10 Reasons to plan your safari during rainy season in Bandhavgarh

 The fact that all hotels and resorts are operational in Bandhavgarh during the rainy season is a significant advantage for planning your safari. It ensures that you have a wide range of options when it comes to accommodations, allowing you to choose the one that suits your preferences and budget.

The availability of excursions in buffer zones such as Dhamokhar, Panpedi, and Manpur throughout the year, including the monsoon season, provides even more opportunities for safari experiences. These buffer zones often have their own unique attractions and wildlife sightings, offering a diverse range of experiences for nature enthusiasts.

Having access to these buffer zones during the rainy season allows you to explore the wilderness and witness the natural beauty of Bandhavgarh in its various forms. Whether it's spotting wildlife, enjoying scenic landscapes, or engaging in bird watching, the open buffer zones provide ample opportunities for unforgettable safari adventures.

With hotels and resorts operational and buffer zones accessible, you can confidently plan your safari during the rainy season in Bandhavgarh, knowing that you will have a comfortable stay and ample opportunities to explore the wildlife-rich areas surrounding the park.

Better prices - Take advantage of off-season prices for accommodation and stay longer! During the rainy season, safari lodges and hotels in Bandhavgarh offer discounted rates, allowing you to save money on your safari experience. With the cost savings, you can extend your stay and explore the wildlife at a leisurely pace.

Special offers - We offer special all-inclusive packages for long stays and workstations. Some safari lodges provide exclusive deals and packages during the rainy season, including extended stays and additional amenities. You can take advantage of these special offers to make your safari experience even more enjoyable and affordable.

 Away from the crowds - An obvious plus at this time of year is that there are fewer crowds. Unlike the peak tourist season, the rainy season in Bandhavgarh attracts fewer visitors. This means you can enjoy a more peaceful and intimate safari experience without the crowds, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the wilderness.

 Leave the exhaustion of summer behind - After the rains, the air is wonderfully clear and fresh in the wild, making the stunning landscapes of Bandhavgarh look their absolute best. The monsoon season washes away the dust and rejuvenates the surroundings, offering you pristine views of the lush greenery, waterfalls, and vibrant flora.

 Green and lush - Rain-soaked lushness awaits you with wildflowers blooming across the landscape. The monsoon transforms the dry terrain of Bandhavgarh into a green paradise. The vegetation flourishes, creating a picturesque landscape filled with vibrant colors and a variety of plant species. This lush environment provides a unique and enchanting backdrop for your safari adventures.

Excellent birding opportunity - The monsoon provides an excellent opportunity for birdwatching enthusiasts. Local migratory birds flock to Bandhavgarh during this time, as they rely on the rainy season to build their nests and raise their young. You can witness a plethora of bird species in their natural habitats, adding an exciting element to your safari experience.

 Temperature - The rains bring much-needed relief to the sun-scorched landscapes. During the rainy season, temperatures in Bandhavgarh drop, offering a pleasant and cooler climate. The evenings and early mornings are particularly refreshing, allowing you to enjoy your safari activities comfortably without the scorching heat of summer.

Offering flexibility - By considering a safari during the rainy season, you can take advantage of the lodges' flexible terms and conditions. With fewer visitors, the lodges are often more accommodating and can provide flexible booking options, allowing you to plan your safari according to your preferences and schedule.

Easily getting safari tickets - With fewer tourists visiting Bandhavgarh during the rainy season, you have a higher chance of easily securing safari tickets. You won't have to compete with large crowds for limited slots, increasing your chances of experiencing a safari at your preferred time and date.

Village visit with green paddy fields - The rainy season brings life to the surrounding villages, with lush green paddy fields spreading across the landscape. This presents an excellent opportunity to explore the local communities and experience their way of life amidst the serene beauty of nature. You can engage with the locals, witness their farming practices, and learn about their culture, providing a well-rounded experience during your safari.

 It is really rewarding to tour Bandhavgarh in the rainy season as the post suggests. There are many seasonal benefits that come your way during the monsoon. You will experience amazing greenery, cool weather and enchanting landscape like never before. 

Southern India Enchanting Wildlife and Tiger Tours

Southern India

Southern India comprises the southern part of peninsular India. It encompasses the states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and the newly carved state of Telangana. It also encompasses the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep Islands.

Wildlife of Southern States

The regions are fed by many important rivers that are the lifeline of the ecosystems prevailing in the states. Abundant water sources have given a big boost to biodiversity in the Deccan.

The major rivers are:

• ·         Krishna
• ·         Godavari
• ·         Mahanadi
• ·         Kaveri

The Southern States comprise tremendous biodiversity, especially in the Eastern and Western Ghats and adjoining areas. Western ghats comprise deciduous forests while tropical dry forests and scrub lands are common in the interior Deccan Plateau.

The two ranges and forests in the valleys are home to tigers, leopards, Nilgiri Tahr, Lion Tailed Macaque, Sambar, spotted deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri Langurs, slow loris, pangolin, elephant, grizzled giant squirrel, and many more. South India has more than one-third of big cats and half the population of Indian elephants. 

Some of the birds found in the region are Malabar whistling thrush, Great hornbill, Ceylon frogmouth, white-cheeked barbet, pearl-necked dove, Andaman dove, grey jungle fowl, heart spotted woodpecker, white-bellied woodpecker, green billed malkoha, blue-faced malkoha to name few.

