Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Set amongst the Vindhyas,it is located in the Northenmost spur of the Maikal hill range in the Vindhyas, which it shares with Kanha National Park lying close to it in the beautiful state of Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh is a small national park, but with the highest known density of tiger population in India. It was used to be the hunting ground of the rulers of Rewas. Covering 448 sq km area it is bounded by Sone river in the East, Johilla river in the South & drained by Umrar river in the west.

The terrain is made of rocky hills, Sal forests and grazing areas, formerly agricultural land. This is also known as White Tiger territory. The finest of these hills is the Bandhavgarh hill, and on its highest point stands Bandhavgarh Fort which is believed to be about 2000 years old.

It was declares as as a National Park in 1968 Since then, stringent steps have been taken to retain it as an unspoilt natural habitat. The important species found in Bandhavgarh are tiger, the Gaur or Indian Bison, leopard etc.

Best time to visit is- November-March, best sightings are in May-June, park is closed from July- October due to monsoons. Nearest airport is Jabalpur [200km], Khujraho is another one [310km]. Nearest rail is Umaria [32km}.