September 26, 2008

Bandhavgarh: Land of High Tiger Density

India is much popular among wildlife lovers because of the presence of various wildlife species not available in any other part of world. Among all wildlife species, much demanded and talked about creature are member of cat's family i.e, tigers and lions.


By the grace of god, India still have conserved its wildlife treasure for our present and future generations. Here people have developed the skill and way to live in co-existence. As a result of which we can still see wildlife creatures at their natual habitats.

In Central India, we can still find nature at its best. Here, in State of Madhya Pradesh about 30% of total land is still believed to be covered with forest and greenery. The maximum forest cover in the state is that of mixed forests, which includes Teak (Tectona grandis) or Sal (Shorea robusta), bamboo mixed with other species like saja (Terminalia tomentosa), bija (Pterocarpus marsupium), lendia (Lagerstroemia parviflora), haldu (Adina cardifolia), dhaora (Anogeissus latifolia), salai (Boswellia serrata), aonla (Emblica officinalis), amaltas (Cassia fistula), gamhar (Gmelina arborea etc. Dazzling white kulu (Sterculia urens) trees scattered around stand out conspicuously among the various hues of green. The ground is covered with maze of grasses, plants, bushes and saplings.

Out of some premium National Parks in India, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench National park are present in Madhya Pradesh. All these parks are well managed and most visted parks of India. Here floura, fauna and avi-fauna are at their best and every visitor feels as if time-machine has been put on brake. Stay of 2-4 days in these parks become lifetime experience of visitors.

In Bandhavgarh National Park, we can assure of Tiger sighting upto 99%. This park is located in a ideal landscape for Tigers. Park is spread over Vindhyachal mountains. Bandhavgarh is a National Park since 1968 and is included in Project Tiger Network in 1993. Before 1968, Bandhavgarh is a private property of Royal family of Rewa and was used as a hunting-game preserve. We can also see some historical monuments also in Bandhavgarh hills. In year 1953, one white tiger was also found in Bandhavgarh. At present it is spread over the area of 448 Sq.Km. Area shown to tourists are core-zone of 105Sq.Km.

More than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds found in Bandhavgarh National Park. Here one can also see about 39 caves also. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaque represent the primate group. Carnivores include the Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Gray Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard and Tiger. The artiodactyls frequently sighted are Wild Pigs, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chausingha, Nilgai(Blue-bull), Chinkara. Mammals such as Dhole, the smallIndian Civet, Palm Squirrel and Lesser Bandicoot Rat are seen occasionally. Gaur(Indian Bison) was found here before 1998 and now forest dept. is trying to reinstate them.

Bandhavgarh National Park can be visited in between months from Oct. to June. Best time to visit are in winters i.e., Nov-Dec-Jan-Feb. Nearest possible railway station from Bandhavgarh is Umaria (37km) and Katni (100km.). Nearest possible Airport is in Jabalpur with direct connectivity with Delhi (Country Capital). For accomodation, resorts and cottages of all categories are available here. Surface connectivity of all Tiger reserves of Central India is good from Jabalpur city. Many Travel Agents are based in Jabalpur who are offering tailormade tour packages for tiger tour to India. At the same time car rental services are also good in jabalpur.