Tiger Reserves

There are 14 tiger reserves in South India:

• ·         Periyar Tiger Reserve
• ·         Wayanad Tiger Reserve
• ·         Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
• ·         Bandipur Tiger Reserve
• ·         Dandi Anshi Tiger Reserve
• ·         Bhadra Tiger Reserve
• ·         Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
• ·         Anamalai Tiger Reserve      
• ·         Eravikulum National Parks
• ·         Mukurthi National Park

These are the most popular tiger reserves and home to many animals some of which are endemic. These are tiger parks but there are many biodiversity hotspots home to enchanting wilderness. Thus the parks attract large numbers of tourists every year. Periyar, Nagarhole, Mukurthi, and Eravikulum reserves rank high on the popularity chart.

Many tour operators organize wildlife tours of South India for tiger safari and birding. These are well-organized tours and deliver without fail. Though the tiger is the essence of these safaris there is much more to see and experience.   

=====================================

Uday writes for Indiafootprints and many other tour companies. He is a naturalist and also provides SEO and content writing service.

He can be contacted at

pateluday90@hotmail.com

9755089323

Wildlife of Satpura National Park

Part of Central Indian Highlands so aptly described by James Forsyth in 18th Century Satpura National Park is a wildlife haven. At present, it is a stretch of forest that comprises 3000 sq. km and encompasses Pacharhi Hill Resort. The park lies in Central India or the State of Madhya Pradesh. Dhoopgarh is the highest point in Madhya Pradesh which is in Pachmarhi National Park.  It is 1352 meters in elevation. 

Satpura National Park is also a tiger reserve and is governed by the State Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh. The core area comprises 528 sq. km and along with Bori and Pachmarhi it forms a biosphere reserve. The name is derived from the Satpura Range which flanks South Eastern Park of Madhya Pradesh. On the North in Vindhya Range and both converge at Maikal Hills in the Amarkantak Hill Resort.    

Wildlife of Satpura    

The megafauna includes tiger, leopard, sambar deer, axis deer, barking deer, bison, wild boar, Nilgai, four-horned antelope, fox, jackal, giant squirrel, rusty jungle cat, chinkara, hyena, langur, rhesus macaque, and the sloth bear. Among the small mammals are the pangolin, Indian giant squirrel, three palm squirrels, porcupines, and civet cats.  The diversity of the park ai amazing. 

Birds of Satpura 

There are more than 254 species of birds found at Satpura that include winter migrants. Some of the noted species are verditor flycatcher, shama, Malabar hornbill, racket-tailed drongo, orange-headed ground thrush, honey buzzard, crested hawk eagle, serpent eagle,  paradise flycatcher, Malabar whistling thrush, black-naped flycatcher, jungle prinia, stonechat, spotted owlet, jungle owlet, grey jungle fowl, bar-headed geese, savanna nightjar, grey-headed fish eagle, grey hornbill, Indian skimmer, grey nightjar, Indian nightjar, pariah kite, white backed munia, red avadavat, gold fronted leaf bird, Jerdon's leaf bird,  yellow wattled lapwing, red wattled lapwing, river lapwing, Eurasian wryneck, tawny eagle, steppe eagle, shikra and sparrow hawk. 

Flora of Satpura  

The tiger reserve has more than 62 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs. It has many grasslands that add to the biodiversity. Some of the species are Lynda, Sal, teak, dhain, harra, bahera, aonla, and more.  

Tourism at Satpura 

The park is divided among tourism zones that comprise 20% of the core. Tourism is conducted in both core zones and buffer zones. To make an excursion in the park you have to book a safari at Satpura at MPOnline. You can also book a safari at the gates if they are available. Hence you should book the safari in Advance.

Satpura is at a distance of 260 km from Jabalpur Airport and 190 km from Bhopal Airport. It is accessible from Pipariya Station on the Bombay Howarh line. It is well connected by road.    

Tiger Safari In Hot Summer of May and June

Heat Rises in Mid-March and last till 15 June is monsoon is in time. The temperature rises to 42 degrees in shade and 45 degrees in direct sunlight. Otherwise, it gets delayed by mid-July. Mid-July Monsoon pours in. This is a nig relief and most of the herbivores breed in this season when there is plenty of grass to feed and produce milk. Most herbivores breed during monsoon when torrents of rain give new roots to shoots and green grass.

Torturous Months

By March water in rivers, ponds, and lakes start receding but there is still water left for wild animals to drink. As summer precedes some water bodies completely dry out while water is left. As water recedes further some water bodies are completely dry. Animals are dependent upon a few streams and trickles. Some man-made water bodies sustain water. Animals congregate in these spots and the predators follow them for easy kill. 

This has been seen at Ranthambore where tigers have learned to kill in water. They hide behind the bushes and make a rush at the sambar deer kill. After many a chase, they managed to kill. This was begun by Machli the famous tiger who mastered the art. She became the heroine of the park and many photographers and filmmakers began to make a beeline to capture these events. After Machli many tigers began to copy this hunting technique. This is a unique event and has become regular.

At Kanha, sentinels fill the saucer with water in saucers made of cement. Tigers, leopards, langurs, small animals, and deer come to these saucers to quench their thirst. Thankfully Kanha is not as dry and places of water remain even in summer. But congregation does take place giving a chance to make an easy kill. Pench and Tadoba are drier and water has to be arranged for.

If you are a wildlife photographer this is the best time for photo tours if you can stand the heat. Animals congregate and offer the best time to make films. Remember to keep light khaki and stay in the AC room. Wildlife photographers can afford that.      

