Bandhavgarh
Madhya Pradesh
Altitude
440m to 811m
Vegetation
Tropical moist deciduous, dry deciduous and scrub
Total Area
1,536 km²
Rainfall
1175 mm
Bandhavgarh National Park
Basic Facts
Operational
October - July
Best time to go
March - May
Airport
Jabalpur
Railway
Katni Murwara
Climate
2 - 44 °C
Bandhavgarh National Park
About the Park
Once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Rewa, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve stretches across 168 sq. miles (437 sq. km) of scenic wilderness. Its legacy is closely tied to two iconic tigers: the graceful tigress Sita and the fierce Charger. While most wild tigers hold dominance for only a short period, Charger defied the norm with a long reign, fiercely defending his territory from all challengers.
As Charger aged, two cousins, B1 and B2, made attempts to claim his domain. Eventually, B2 emerged victorious, while B1 met an uncertain fate. B2 reigned as the undisputed king of Bandhavgarh for years and became a symbol of Indian wildlife. His fame reached global audiences through features on BBC, Discovery, National Geographic, and Icon Films. Even today, their stories linger in the quiet majesty of the forest.
Bandhavgarh has been a hub of human activity and settlement for over 2,000 years, with mentions in ancient texts like the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Shiva Purana. According to legend, Lord Rama—hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana—paused at Bandhavgarh on his journey back home after defeating the demon king Ravana. The fort here is said to have been built by the same monkey architects who constructed the bridge to Lanka.
Over the centuries, the fort has seen many rulers, starting with the Maghas in the 1st century A.D. and the Vakatakas in the 3rd century A.D. Later, it came under the rule of various dynasties, including the Chandela Kings of Bundelkhand—famous for the temples at Khajuraho. After India’s independence, the Maharaja of Rewa gifted Bandhavgarh to the state, leading to its declaration as a national park in 1968.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Top species found in Bandhavgarh National Park, India
Royal Bengal Tiger
The national animal of the country, The Royal Bengal Tiger is endemic to India. The Big cat is found in the prime national parks of Corbett, bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, Panna, Ranthambore, Tadoba and more.
Sloth Bear
The sloth bear, native to Peninsular India, is nocturnal and feeds on termites, ants, fruits, and honey, using its claws to climb and snout to suck insects.
Indian Leopard
With a body covered in rosettes, the Indian Leopard is abundantly found in most of the prime national parks in the country. Among them is Pench, where a sighting of this species on a ghost tree is considered to be golden!
Asian Elephant
The giants are found spread across the Indian subcontinent. Some of the most popular destinations where they are found are Corbett, Bandhavgarh, Periyar, Kabini, Sanjay Dubri, Kaziranga and Manas National Park.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Luxury Safaris in Bandhavgarh National Park
14 N / 15 D
This luxury tiger safari in Central India takes you through 4 of the most prime national parks for tiger and wildlife viewing, namely – Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna…
06 N / 07 D
This luxury tiger safari tour of Bandhavgarh takes you through one of the prime national parks for tiger and wildlife sightings in India, namely – Bandhavgarh National Park…
Boutique
accommodations in Bandhavgarh
Samode Safari Lodge
The main lounge is the heart of Samode Safari Lodge. Located on the first floor of the central building, it features tasteful decor, comfortable furnishings, and warm wooden flooring. Two large wood-burning fireplaces and expansive views add to its charm. The lounge opens out onto a spacious open-air wooden deck that overlooks the property—perfect for reading in a quiet corner, soaking up the sun, or enjoying a drink by the fire after your safari.
Directly below, on the ground floor, you’ll find the pool room, which also houses a well-stocked library for those who wish to unwind with a good book.
The lodge offers a variety of activities to suit every interest. Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool, keep up with your fitness routine in the well-equipped gym, jog on nearby trails, set out on nature walks or cycling trips, or explore the local culture with a visit to Mardari village.
For complete relaxation, indulge in treatments at the fully equipped spa, blending your wildlife adventure with modern therapeutic wellness.
Samode Safari Lodge features a collection of private villas thoughtfully spread out around the main building. Each villa includes a refined living area, a spacious lounge, a well-appointed bedroom with a modern en-suite bath, a dedicated dressing space, a distinctive open-air bathing court, and a private verandah offering serene views.
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