Heighten Safari at Bandhavgarh With Look At Its History

Most of the people visiting Bandhavgarh have no inclination of history that was carved in stone here. The fort and statues of Lord Vishnu besides many structures originally built by the Gonds were subject to additions by subsequent dynasties the came to rule here.

All across the forests on the mountains tops and slopes you will find structures like courts, horse stables, caves and rooms and of course you will see stone wall  encricling the mountain Bandhavgarh, it is home to the fort, shesh shaiyya and the zoomorphic idols of Lord Vishnu. Another striking feature of the place is twelve manmade impressivly large reservoirs.

Unfortunately the fort is out of bound for tourists as the tourism area has been curbed. But the safari jeep can still climb upto Sesh Shaiyya which is a twenty feet reclining statue of Lord Vishnu. From here you can get a good view of the forests and the little twisting revulets that originate in the mountain.

Sidh Baba Temple

Charanganga the life line of the park along with other rivultes emerges from Bandhavgarh mountain at 800 MSL. It twines around the mountain, forests and marshy meadows to create a picturesque spectacle. Incidentally the Tala Zone where this river flows is one of the most scenic besides offering good view of the steep cliffs and the sun that sets and rise to create a mesmerizing grandeur.

The Tala one is a prime tiger habitat with plenty of breeding females and dominent males each gaurding his territory. A number of deer species can be sighted on jeep safari including the antelope Nilgai. Bisons are making a recovery after having been transported from neighbouring Kanha National Park.

With luck you can see the elusive leopard or the sloth bear. Wild dogs make a frequent appearance and they are a challenge to the tiger. Birds are plentiful and this National Park is a birders paradise.

The park is divided into zones for tourism and all the zones are rewarding as far as wildlife watching is concerned. But for exotic sight of forests and human civilization a visit to Tala is a must.

Tiger – Monu Dubey

If you ever visit this enchanting destination take an all round tour. Though confined to small area Bandhavgarh National Park offers best tiger sightings. The whole tiger reserve is large contained in an area of more than eleven hundred square kilometres.

You can drive down to this magical kingdom from Khajuraho Temples or from Kanha Tiger Reserve. Those who wish to reach straight can fly down to Jabalpur Airport from New Delhi the capital city of India.

Bandhavgarh Niche Habitats

For regular visitors to Bandhavgarh the niche habitats creates deeper interest in the National Park. They bring about greater understanding of the whole ecosystem.   On my many visits apart from animal watching I take deep interest in these unique niches with characteristic beauty.

Sidha Baba

The very first is the site of Lord Shiva Lingam called Sidh Baba. This is the spot frequented by tigers that cross over the adjacent meadow. Visitors and wildlife photographers and film makers stop here to pray. This is to ask for success in their endeavour from Lord Shiva. The lingam is perhaps as old as the fort at the top.

Chakradhara Meadow

Inundated by passing Charanganga River this is the finest specimen of marshy meadow. The grasslands are habitat of the prey species that are hunted by the tigers here. This offers a thrilling spectacle of the hunted and the hunter. The mountain rivers crosses over to the side of another mountain forming a small deep passage which offers succor to the big cats during the hot summers.

Gopalpur Pond

This is an ideal place for birding especially the migrants that arrive here in the winters. This is preferred spot for tigers during the summers and the surroundings are ideal for waiting for thirsty prey to arrive. Many tigresses have made this their regular haunt.

Badi Gufa – Big Cave

For bat lovers this is an ideal haunt. The cave is carved out of an igneous rock and acted as court chambers for the rulers in 10th Century AD. The walls contain colony of bats as well as Brahmi script. The cave is grilled so that big cats and other animals do not enter it in absence of humans.

Sesh Shayya

The reclining Lord Vishnu carved out of rock is twenty feet long. The pool on the right is inundated by number of trickles that seep down from the Bandhavgarh Mountain eventually flowing downhill as Charanganga River. The surrounding canopy of dense Sal is an ideal breeding ground of the tigers.

 

Ketkiya Breaks (Aromatic Kewara)

The aromatic kewara plants thrive here in wild abundance forming a unique habitat. The tall stands of Arjun and Jamun Trees support the shrubs to grow well.