Tiger Photography in India

With more than 3000 tigers in India and a good network of tiger reserves, the country is proving one of the best places to photograph big cats. In India wildlife photographers and filmmakers have a greater choice to film and photograph the big cats. With over 52 tiger reserves they can accomplish their mission with ease. 

Photography For Amateurs

For amateur filmmakers and photographers, a safari permit is enough. They can book safaris for morning and evening and shoot tigers as they chance upon. Many parks offer the facility of a full-day safari which though costly can bear rich fruits. In full-day safaris zone restrictions are not there and they can go anywhere. But all regular safari rules have to be followed. Besides the absence of zone restriction food has to be consumed at the interpretation centers or at places that are designated by park authorities. Even night safaris are open for the amateurs.

Professional Mission 

But for professionals who need to venture into the park, apart from basic regulations extra permission is required. Professionals need to intrude into the forests, be photographed at night, and often work on foot. These are outside the purview of regular visitors.

Hence for extra facilities permission has to be taken from MOEF and PCCF of the state. Documentaries cannot be made on regular safaris hence privileges are required. These arrangements have to be made through a local wildlife tour operator. The local tour operator makes all the arrangements before the venture commences. 

The professionals need local help and these are experienced guides, helpers, and amateur photographers. They know the terrain well and have a fair idea of the movement of tigers. They can assist in many other ways. This team is organized by the local or National tour operator as well. In India getting special permissions is time-consuming and costly.  Hence tour operators' assistance is indispensable.    

Professional filmmakers and photographers need to carry heavy and costly equipment and this has to be transported through customs and local transportation this could be time-consuming and costly. Nevertheless, the end result is rewarding. Thus all arrangements have to be made in advance for a tiger photo tour in India.

Sighting Wild Elephants in India

Wild elephants or Indian Wild Elephants are spread in many states of India. But, they are found mostly in North East, North West, East, and Southern India.  Badly persecuted for their tusks considered an aphrodisiac, and for ivory-based artifacts, their number had gone precariously low. The tusks were also considered as a money transfer from India to other countries where they could be sold to obtain cash.

Once widespread all over the forests of the country their population has reduced, and it stands a little over 30,000. Thanks, to the Project Elephant Program and the ban on hunting the population of the pachyderm, is increasing and they are being sighted in their previous habitats. For example, there have been sightings of herds in Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and neighboring forests. These animals were never heard of in these areas.

Project Elephant   

Launched in the year 1992 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) to provide financial and wildlife management support the program is doing well.

• It was launched as Central Government Scheme;
• Centrally Sponsored Scheme with following objective
• To protect elephants, their habitat, and corridors.
• To address issues of man-animal conflict.
• The welfare of captive elephants
• to promote not to harm elephants for their tusks.           

More elephant conservation initiatives are being carried out to protect the species in India.

Indian Vs African Elephant

Indian or Asiatic Elephant differs morphologically from African Elephant. The former prefers dense forests while the latter prefers savannah grasslands. Most of the biological features and social life is nearly similar.        

Distribution of elephants in India.

The population in the country stands between 27,785–31,368.

They are found in the Northwest Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

They are found in the Northeast – from the border of Nepal in Northern West Bengal, West Assam plains extending into eastern Arunachal Pradesh, the foothills of Nagaland, and Meghalaya. Small herds occur in Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur

They are found In the central part – in Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. The entry into Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh has been recent.

in the South, they are found in   Karnataka, Kerala Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

Elephant Tourism

Though nothing compared with tiger tourism in the country elephant tourism is not uncommon. Tourists on tiger safari often seek wild elephants at Corbett National Park and Periyar Tiger Reserve. Other places where the pachyderms are seen in the wild are:

• Singhbhum Elephant Reserve
• Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve
• Garo Hills Elephant Reserve
• Anamudi Elephant Reserve
• Chirang-Ripu
• Mahanadi
• Thekkapakadu
• Punnatthurkotta, Guruvayoor
• Dubare

Most of these destinations are elephant reserves while many are camps that display the wild pachyderms. Although not as popular as tiger reserve still a large number of these giants can be seen in the country. Post January elephant sighting at Corbett increases. This attracts a lot of tourists to the reserve. Elephants descend to the foothills as vegetation becomes scarce and winter is at its peak. 

Satpura National Park James Forsyth Adventures

James Forsyth first pitched his tent in the dense canopy at Satpura National Park. If you visit Pachmarhi you are sure to visit the cottage that has been turned into a museum commemorative the huntsman and naturalist. The unimaginably rugged and torturous landscape was inhabited by various tribes. Forsyth perhaps was the first outsider to venture into the deep confines.

His foray into the Central Indian Highlands was not only to survey the terrain, he keenly studied the local communities their customs, and more while stationed in these dense forests. Unfortunately, his observations benefitted the outside world but he shot down many wild creatures.

As you read the book you realize that the author was not an accomplished writer, but nevertheless, his accounts are fascinating. His interpretation of what he experienced while staying at Satpuras has been scripted in a romantic manner but his reference to tribal and local communities is much wanting. His rating of locals is at best low and he does not hesitate to mention them as unintelligent people trapped in obscurantism.

James Forsyth was an allrounder. Besides being an adventurer he knew geography, natural history, and wildlife. His accounts of what he experienced have been aptly recorded in his book "Highlands of Central India."  Get hold of the book if you can to dig into past communities and wilderness.

