Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh is located in the cradle of the Vindhya Hills a chain of mountains that lie to the North of Central India. The park is situated in Umaria District of Madhya Pradesh. The erstwhile hunting reserve of Maharajas of Rewa is now a protected area as per the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
History
Apart from dense tiger forests, the reserve boasts of deeply scarred ruins that date many centuries back in the annals of Indian history. The scars belong to the invaders who upon every conquest left their marks on these structures on the mountainous tracts of Bandhavgarh.
The park is home to many animals especially the Bengal Tiger that now rules over the ruins and the pristine forests. Being a core of a protected area no human habitation is allowed here.
The structures are in shape of fort, ramparts, idols, statues, caves, horse shelters, temples and gates. The tribal fort lies atop the Bandhavgarh Mountain at 800 MSL. Now almost in ruins, yet some elements are intact, preserved in total isolation far away from humanity in these remote confines.
The unique features of the fort complex are the zoomorphic statues of Lord Vishnu. Scattered along the table top mountain the statues represent Vishnu's incarnation as Varah (Boar), Matsya (Fish) and Sinh (Lion) avatar on Earth. Age old Ram Janki Temples lies on the edge of the plateau overlooking the panoramic reserve.
On the ascent to the fort lies Sesh Shaiyya a reclining idol of Lord Vishnu on edge of a small pool. Twenty feet long and crowned by a Sesh Nag the statue is carved out of an igneous rock. Esoteric and fairy land like, the pool is manmade and ancient. A grove shades the pool while ferns and small shrubs encircle the surroundings.
Charanganga a mountain river trickles down the sides of the pool as a group of miniature falls creating a cool precinct that once offered succor and shelter to thirsty and exhausted soldiers of yore. The ambiance is mesmerizing especially for the urban dwellers who are absolutely astounded by the ancient architecture way back in time.
There are caves, shelters, stables, artifacts and idols lying all over, and many can be seen during tiger safari at Bandhavgarh. They are testimony to turbulent history of frequent conquests by warring tribes. But at one moment in the passage of history time seems to have come to a halt here and the still figures are testimony to the period of decadence whence the forest began to overcome.
Wildlife
The wildlife is enchanting and comprises of tiger, leopard, sloth bear, dhole, herds of deer, and bison. Small animals like the civet cat, porcupine, pangolin, ratel, mongoose albeit nocturnal play an important role in the ecosystem. There are more than forty tigers in the core area of the park. There are more than two hundred species of birds that inhabit this ecosystem in Central India.
Terrain
A number of hillocks create a mesmerizing topography, making the park one of the most picturesque in India. The assemblage of steep hills, table top mountains, deep glens, twisting mountain rivers and long stretches of swampy grasslands create a tortured terrain that paradoxically accords a heaven on Earth feel.
Reaching There
In order to reach the destination one needs to drive 170 km from Jabalpur airport & rail head. Other ways of reaching Bandhavgarh are by rail. An overnight train from New Delhi halts at Umaria station 32 km from the park. The road network is well connected.
Accommodations
There are many hotels in Bandhavgarh for accommodation nearby in the buffer zone. They conform to different grades like luxury, deluxe, five star and budget. Rest houses are also available for stay but booking is accorded only to Government Officials.
Prior booking of safaris is advisable as they are booked well in advance. The bookings can be made at MP Online Portal. The hotels and resorts cane be booked using their respective websites.