Bandhavgarh is unique preserve which has stood testimony to existence of human civilizations deep in its inner recess. The tallest structure in terms of popularity is the Bandhavgarh Fort situated on the highest hill. The hill is about 800 MSL and named as Bandhavgarh after the fort.
The fort was supposed to be a gift from brother Ram to Laxman hence the name. An ancient Ram Janki Laxman resides on the edge of the hill. The statues of Lord Vishnu carved out of the rocks depict the Lord in zoomorphic form. A number of large reservoirs are situated in the precincts of the Fort which lies in complete ruins. The Fort was ruled by many dynasties that came to rule this region. The last dynasty was that of the Baghels who turned this into a hunting preserve till it became a Government property after independence of India.
as you descend the mountain you are met with an amazing spectacle. Shesh Saiyya is a statue of reclining Vishnu about 20 feet long and an architectural marvel. It lies besides a man made pool that is fed by perennial springs from the mountain. It is surrounded by vegetation that comprises of ferns, vines, climbers and shrubs. The man grove shelters the pool and accords it a cool environment that must have been used by soldiers to escape the heat of the simmering summer sun.
The horse stable carved out of the mountain wall offered rest to the weary horses of the soldier on the way up to the mountain. These are scattered all over the park along with a number of small and big caves. Temples in ruins are also seen whence on tiger safari in Bandhavgarh. The Badi Gufa is a chambered cave and the largest. The purpose is of course shelter for soldiers and the travelers to meet the King.
Most of the caves appear to be primitive structures without any carvings of artifacts but some contain ancient Brahmi Script carved on the inner walls. Some of the popular caves are the Sandy Cave, King’s Horse Cave, Marwaha, Chatara, Yogi Koh and Sarthik.
Sita Mandap in the core area is a natural arch made of eroded rock with a perennial stream that flows underneath it. This is the favorite resting place of the tigers. This is where the famous tigress of Bandhavgarh was first seen and perhaps took birth in the confines of this natural rock formation. Hence the legendary tigress was named Sita who grew up to populate the preserve with at least six litters.
History of Bandhavgarh accords an alternate dimension of tiger tourism in Madhya Pradesh. The fort and Shesh Shaiyya are must visit places in the preserve. A prior permission is required for visiting the fort. Contact the forest department or even the hotels in Bandhavgarh National Park to organize this trip. So request the manager of your resorts for necessary arrangement. Nearly a whole day is required to visit the fort so carry ample water and food during the visit.
The tiger reserve is accessible from New Delhi by overnight train to Umaria about 32 km from Tala Gate. It is about 170 km from Jabalpur Airport which is well connected with New Delhi by many overnight trains. The distance between Bandhavgarh and Khajuraho is about six to seven hours car ride.
Wildlife of India 