Satpura Tiger Reserve

Satpura National Park and tiger reserve is the core of the Satpura Range and encompasses Bori Sanctuary and Pachmari Hill Resort. Together they for the Satpura Biosphere Reserve comprising around 3000 sq. Km.  Satpura range is the core area while Bori and Pachmarhi are buffer zones. The reserve is home to 52 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, and 31 species of reptiles. The targetted species are Malabar Whistling Thrush, Orange-headed ground thrush, racket-tailed drongo, and hornbills.

The floral element comprises Sal, teak, dhawa, kosum, bel, aonla, bamboo, mahua, and many more.

The park comprises:

1339.26 sq. Km core

794.04 sq. KN buffer

2133.40 TOTAL area.

Tourism takes place from Madai a small township near Hosgabad. To reach the core tourists have to take a motorboat ride over the River Denwa this is a short ride lasting a few minutes. The safari begins after crossing the river.

Like all reserves in MP, a tiger safari permit is required. You can book a safari permit for Satpura Tiger Reserve online or at the gate. During the rush time, permits are not available at the gate hence it is wiser to book online. a permit is required. You can book a safari permit for Satpura Tiger Reserve online or at the gate. During the rush time, permits are not available at the gate hence it is wiser to book online.    

 

Safari at Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh

The only broad-leaf forest situated in North Western Madhya Pradesh is a veritable paradise on earth. Bottomless ravines, grasslands, and dense teak forests define this tiger landscape. After the complete extinction of tigers and poachers perhaps in connivance with forest guard the population of big cats was completely wiped out.

Amazing conservative initiatives there are now more than 28 tigers in the park. The safari has begun and the big cat sightings are good. The terrain is now recovered and wild animals too have made a comeback with improvement in the ecosystem. 

Panna is home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Nilgai, wolf, hyena, and many other animals. It is rich in birdlife including the Himalayan vultures, white-backed vultures, Egyptian vultures, long-billed vultures, and the Monk Vulture. Among other bird species, the tiger reserve is home to Shama, verditor flycatcher, orange-headed ground thrush, grey hornbill, Oriental pied hornbill, black-naped monarch, and more.

Panna National Park

Ensconced in Vindiyan Hill Range it becomes contiguous with the Satpura Range at Mailkal Hills. Kanha and Achanakmar also meet here. The area of the park is 542.67 sq. Km. Along with Ken River Sanctuary forms a catchment area for the Ken River which is the park's lifeline. The river system is home to marsh crocodiles and the gharial besides many other aquatic forms of life. 

The National Park and surrounding forest are the only remaining chunks of broad-leaf forests in North Western Madhya Pradesh. These are the only forests home to wild animals rest of the area is barren.

The destination was declared a tiger reserve in 1994/5. Most of all rather all the big cats have been translocated which has been a great success.

Safari at Panna National Park

Tourism is organized twice a day one at the start of the dawn and the other in the evening at dusk. The park is divided into tourism zones in twenty percent of the core area of the park. To avail of game rides one needs a permit. This permit fortiger safari permit at Panna is obtained at MPOnline an MP Government Portal. You can also avail permit at the gate if available. My advice is to book online as there is a rush and you may be left out.

Panna is only 26 km from Khajuraho Airpot and that is the best way to reach the National Park from New Delhi.     

Tiger Safari Holiday at Kanha

Tiger Safari Holiday at Kanha National Park.

Kanha is situated at Maikal Hills and the system is nurtured by tributaries of the Narmada River. The river originates from Amarkantak Resort at Maikal Hill and flows over 700 km to merge into the estuary of Baruch in Gujarat. Interestingly Makal Hills are a confluence of Vindhyan Hill north of MP and Satpura Hills south of Madhya Pradesh. Jabalpur is the the Center of India lying east towards Kanha National Park.

Maikal Hills are a part of Achanakmar Biosphere Reserve which comprise Amarkantak Forests and Achanakmar Tiger Reserve. Kanha is not part of the biosphere reserve but is contiguous with the origin of Maikal Hills and Achanakmar once forming a corridor for wild animals to translocate. Thus a large ecosystem was in place and formed a habitat for all life forms.  On the western side, the forests were connected with what are now Bandhavgarh, Sanjay Dubri, and Panna.

Some of the regions have been mentioned by James Forsyth in his book Central Indian Wildlife. This has become a sad story now since the contiguity is intruded on by human settlements, agriculture, and livestock. Among the isolated pockets, three popular ones are

• Kanha National Park
• Bandhavgarh National Park
• Panna National Park

These are situated in Madhya Pradesh while another reserve the birthplace of white tiger Sanjay Dubri has yet to face the limelight. It too is situated in Madhya Pradesh barely an hour's drive from Bandhavgarh.  

Kanha National Park

Most popular among all the National Parks is Kanha which is also a tiger reserve. It is home to more than 100 tigers, but the fame has come about due to saving the hard ground barasingha or swamp deer. It was a remarkable conservation initiative and made the park popular all over the World. From 66 heads the population now stands at over 600. To save the gene pool some animals have been translocated to other destinations.

The biodiversity is rich and improved after it turned into a conservation unit. All Central Indian mammals and reptiles are found here while more than 250 bird species can be checklisted.

Tourism at Kanha National Park

Twenty percent of the inviolate core is reserved for regulated tourism while the outer area or buffer is also open to tourism. Being the best place to see the tiger and other animals tourists throng in large numbers every year. But the entry is limited hence safaris or game rides should be booked in advance. Those planning a tiger safari holiday should thus book a tiger safari in advance. The safaris should be booked through MPOnline Portal belonging to Madhya Pradesh Government.

