Wildlife Safari at Bandhavgarh: What to Expect?

A tiger reserve of repute BTR short for Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is a destination preferred for organized tiger and wildlife safari in Central India. It is a heaven for animal lovers and bird watchers plus there is history to add to the experience.

More than twenty two Central Indian mammals make a living in this wild paradise and so do more than two hundred birds. Reptiles and insect life abounds and so do herbs, shrubs and trees. To leave out grass would be sacrilege, and it comes in two forms the bamboo and blade grass short and long. The latter forms extensive grasslands or meadows with unique addition of slush created by flowing waters of the Mountain Rivers. Bamboo is found on the slopes and in company of other flora in mixed forest zones. Tigers prefer to hunt in these marshes since it hampers the movements of the prey.

Bandhavgarh is known as Sal Forests with dominance of this species (Shorea Robusta) in the tiger reserve. Nevertheless mixed forests and bamboo are in plentiful as well and decorate the landscape along with twisting rivers, steep cliffs and table top mountains. The panoramic excellence is difficult to beat except perhaps by Corbett a tiger reserve in Northern India. It is the steep cliffs that make the difference and surprise visitors as they jut out of plains. The rugged terrain is fascinating dotted with historical remains as caves, shelters, stables, temples. A fort at the top of Bandhavgarh Tiger Forests is on highest grounds.

Tiger rules among the mammals but on safari charismatic mammals like leopard, sloth bear and bison are often encountered. Common elements are the deer, langur monkey and wild boar often seen in company of peacock pheasant. Dholes are elusive but an encounter is memorable as the dainty canid paints the forest with striking golden brown fur and black bushy tail. It looks fragile but is a deadly predator which goes after the deer.

Butterflies frolic in the marshy escapes and shrubs. They are part of an interesting study like the slithering reptiles which are a rare sight except the python. Though out of bounds, the fort is a place to visit whenever it is open. But nevertheless you can visit Shesh Shaiyah a twenty feet reclining Vishnu idol near a pool in a grove. Lord Vishnu idols are scattered all over in zoomorphic avatars as well. Keep a look out for these relics as you visit the park on safari especially the temples and the caves. These tribal establishments where subject to conquests for ages but some are in excellent state of preservation.

The safaris are organized on open jeeps and canter with twelve seats. The excursions start early morning after dawn and halt before lunch time. The evening safari is post noon till little before sunset. The rides allow you to explore and discover wildlife of Bandhavgarh fully during the safari holiday. Just remember to book safari permit much in advance as entry is limited. You can book online at MP State Portal or MPOnline Website. Do not wait till you arrive at the gate since the limit may have reached.

Uday writes often on Indian wildlife especially about the tigers. He works as a naturalist and is fond of travel. Uday also provides search engine optimization service and website contents in English.