Spots of Tourist Interest in the Park
An area of about 207 sq. km. has been identified as tourism zone within the Park. This area has further been divided in three tourism zones. Each area has its own typical features and one can enjoy both the wildlife as well as nature's bounty while visiting Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
Zone I-The Tala Zone
- 1.Siddha Baba:
The holy meadow.The marshy meadow is said to be the abode of Siddha Baba or Lord Shiva. The diverse habitat of hills, grassland and riparian zone results in good sighting of wild fauna especially sambhar and chital.
- 2.Chakradhara: The sprawling meadow.
Surrounded by hillocks, this marshy meadow is rich in both flora & fauna. A proliferating fern, availability of food, water and cover makes it an ideal place for the sighting of wild animals including tigers.
- 3.Chakradhara Hide:
Hideout to watch wildlife. A strategically located hide to watch wildlife in the densely populated Chakradhara meadow.
- 4. Gopalpur Pond:
A place for bird watching. Approach with a slow drive may give moments of memorable sighting of avian fauna like kingfishers, storks, lapwings & stilts
- 5. Badi Gufa:
Ancient monument of past. This is the biggest man made cave of the Park dating back to 10th century A.D. Apart from its archaeological importance this cave is the abode of a variety of bats.
- 6. Shesh-shaiya: Origin of river Charanganga.
The statue of Lord Vishnu, the preserver, reclining on the seven-hooded serpent dating back to 10th century AD, is the classic example of the architectural treasure of the past. The vicinity around is rich in fruit bearing trees. The lifeline of the park is well named as Charanganga as this river originates and flows through the feet, charan of Lord Vishnu. A species of canebrakes is present on the slopes of Bandhavgarh hillock at Shesh-shaiya. From here one can walk to the gate of the Bandhavgarh Fort. The walk is a birdwatchers paradise. If lucky, one can see a pair of resident Shaheen falcons and Malabar Pied Hornbills that frequent this area.
- 7. Bandhavgarh Fort: The fort of brother.
It is a treasure of archeology and history. Its history remains obscured with only sparse but tantalizing glimpses into the past afforded by the fascinating inscriptions written in Brahmi script in the carved out caves. One can climb the fort on foot from Shesh-shaiya. Every year on the occasion of Janmashtami (birthday of Lord Krishna) thousands of devotees swarm in the Bandhavadheesh temple adjacent to the remnants of the Fort.
- 8. Ketkiha: Pandanus point.
This wet patch of aromatic plant "Pandanus" (Kewra) in the shadow of lofty Jamun and Arjun trees is the real treasure of floristic wealth of the Reserve.
- 9. Ghoda-demon: The deep gorge.
This narrow and deep gorge is the creation of geological process.
- 10. Bhitari Hide: Hideout to watch wildlife.
A place facing Bhitari Wah meadow to watch wildlife in tranquility.
- 11. Rampur Hillock: Photographer’s point.
Panoramic view of undulating terrain of the Tiger Reserve is clear from this point. Photographers may capture the sylvan beauty of sal and bamboo forests.
- 12. Bhitari Wah: Tranquility in wilderness.
A drive along the meadow induces thrills of jungle. An important medicinal plant Buch (Achorus calamus) is found here.
- 13. Banbehi Hide: A hideout to watch wildlife.
A hide facing perennial nallah Banbei to watch wildlife.
- 14. Sita Mandap: Nature’s creation.
This rock intact over a stream in the shape of a bridge, gives an impression of a 'Mandap' (arch). The famous tigress of Bandhavgarh ‘Sita’ got her name after this place.
- 15. Andhiyari Jhiriya: Sparkling stream in darkness.
Crowned by lofty mango, arjun and saptaparni (Alstonia Scholaris) trees, this stream gives a feeling of awesome wilderness.
- 16. Three Cave Point: The archeological remains.
These caves, visible from Ganesh hillock road, are the mute testimony of rich historical past. Wild animals use these caves for shelter especially sloth bear.