There are a large number of wildlife resorts outside the park that organize tiger safaris, rest and recreation. They range from budget to upscale properties.  

Kanha is best accessible from Jabalpur Airport in MP. It is well connected with the capital and all major towns. From the airport, the drive is three and a half hours only. Kanha Tiger Reserve is well connected by a road network. It is well connected by a rail network as well. The park is closed from 1st July and opens on 1st October.            

Tiger Safari In Hot Summer of May and June

Heat Rises in Mid-March and last till 15 June is monsoon is in time. The temperature rises to 42 degrees in shade and 45 degrees in direct sunlight. Otherwise, it gets delayed by mid-July. Mid-July Monsoon pours in. This is a nig relief and most of the herbivores breed in this season when there is plenty of grass to feed and produce milk. Most herbivores breed during monsoon when torrents of rain give new roots to shoots and green grass.

Torturous Months

By March water in rivers, ponds, and lakes start receding but there is still water left for wild animals to drink. As summer precedes some water bodies completely dry out while water is left. As water recedes further some water bodies are completely dry. Animals are dependent upon a few streams and trickles. Some man-made water bodies sustain water. Animals congregate in these spots and the predators follow them for easy kill. 

This has been seen at Ranthambore where tigers have learned to kill in water. They hide behind the bushes and make a rush at the sambar deer kill. After many a chase, they managed to kill. This was begun by Machli the famous tiger who mastered the art. She became the heroine of the park and many photographers and filmmakers began to make a beeline to capture these events. After Machli many tigers began to copy this hunting technique. This is a unique event and has become regular.

At Kanha, sentinels fill the saucer with water in a saucer made of cement. Tigers, leopards, langurs, small animals, and deer come to these saucers to quench their thirst. Thankfully Kanha is not as dry and places of water remain even in summer. But congregation does take place giving a chance to make an easy kill. Pench and Tadoba are drier and water has to be arranged for.

If you are a wildlife photographer this is the best time for photo tours if you can stand the heat. Animals congregate and offer the best time to make films. This is the best time for a tiger safari in India if you can bear the heat.

Remember to keep light khaki and stay in the AC room. Wildlife photographers can afford that.      

Why Madhya Pradesh is known as Tiger State? Why Tigers Abound Here

 Madhya Pradesh Tiger State

With a population of 526 Bengal tigers, Madhya Pradesh has wrestled the title from Karnataka which was leading in numbers since the last census in the year 2010. In that year, Karnataka registered a population of 408 big cats.  But the last census conducted in the year 2018 showed more big cats than ever in Madhya Pradesh. Although the number is minuscule whence compared with their population before the hunting began a few centuries back.   

Bengal Tiger

 

Central Indian Tiger Landscape

Central India for centuries has been a heavily forested State with more than 40% of the area under forest cover. It was connected by extensive corridors with tiger landscapes in the North and the East and down below right up to the tiger landscape of Southern India. The fluid passages acted as a safe conduit for the migration of big cats and their prey. 

The state encompasses Vindhya Range in the North  West, and the Satpura Hill Range forming a ridge below. Both ranges converge at Maikal Hills in the Amarkantak  Achanakmar Biosphere Reserve. The region known as the Highlands of Central India comprises inaccessible terrain that encompasses Steep cliffs and tabletop mountains scattered all over the region. This terrain is now home to Central India's tiger reserves namely:

• Panna National Park
• Bandhavgarh National Park
• Nauradehi Tiger Reserve
• Achankmar Tiger Reserve
• Kanha National Park
• Pench National Park
• Satpura Tiger Reserve 
• Rata Pani Tiger Reserve
• Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve 

Although these reserves are fragmented with non-existing weak corridors they hold a substantial population of big cats, and the numbers are rising. Tigers need inviolate areas to breed and hunt they are sensitive to human intrusion and agrarian practices that clear forests. The predator is an ambush hunter and cannot chase its prey like the cheetah or the lion. The animal cannot survive in the absence of a dense crown cover intermingled with bush country and tall grasses. It needs a good prey base and water supply from waterholes, rivers, lakes, etc. 

Madhya Pradesh is endowed with characteristics that tiger habitats should have hence the state is home to amazing tiger landscapes that can help breed and sustain large populations. The next best step would be the formation of corridors but that is a distant dream.  

Thus the high-level saturation of the tiger population is due to habitat formations that best suit the predator. There still exists some large contiguous areas that are connected by corridors still allow migration of the predators and the prey. Inaccessible terrain, dense crown cover, and plenty of prey base. Thus populations are flourishing wherever proper protection is provided to them. 

The ban on hunting by the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and the formation of protected areas under the Project Tiger Program were highly successful all over India. This prevented hunting and poaching and provided them with inviolate areas where they could breed in peace.

A large sum of money is being pumped up into conservation. Fortunately, it is being generated from tiger tourism in the reserves. Tourists, holidaymakers, filmmakers, and photographers are regular visitors to these parks. Although the target species is the tiger they are also attracted by animals like the swamp deer, sloth bear, wild elephants, leopard, wolves, wild dogs, and even small predators and deer. 

Birding is also attracting a large number of visitors since these parks are home to more than two hundred avian species. Bird watching, and nature trails, are organized by luxury hotels using the services of a naturalist. The tiger reserves of Central India comprise excellent tourism infrastructure including the approach roads. 

