Bandhavgarh an ancient stronghold of many kings, a land with history datingback to roughly 4000 years ago. This area had many dynasties ruling over it and finds mention in the Ramayan. This park once the private game reserve of the ruling family of Rewa also holds the distinction of being the home of the last White Tiger in the wild. The park is dotted with many caves with ancient rock paintings and carvings. The majestic Bandhavgarh Fort dominates center of the park with its own history dating back thousands of years. Various temples with statues depicting incarnations of Lord Vishnu dot the fort. Bandhavgarh has an undulating landscape with around 32 hills some with flat plateaus and overhanging cliffs. Some perennial streams and rivulets crisscross this park creating fertile vegetation on the riverbanks. The area's combination of hills, rivers and valleys, meadows and marshes has created a unique biodiversity evident in the varied luxuriant vegetation. Bandhavgarh's forests are generally of the moist deciduous forest type. The sheltered valleys are covered with moist evergreen Sal forests, while the drier slopes and plains are covered in mixed forest. Dense tracts of bamboo are scattered throughout the valleys.
The Chakradhara and Rajbehra meadows are two major meadows of this park.The chances of seeing a Tiger in Bandhavgarh is greater than in any of India's other forests. In summer's Tiger can quite often be seen at couple of major waterholes in the park like Chakradhara, Gopalpur, Jurmani and Barwanala. Other important cats in Bandhavgarh are Leopard and the jungle cat. As many as 37 species have been listed for this park including 3 types of antelopes - Blue Bull, Chinkara and the Chausingha.
Deer species like Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, 4 species of bats, 2 types ofsquirrels, Indian Pangolin, Indian Porcupine, Palm Civet , Rare Indian Wolf, Indian Wild Dog, Ruddy and Common Mongoose, Honey Badger, Jackal, Wild Boar, Indian Hare, Common Langur and Rhesus Macaque.
The park also has over 70 species of butterflies and around 255 species of birds. It provides ideal habitat for various species of Stork ( White-necked & lesser Adjutant), Hornbill (Malabar Pied & Common Grey), herons, cranes and birds of prey like Crested Hawk, Crested Serpant Eagle, Honey Buzzard, Shikra, Lesser Kestrel. In winter Bandhavgarh attracts large number of migratory birds such as Nakta, Lesser Whistling Teal and Ruddy Shelduck. One can also see smaller birds like Gery Tit, Baya Weaver bird, Spotted Munia, the Green and Bearded Bee-eater, flycatchers and three species of parakeet- Alexandrine, Plum Headed and Rosering.
Suggested Wildlife Tour with Bandhavgarh
Arrive Delhi. On arrival meeting and transfer to hotel.
Full day sight-seeing tour of the city, which includes Jama Masjid - the largest mosque of Emperor Shahjahan, Red Fort - a marvel in red sandstone, Raj Ghat- cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, to India Gate - a 42 meter stone arch built in the memory of the Indian Soldiers who died in World War II, Drive past the President's House & Parliament House, Humayun's Tomb - a memorial of the Mughals, the Qutab Minar - 12th century 230 feet high Qutub Minar & Lotus Temple. Overnight in hotel
Approx 239 Kms. / 4 hrs. drive
Morning drive to Sariska Tiger Reserve. On arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon Jungle Excursion. Sariska once the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwar was converted in the Tiger Reserve in 1958 and into a national park in 1982. The deciduous forests and the large area are best suited for the habitat of the Tiger and the leopard, the four horned antelope and the spotted deer are found here. Overnight at hotel.
Morning visit Amber Fort - The ancient Capital of the state until 1728. Ascend the hill, on which the fort is situated on Elephant back or Jeep Safari. Afternoon city tour of Jaipur to see City Palace, Jantar Mantar and observatory. Overnight at hotel.
Approx 157 Kms. 3 hrs. drive
Morning drive to Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, a project Tiger reserve, the imposing Ramparts of the fort stand tall which has witnessed many a historical events. On arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon a short walk inside the park. Overnight at hotel.
Morning and afternoon Jungle excursion. Overnight at hotel.
Approx 250 Kms. / 5 hrs drive
After breakfast drive to Bharatpur to visit the Keoladeo Bird National Park. Evening, a short walk to the Jungle. Overnight at hotel.
Morning and afternoon bird viewing inside the park. Take a boat ride to the nesting colonies of birds. Overnight at hotel.
Approx 51 Kms. / 1 hr. drive
Morning bird viewing inside the park. Afternoon drive on to Agra. En-route visit Fatehpur - Sikri, once the capital of Mughal Empire and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. Its fortifications and Palaces are in a wonderful state of preservation. Overnight at hotel.
Full day city tour visiting the Taj Mahal built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in the year 1652 as a memorial for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal., the Taj is an ode to love. Also visit the Agra Fort built and renovated over the centuries, this massive fort gained recognition only during the Mughal reign. Evening you may visit local markets. Overnight at hotel. (Taj Mahal is closed on all Fridays)
Approx 190 kms / 4 hrs drive
Morning transfer to railway station to connect train # 2002 Bhopal Shatabdi Express dep. 08:12 hrs / arr. Jhansi at 10:42 hrs. Upon arrival drive to Khajuraho enroute visiting the famous Orchha Temples. Check into hotel for overnight stay.
Khajuraho was Capital of Chandela rulers who ruled between 9th and 13th centuries. Morning visit the Western Group of Temples. Afternoon visit Eastern Group of Temples.
Overnight at hotel.
Approx 237 kms / 5 hrs driveAfter breakfast leisurely drive to Bandhavgarh National Park. The density of the Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India. This is also known as the White Tiger country. These have been found in the old state of Rewa for many years. The last known was captured by Maharaja Martand Singh in 1951. This White Tiger - 'Mohun', is now stuffed and on display in the palace of the Maharaja of Rewa. On arrival check in resort for overnight stay. Afternoon jungle excursion. Overnight at the hotel.
Early morning jungle safari in one of the most richly populated Tiger reserves in India. Return to resort for breakfast. Spend the day at leisure till afternoon for another jungle safari. Overnight at resort.
Approx 245 Kms. / 5 hrs. drive
Morning drive on to Kanha National Park. On arrival transfer to hotel / Jungle Lodge.
Kanha National Park is one of the most well known tiger reserves worldwide. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel
Early morning jungle safari. Return to resort for breakfast. Then day free to full-fill your quest on wildlife by visiting the library, the museum and by watching wildlife presentations & movies until afternoon jungle safari. Overnight at resort.
Morning Jungle excursion. Afternoon drive to Jabalpur Railway Station to connect train # 2411 Gondwana Express dep. 15:55 hrs. Overnight on board.
Arrive Delhi at 07:25 hrs. Later transfer to airport to connect flight for onward destination.