Primary Himalayan forests unlimited! From foothill to 3200 meter. Combine it with the inner valleys and a snow-covered pass at 4200 meter and the low terai where the highlands meet the plains. Best birding road of the world?
As professional photographers our needs are many and specific, but your office staff, guides and drivers worked in concert to meet our constant demands.We appreciate your expertise and friendly customer service for making our trips to India so successful. Jami Tarris & Theo Allofs, Canada - 2007
Prior to becoming a National Park in 1968, Bandhavgarh was maintained as a Shikargah (game preserve) of the Maharajas of Rewa. Situated in Central India, Bandhavgarh is spread over ridges and valleys of the northern flank of the Vindhya Range. Its forested hills and lush low-lying meadows are dominated by a large, high rock plateau, which forms a natural fortress. According to local legend, the ancient fort atop its highest peak was gifted by Lord Rama to his younger brother Lakshmana, hence the name Bandhavgarh - bandhav-brother, garh-fort.
Extending over an area of 437-sq. km, Bandhavgrah has the highest density of tigers in the world and is indeed the best reserve in India for viewing tigers, making it the preferred destination for photographers. Bandhavgarh was once home to white tigers and is hence also known as White Tiger Territory. The erstwhile ruler of Rewa captured the last known species 'Mohan' in 1951, which is now stuffed and on display in his palace. While in Bandhavgarh, you could also explore the numerous caves replete with ancient inscriptions.
Fauna:
Other predators you might see at Bandhavgarh are the Leopard, Wolf and Wild Dog. The lesser predators in Bandhavgarh include the Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Hyena, Jackal, Indian Fox, Ratel, Palm Civet and Mongoose. The prey base of the park comprises of an abundant population of Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Indian Gazelle, Wild Boar and the Chausingha, the only Four-Horned Antelope in the world. Other mammals found in Bandhavgarh are the Sloth Bear, Pangolin, Porcupine and a variety of bats. Primates include the Common Langur and Rhesus Macaque.
Bandhavgarh national park is home to over 250 bird species, including raptors like Northern Goshawks, Bonelli's Eagle, Eurasian Sparrowhawk and Shahin Falcon. The vocal Malabar Pied Hornbill is a much sought after species and can be seen at the edge of the fort. Other birds found here are the Wood Sandpiper, Grey Nightjar, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Blue Bearded Bee-eater, Ashy-Crowned Sparrow Lark, Gold-fronted Leafbird, Blacked Naped Monarch, Long Billed Pipit, Orange Headed Thrush and the Forest Wagtail.
Flora:
The Bandhavgarh forest has a complex tapestry of habitats dominated by typically tropical moist deciduous Sal (Shorea Robusta) and bamboo, interspersed with marshes and meadows.
Fact sheet:
State : Madhya Pradesh Area : 1161 sq. km (Combining Core and buffer forest) Altitude : 440 to 811 m above mean sea level Vegetation : Tropical moist deciduous, dry deciduous and scrub Water resources : Son, Umrar rivers and numerous rain fed streams Winter : November to mid-February Summer : April to mid-June Monsoon : June to September Rainfall : 1175 mm Temperature : Min 2°C - Max 40°C
