This is a small National Park; compact, yet full of game. The density of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India. This is also 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 Mahrahahs of Rewa.
Set amongst the Vindhyas, in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is a small national
park, but with the highest known density of tiger population in India.
This is also known as White Tiger territory. These have been found in the
old state of Rewa for many years. The other species found in abundance in
Bandhavgarh are the gaur or Indian bison, the sambar, the barking deer and
the nilgai.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Set amongst the Vindhyas, in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is a small national park, but with the highest known density of tiger population in India. This is also known as White Tiger territory. These have been found in the old state of Rewa for many years. The other species found in abundance in Bandhavgarh are the gaur or Indian bison, the sambar, the barking deer and the nilgai.
The Park is spread over an area of 437 sq. km.The terrain is made of rocky hills, sal forests and grazing areas, formerly agricultural land. The finest of these hills is the Bandhavgarh hill, and on its highest point stands Bandhavgarh Fort.
Though no records remain to show when the fort was constructed, it is believed to be about 2000 years old. Several dynasties have ruled the fort: for example, the Maghas from the 1st century A.D, the Vakatakas from the 3rd century; the Sengars from the 5th century, and the Kalachuris from the 10th century.
The oldest signs of habitation, are the caves dug into the sandstone, near the fort. Several of these contain Brahmi inscriptions dating from the 1st century B.C. Prior to becoming a National Park, the forest range around the region had been maintained as a Shikargarh, or game preserve, of the Maharajahs of Rewa.
It was only in 1968, that the area was declared as a National Park. Since then, stringent steps have been taken to retain it as an unspoilt natural habitat.
Bandhavgarh Fort
No records remain to show wen Bandhavgarh fort was constructed. It is thought, however, to be some 2,000 years old, and there are references to it in the ancient books, the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Siva Purana.
Various dynasties have ruled the fort: for example, the Maghas from the 1st century A.D.. the Vakatakas from the 3rd century; the Sengars from the 5th century and the kalachuris from the 10th century.
In the 13 century A.D., the Baghels took over, ruling from Bandhavgarh until 1617, when Maharajah Vikramditya Singh moved his capital to Rewa. The last inhabitants deserted the fort in 1935.
Khajuraho
The temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy; perfect in execution and sublime in expression.
Bhopal
Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is a fascinating amalgam of scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning. It is situated on the site of a 11th century city, Bhojapal, founded by Raja Bhoja.
Chitrakoot
Chitrakoot , 'the hill of many wonders,' nestles peacefully in the northern spurs of the Vindhyas, a place of tranquil forest glades and quiet rivers, and streams where clam and repose are all-pervading.
Gwalior
The ancient capital of Gwalior is steeped in the splendour of its past. A multitude of regning dynasties, of the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas. Kachwahas and Tomars have left indelible etching of their rule in this city of palaces, temples and monuments.
Jabalpur
Pleasure resort and capital of the gond kings during the 12th century, jabalpur was later the seat of the kalchuri dynasty. The Marathas held sway over jabalpur until 1817, when the Brritish wrested it from them and left their impression on the spacious cantonment with its colonial residences and barracks.
Kanha
The Kanha National Park, in Madhya Pradesh, forms the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974, under Project Tiger. Stretching over 940 sq km, the vegetation, chiefly made of sal and bamboo forests, grasslands and streams, this park is the sole habitat of the rare hardground barasingha.
By Air: The most comfortable route to Bandhavgarh is by air to Khajuraho (210 km), from where it is a 5 hour drive.
By Rail: The nearest railheads are Jabalpur (170 km), Katni (102km), and Satna (112 km) on the Central Railway and Umaria (30 km) on theSouth Eastern Railway.
By Road: State/private transport buses ply between Katni and Umaria, and from Satna and Rewa to Tala (Bandhavgarh).