- 17. Vulture Nest: A vulture nest place.
This is a gorge type terrain near ‘Sita Mandap’ where on the rocky sides of nallah vulture nests may be seen.
Zone II-The Magdhi Zone
1. Charger Point: In memory of ‘Charger’. ‘Charger’ the beloved male tiger of Bandhavgarh, dominated the tourism zone for a decade. He died on 29th September 2000 and rests here in peace.
2. Dinosaur Rock: Nature’s wonder Rocky outcrop surrounded by greenery, this natural wonder reminds of the ‘Jurassic Age’
3. Bhadrashila Hide: A hideout to watch wildlife. A hide facing Bhadrashila pond to watch wild animals and birds.
4. Mahaman Pond: Place to quench the thirst. This waterhole surrounded by dense bamboo clumps is an ideal place to watch variety of herbivores as well as some carnivores.
5. Sookhi Talab: A birdwatchers’ paradise. This waterhole located in a meadow attracts lots of waterfowls including black storks, woolly-necked storks, lesser adjutant storks, herons and ibises as well as red jungle fowl. If lucky, one can also spot a tiger.
6. Rajbehra: The Bandhaini view. This marshy meadow is the origin of river Damnar. One can have the clear view of Bandhaini hillock from here. Sprawling meadow with water overflowing over the stop dam almost throughout the year harbours many vultures and herds of chital, sambhar and wild pigs.
7. Climber’s Point: Nature’s beauty. Woody climbers such as Butea superba and Bauhinia vahlii reaching from one tree to another amidst the lush green sal trees offer spectacular view for the tourists.
8. Suwari Wah: A pig meadow. A meadow located on the southwestern boundary of the Park is a place frequented by wild pigs.
9. Sehra Dadra: The Fort view. This is the biggest meadow of the Reserve. In the month of June breeding pair of Saras Crane can be seen in and around this meadow. It harbours the insectivore plant Drosera. One captures the majestic view of Bandhavgarh hill from here.
10. Sookhi Dam: A place to look out for tiger. A seasonal water source, this place is frequented by tigers and is located on Park periphery.
11. Baherha: A tiger meadow. This meadow is a favourite haunt of tigers.
12. Patiha Camp: An elephant camp. A temporary elephant camp located in picturesque marshy grassland.
13. Dabhadol Tank: A perennial artificial water tank, which attracts a large number of winter visiting birds.
14. Badbada: A good grassland which attracts lot of herbivores such as chital, nilgai, chinkara etc.
15. Kerhawah: A marshy grassland with perennial spring with a small patch of wild banana, hence the name.
16. Dhaua Tower: A hillock with a patrolling camp with a 360º panoramic view of forests.
Zone III-The Khitauli Zone
A hillock with wireless station giving a wide view of forests.
A forest patch with bamboo and grasslands attracting large number of herbivores and a good tiger habitat with frequent tiger presence.
An irrigation dam on the periphery of village Garhpuri attracting a large number of winter visiting birds.
A perennial water course and summer abode of tiger.
A good wildlife habitat attracting with large number of herbivores and a good tiger and leopard habitats
An old place of worship now an important wireless station and fire watch tower atop a hillock, giving a wide panoramic view of the surrounding.
A wide river bed with picturesque bank. Ideal for an interaction with nature.
A patrolling camp in a grassland full of Butea or Palash or Chhulaha trees on the bank of Umrar river.
MY
SAFARI
Nestling in the forested hills of Bandhavgarh National Park India, The Wildflower Resort is a leading jungle resort. Here you can revitalize your mind, body and soul amid picturesque wild country. There are several hotels in bandhavgarh but The Wildflower Resort abutting the core area of the park has a picture-perfect setting with hills clad in greens skirting the lodge, butterflies fluttering in the gardens and chirping of birds as musical theme.
The Wildflower Resort
Ranchha Road , Bandhavgarh National Park , Umaria, Pin Code : 484661.
09425157718, 08959094549