Jabalpur Airport and Railhead in MP is the fulcrum from where you can easily approach these destinations. You can also approach some reserves from Nagpur Airport and Khajuraho Airport. Remember the park is closed during the monsoon due to slush formation on the roads. 

For excursions in the parks your need a safari permit for each ride. Book permits in advance since the jeep entry is limited. You can book a safari through the tour operator or at MPOnline. 

Tiger Tourism and Bandhavgarh National Park in Central India

Bandhavgarh National Park in Central India is a conservation unit chiefly focused on saving the critically endangered Bengal tiger. At Bandhavgarh tiger, tourism plays a major role in revenue generation. NTCA a government body sets guidelines for recreation in the park. The safaris are regulated and subject to terms and conditions shaped by several rules. The park is also a tiger reserve, and the conservation initiative is set by the forest department.

The regulations are under the advice of the Supreme Court of India and are subject to be implemented for tiger safaris. NTCA or National Tiger Conservation Authority is the guardian of the Project Tiger Program initiated by the Government of India.

The park is divided into the core or critical tiger habitat which is inviolate and no human settlement or any activities are allowed and the outer ring or buffer comprises villages, forests, and farmlands. Twenty percent of the core is subjected to tourism as demarcated by the local forest department. This area is subdivided into three zones and to visit each zone a safari permit issued by MP State Government is required. The permit is issued by the State Government of Madhya Pradesh. The open jeep safaris seat six people with a guide on a ride inside the core. Two game rides are conducted daily, one in the morning and the other in the evening.

How to Book Bandhavgarh Safari Permit?

The permits can be secured from the MPOnline website of the  State Government.  You have to decide which zone to visit in the morning or evening safari rides.  Do this much in advance, if you cannot decide then take advice from the hotel naturalist you are going to stay at in Bandhavgarh or seek advice from the manager of your tour operator in India.

To book a safari go online at the MPOnline website, here you need to fill out the form which requires you to submit personal details including those accompanying you on the jeep safari. A photo ID could be a passport or a driving license. You can choose the date, time, and zone and then make the payment if the slot is available. Make a payment online using a credit/debit card or Internet Banking. After the reservation has been completed take a printout of the permit. If you don't wish to take the trouble of online reservations then get your permits through the agent.

During the game rides, you have to carry a copy of the permit and your original passport or photo ID. All co-passengers will need to do the same. On the ride, you are allowed to carry a camera or a Handycam/binoculars but no guns or inflammable articles.

When on the safari the jeep keeps to the selected zone and cannot crossover into another zone. The canteen with toilet facilities is in a designated area meant for freshening up and brunch during the morning ride.

Remember, always reserve safari permits in advance as entry into the tourism zone is limited.  At Bandhavgarh National Park the maximum number of jeeps allowed in one zone is twenty-five as the park is smaller compared with many other National parks in Central India. 

For Hotel Accommodation in Bandhavgarh National Park A Choice Awaits

 Accommodations in Bandhavgarh 

Being one of the most popular tiger reserves in India, Bandhavgarh excels in wildlife tourism infrastructure. As a National Park and reserve, the focus is on tiger conservation, and the consequent efforts have led to an amazing comeback made by the critically endangered big cat species.

I remember, in the seventies, on my first visit there were no private accommodations, and the only proper place to stay was the Forest Rest House at Tala Village. Tigers though scarce were visible after much tracking. Tourism was focused on Tala Range comprising dense forests, mountain River Charanga, marshy grasslands, and plenty of prey for the big cats. Another unique aspect of the Tala Range was ancient remains dating 2000 years back. On your first safari, you will not fail to notice the crumbling ramparts of an ancient fort at the great heights of Bandhavgarh Fort. A portion of the wall is intact but access to the fort is not possible anymore as it is out of the tourism zone. 

Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh is an esoteric paradise that epitomizes ancient mystical India. Well protected from the Mughal marauders, the park is home to many manmade caves, stables, courts, idols of Lord Vishnu in zoomorphic forms, and pools.  Now covered in moss, lichens, and fungi, the structures nevertheless, strike awe and hold you transfixed in a perpetual state of trance. I remember, Shesh Shaiyya still comes in my dreams, the Lord lying peacefully near a fairy pool. The place is open for tourism in Tala Zone and is a must-visit. 

Bandhavgarh

Tigers of Bandhavgarh

"BADDY OR DADDY" if my memory serves well was already popular with a few tourists who entered the park on old rickety diesel jeeps in the seventies.  He found a mention in a popular Indian newspaper and sired many cubs. Most of the tigers we encountered during that period had no names but were as charismatic as they appeared with names later on. 

From being an unknown entity the park was slowly emerging from being totally inconspicuous on the tourism map, it was slated to be the most visited in Central India. As the population increased, tigers began rolling in, and the legendary tigress SITA was the result of the conservation initiative. As far as I remember Badka, Charger, Bamera, B1, B2, Mahaman tigress, Blueeyed, and many others highlighted tourism in the park.

Tiger's Den Resort

We often visited the park as tourism was cheap, and the forest resthouse was readily available. But things were changing as resorts began to pop up in the nineties. Tiger tourism was coming of age in India! Unfortunately, tourism took its toll and the sentinels and mahouts who sat around us to cheer up the fireplace in the evenings began to evade us as the tips came rolling in. Overseas visitors began to arrive in hordes, and the mahouts and the guides were amply rewarded.  

