new passport after booking your game drives, please carry your old passport as well.

Due to these changes in our booking system we strongly suggest you to book these Tiger trips at least 3 – 4 months in advance. We book tickets for all passengers as soon as permits become available, usually 3 months prior to the date of actual game drive.

Day 01: Arrival Jabalpur (by train or flight in the morning from Delhi / Mumbai) & transfer to Bandhavgarh NP

Arrive Jabalpur by train / flight and drive by surface to Bandhavgarh National Park (about 4 hrs drive). Having a large biodiversity, Bandhavgarh National Park has been in highest demand for many years and has a natural fort, located on the Bandhavgarh hill – rising at the centre of the park. The park derives its name from this most prominent hillock of the area, which is said to be given by Hindu Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana. In the natural habitat of the variant of wild species, catching the amazing glimpses of these majestic creatures on Tiger Safari is incredible. With a more relaxed approach to buffer zone activities and excursions to nearby lakes and view points. Upon arrival, transfer and check into the hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax or to take a leisurely nature walk around the area.

Day 02: Bandhavgarh National Park (Morning & afternoon game drive)

We wake up early in the morning and make our way for our first jungle safari (game drive) into the park. We board the open topped jeep (Four wheel drive) and drive further to park gate, where we need to show them all the necessary permits. One forest guide also gets in each jeep from the park gate each time to accompany us.

Animals to be seen here are Nilgai, Chausingha (Four-horned antilope), Wild Boar, as well as the occasional Jackal and Fox. Jungle cats, hyenas, rattles, porcupines and a variety of other mammals can be spotted too. The Reptile population of the park is comprises of Cobras, Kraits, Vipers and Python etc. After the jungle safari, we return to the hotel and have breakfast, served in the restaurant. Later, we may relax and enjoy the natural beauty around the lodge. In the afternoon, we proceed for our second game drive into the park. After the evening safari we drive back to the hotel and freshen up before we have the dinner.

Day 03: Bandhavgarh National Park (Morning & afternoon game drive)

We will again wake up early in the morning and will move out for our third jungle safari (game drive) into the park. Bandhavgarh also attracts many migratory birds including the birds of prey like the steppe eagles and a variety of wildfowl. There are more than 242 species of birds some very attractive and less common birds can be seen – like Peafowl, Red Jungle fowl, Common Teals, Grey Hornbill, White Breasted Kingfisher, Crested. After the jungle safari, we return to the hotel and have breakfast, served in the restaurant. We get couple of hours free before setting off again in the afternoon for another safari, after the safari we come back to the hotel and freshen up before taking the dinner.

Day 04: Bandhavgarh National Park (Morning & afternoon game drive)

Today also we will have to wake up early in the morning for our fifth jungle safari. About half of the park is covered with fine trees of Sal, while mixed forests are found in the higher reaches of the hills. Stretches of bamboo and grasslands extend to the north. The major floral attractions in the Park are Sal, Saja, Tendu, Aonla Dhawda, Jamun, Salai, Garari etc. After the jungle safari, we return to the hotel and explore the local area in the afternoon. Later, we go for our sixth game drive into Bandhavgarh National Park.

Day 05: Bandhavgarh National Park (Morning game drive & afternoon free)

This morning we will have our seventh and the last game drive of our trip, as its Wednesday today and the park remains closed in the afternoon on each Wednesday. Afternoon is free, can go for Nature walk around the lodge or else visit the neighboring Tala village.

Day 06: Departure to Jabalpur airport / railway station

After breakfast, we will check out from the resort and drive to Jabalpur to board/catch the flight/train back to Delhi / Mumbai for International connections.

Internal flights / trains can be booked on request.

Validity: October 01, 2016 till June 30, 2017

Hotel Category: Mid Range Good Standard Hotels / Lodges

Cost Includes:

• Accommodation in well appointed room on twin / double sharing bases for five nights.
• Meals on half board (B/fast & dinner) except B/fast on day 01.
• For Transport, air-conditioned SUV vehicle for all the transfers included in the tour program.
• 07 Game drives by exclusive jeep (booked well in advance) 03 from Tala zone & 04 from Magdhi zone.
• Park entrance, permit fees, forest guide.
• Service tax levied by the government @ 3.5%

Cost Excludes:

• Any personal expanse such as laundry bills, beverage / drinks bill, telephone bills, airport tax etc.
• Tips for drivers, guides & hotel staff.
• Travel Insurance
• Any domestic or international flights.
• Services of any professional Tour Escort / leader.

Hotel Details with Meal Plan