Hotels in Bandhavgarh 

From a single public accommodation, the place was expected to grow as tiger sightings increased. In the tiger reserves, tourism is always interdependent upon the possibility of sightings of the big cat, and to some extent connectivity by air, road, and rail. The destination was difficult to approach from Jabalpur and elsewhere because of bad road conditions, and the 200 km drive from Jabalpur Airport was a pain in the bums. 

 The roads are in excellent shape now and a large number of hotels have profligated the buffer zone of the park. Bandhavgarh provides ample opportunities to stay as per the budget. From single-room house accommodations to guest houses, and homestays you can choose sophisticated high-end resorts during the safari holidays. 

With the tourist boom, the number of hotels has boomeranged as well and new ones keep coming. You have a choice if you wish to spend money to stay in high-end star-category accommodations. These are expensive but deliver or you can choose semi-luxury resorts that charge around 100 USD per night stay.   

There are many fancy accommodations that specialize in hosting overseas visitors and the quality of services is good. These properties are experienced in hosting overseas visitors and are preferred by inbound tour operators.   Luxury hosts what to expect:

• Excellent Food
• Fine Dining 
• Spacious Rooms or Cottages 
• Native Architecture
• Cozy Ambience
• Serenity & Peace
• Green Environment 
• Pool 
• Parking 
• Naturalist Service 
• Jungle Safari Trips 
• Safari Booking 
• Bar (Few)
• Sauna (Few) 
• Barbecue (Few)
• Bush Dinners
• Bird Watching 
• Village Visits 
• Continental Food 
• Wait Service, & Host Interaction 

Every luxury property has a unique way of dealing with its hosts. There is one Tal Property at Bandhavgarh called Mahua Kothi which is a five-star getaway, and available for a high-end budget.  But generally, those preferred by the tour operators tend to come up to the expectations. There is a lot of information on the hotel websites of Bandhavgarh. You can authenticate by contacting the resort manager or a local tour operator or rely on referrals if you have any. A better option is to seek reviews on Tripadvisor. Many mid-range resorts are on the verge of closure or barely surviving post-covid-19 hence be careful. 

Some of the Good properties in Bandhavgarh as per TripAdvisor are: 

• Tiger Den Resorts
• MPTDC White Tiger Lodge
• Nature Heritage Resort
• Lemon Tree Resort
• Samode Safari Lodge
• Tree House Hideaway 
• Bundela Tiger Resorts 
• Infinity Resort

My stay at Tiger Den Resort has been most rewarding. It is a mid-price resort at Tala and takes good care of overseas guests and the domestic crowd. But you can choose from the list of luxury hotels in Bandhavgarh National Park. Make a wise decision, and your wild safari holiday would be a memorable experience. Most of the accommodations are situated around the Tala Village which is the main artery that connects the park with Jabalpur Airport. But the properties are spread out at a distance, especially the high-end ones. Take your time choosing the right property and settle for the best price. Avoid the festival rush and weekends.    

Remember to book safari permits in advance, before the limited entry is full. For online booking use MPOnline Portal. You can also request the hotel manager where you plan to stay to book safari permits for you.

Pench Tiger Resort is Old Mowgli Land in India

Seoni Hills are Now Pench Tiger Reserve

Kipling wrote a mesmerizing account of life in the jungles of Seoni in Central India. Now the state is known as Madhya Pradesh or MP. 

Sher Khan Tiger

In the eighteenth century there lived a boy completely naked and he spent most of the time in the company of the wolves. As the message spread and reached Kipling he penned the esoteric in a book called "Jungle Book". The story is now legendary and has been made into a film called "Jungle Book".  The rest is history.   

Jungle Home Pench

The popularity accorded to past endeavors has brought fame to the Seoooni Hills as Kipling called the place in India. The Seoni Hills are now Pench National Park and Tiger Reserve. This is where Mowgli roamed in the wild full of antics and was a confirmed foe of Sher Khan the tiger. Nevertheless, the reserve is as good a creation of nature as the book which the author wove so skillfully full of esoteric imagination tells us.     

The characters of Mowgli Land still survive in the wilderness and Sher Khan is the main attraction. In fact, this is a conservation unit under Project Tiger Program.  

Conservation here is the first priority seconded by tourism in twenty percent of the core area and now in the buffer as well.  As a major revenue earner tourism is regulated and permission in form of permits is required. It draws tourists from overseas as well as crowds from within the country.  

The permits for excursions are available online at MPOnline Portal belonging to the state government. The safaris are conducted on jeeps and on foot trekking is not allowed. The park's tourism area is divided into zones, and the permit restricts tourists to one zone unless it is for the full day. 

The big cat is surviving at Pench in good numbers and so are the other animals. Nilgai antelope, Sambar, Chital, barking deer, guar or bison, jackal, wild boar, boar, and langur monkey are common sites. Sloth bears, wild dogs, and leopards are infrequently seen. More than two hundred fifty species of birds make their home here, this includes the winter migrants who depart from March onward. The park is closed during the monsoon. 

Sound tourism infrastructure makes safari possible here. The buffer is home to a number of luxury resorts in Pench National Park in MP.  This outer ring offers varied accommodations ranging from high-end, luxury, and budget properties. The buffer is also home to the critically endangered wolf and can be seen with luck on safari. 

Seoni Township is fifty km from here on the way to Jabalpur Airport (200 km). The closest Airport is Nagpur in neighboring Maharashtra State. It is at a drive of ninety kilometers of good road.    

Bandhavgarh Untamed & Wild

Can the beauty last forever! This is what I think of the forests of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The large contiguous patch of forests spread over the last leg of Vindhyan Hills as far as Sehora near Jabalpur. The forests in a state of denudation and plunder, still contain habitable patches of forests that sustain impressive wilderness including the tigers.   

Bandhavgarh

Tiger conservation albeit an impressive program can be myopic in execution if attention is paid only to the core or critical to tiger habitats. In order to give adequate space to tigers such that they multiply and survive in good numbers, all the forests an around have to be kept in a perfect state of preservation. Hence those patches of forests with lesser status need to be looked after very well. 

Bandhavgarh Grasslands 

To an average visitor, it is very difficult to understand the nature of big cats, especially their home range. The tigers do not understand management concepts and practices. For then any and every undisturbed forest is home. Hence under the Project Tiger Program, a large extent of forests is provided cover and benefits that accrue. Diverse wildlife and bird life find shelter under this program. The myriads of life forms flora and fauna constitute a wonderful ecosystem that unfailingly nurtures humanity.  

Male Tiger

Likewise, tigers survive in forests much beyond the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Core. They live in the buffer zone spanning a great distance. Some of the areas are in a perfect state of preservation while some are being denuded and plundered by loggers and poachers. Thankfully the latter is mitigated by constant patrolling but incidences do occur. 

Sloth Bear 

Charismatic & Picturesque is what these pristine forests are described as. They retain these characteristic attributes at many places. Even historical evidence found in the Tala Range can be found elsewhere scattered and forlorn. This also informs us of the extant Tribal Gond rule in the region.           

Tigers inhabit the most beautiful region in Central India. Beautiful rivers, tabletop mountains, marshy grasslands, enchanting glens, and pristine forests. These are the wonderlands of the wild World. 

Destinations like Bandhavgarh have to be preserved not only for the tigers but for humanity as a whole. These precious gems are in trouble thanks to unchecked development and mining, denudation, and advancing urbanity. Let's hope the weight age accorded to the tiger will indirectly help preserve the whole ecosystem/      

Land of The Tiger - Tadoba

In The Land of Taru

A local legend and a hero Taru fought a tiger to save a  man. The tribal is now worshipped as God in the tiger landscape that is known as Tadoba National Park. Situated in the Chandrapur District near Maharashtra it is at some distance from the Nagpur Airport.

The core of the park has become inviolate but the tribals are allowed to visit and pray at the spot where Taru became a martyr. Legends surround the landscape but now tourism dominates. 

Of late, the realm of the tiger has become a popular tourist destination. It is visited chiefly for easy sightings of the tiger and leopard. The park is home to large tracts of mixed forests with teak and bamboo. 

A large number of tourists visit Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. The purpose of their visit is to see the tiger in its natural habitat. Tadoba abounds in tigers and leopards. Holidaymakers, wildlife photographers, filmmakers, and researcher flock to the destination everywhere. This generates revenue for conservation and provides employment for the locals.  The hotel industry in the buffer also plays a supportive role by employing the locals. There are a large number of hotels and resorts near the gates of Tadoba.

Tadoba Tourism Zones

Moharli Zone	Kolara Zone	Pangadi and Zari Zone	Navegaon Zone
Junona Gate	Kolara Chauradeo Gate	Pangadi Aswal Chuha Gate	Navegaon Ramdegi Gate
Devada Gate	Madnapur Gate	Zari Peth	Navegaon Gate
Adegaon Gate	Alizanza Gate	Zari Gate	Nimdela Gate
Agarzari Gate	Shirkheda Gate	Keslaghat	*********
Mamla Gate	Belara Gate	*********	*********

It is notified as a tiger reserve and a National Park.

Tiger - Monu Dubey 

Erstwhile hunting grounds, the reserve has proven to be an excellent breeding ground for the big cats. The dry deciduous forests comprise teak as well as mixed forests with patches of bamboo in between. 

Tadoba is home to many other mammals, a large number of avians, and reptiles. In fact, it is one of the best places to see marsh crocodiles in numerous lakes and water bodies.

Thanks to a highly successful breeding program, and effective protective mechanism the forests now thrive with the big cats. The big cats have spread beyond the boundaries of the tiger reserve.  They have been sighted in and around the forests of Chandrapur which is at a distance of more than thirty-four kilometers. Chandrapur is a coal mining town but has surroundings containing good forests. This is proving to be a good habitat for tigers. 

Thanks to active conservation measure the ecosystem comprising many niche habitats have vastly improved. The reserve is also noted for its incredible birdlife and reptiles. 

The Project Tiger Program an Indian Government initiative has been highly successful in the conservation of the species. A large number of reserves have been created as a home to the endangered species and the efforts are bearing fruits. The number of species in India is constantly rising and results are being awaited for the latest census. It is assumed that the number of tigers could have risen to more than three thousand all over the country. If this comes out to be true it will be an indicator of much-desired success. The program has been so successful in this park that the big cats and deer can often be spotted on the nearby roads and highways to lead to populated areas.  

Tiger Tourism at Tadoba

Spotting the tiger or the leopard the organized safari is the best option. The jeep rides are the best way to experience the amazing biodiversity of the park.  But the entry is limited and you have to book a permit in advance since without one you cannot take part in the excursions. Hence book Tadoba safari days before you make the tour. 

How to Reach 

The best route is from Nagpur Airport or Rail Head. Drive to Chandrapur at a distance of 130 km. The distance of various gates averages around 47 to 50 km approximately. The core are of the park is closed for tourism during the monsoon. But buffer tourism is open. Anyway before making the trip make sure.