Bhitari Bah (Meadow)

Fed by Bhitari rivulet the slush formation is supported grass and buch a medicinal herb. The niche is supported by Jamun and Arjun Trees.  The slush filled grassland is preferred by the deer to forage giving ample opportunity for big cats on hunt.

Sita Mandap (Arch)

The arch is a unique geological formation under which a stream flows to form a pool at distance. A number of rock and cave formations give the place a unique importance. Though closed for visitors one can have a look downstream. Tigers inhabit this spot hence it is not accessible by humans.

The destination abounds in niche habitats through the park. An extensive exploration of Bandhavgarh could result in amazing discoveries. Good thing is these places have not gone unnoticed and are now preserved forever. The formation of Bandhavgarh National Park and its declaration as protected are has been a boon. Many such unfortunate places have been lost due to human encroachment and destruction of forests.

Cubs Of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Bandhavgarh needs no introduction at least for those well entrenched into Indian wildlife. At the moment as of year 2015 there are 20 plus cubs in the tiger reserve. Tigers are prolific breeders and in the protected areas of India the survival rate is impressive. On the discussion with many experts on tigers the survival rates at times could be as much as hundred percent. Hence in the tiger reserves like Bandhavgarh the population of the big cats has successfully risen since the inception of protection.

We developed and secured ecosystems is the key to the survival of big cats in the World and the country has gradually succeeded in establishing more than forty eight tiger reserves and many protected areas. Albeit there are reserves with poor management, poaching and man animal conflict the overall success has been impressive with more than 2200 tigers in India. This figure is an increase over figures prevailing earlier.

Due to dense canopy in many parts of the park the cubs are assured of safe havens. The protective zeal of a possessive mother is another key factor of successful breeding. For young cubs almost all predators can kill and consume. But as the cubs grow older the are a match for many. The intelligent and caring upbringing assures that the young tigers are able to fend for themselves by the time they are about two years old. They are able hunt independently and to carve out their own  territory.

Tala Zone

Banbai female 01 cubs

Rajbehra area 4 cubs

Chakdhara 03 Cubs

Mirchni female expected 03 cubs not confirm yet

Magdhi Zone

Patiha area 3 Cubs

Jobi area 03 Cubs

Khitauli Zone

Nigha Nala area 03 Cubs

Dham Dhama area 03 cubs

Marjadh Garh Khitauli zone 03 cubs

Tigers breed year around but I have seen active mating in winters thanks to the comfort factors in this period. It takes about three days of mating for the tigress to get impregnated. The gestation period is of  three months and the female has to fend for herself and the cubs for about two years or more when the young ones separate. Females are ready to mate after period of every two and half years. Till then dominant male tiger keep the family safe by guarding the territory.

Here is an estimate of cubs present in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in MP in India. The figures are limited to the tree tourist zones which are very well protected. The estimate of cubs surviving in the buffer zone and connected forest is not given here.Teerath Singh organizes package tours to all the reserves in India. He also offers packages for wildlife photography in India. He is himself a good photographer with many publications to his name. He has earlier worked as a nature guide and then
entered business of a tour operator.

Wild Animal Photographs at Bandhavgarh

 

Tiger at Water Hole

Male Bengal Tiger

Male Tiger at Bandhavgarh National Park

young tiger

tiger family

Female Tiger at Bandhavgarh

Jungle Cat

Tiger in Grassland

Sloth Bear Photo

Flycatcher Bird Bandhavgarh

 

Find above beautiful tiger and nature images from Gagan Gahlot. He is an enthusiastic photographer and nature lover. He own a luxury resort at Bandhavgarh called TigerGarh. Leaving his earlier profession as a banker he established Tigergarh in order to serve those on tiger safari and to fulfill his passion.

Here are some of his images that he has captured in Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

Bison Trans Location Bandhavgarh National Park

Our conversation with Mr. Sandeep Agarwal a veterinarian at Kanha National Park was an eye opener. I was at Courtyard House Kanha along with retired PCCF of Jharkhand and a senior member of State Forest Division in Madhya Pradesh.

The preface to the story is that the bison in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve became extinct few years back. This was perhaps due to possible out break of disease from local livestock or reduction in population. As far as it is known there were no cases of poaching recorded within or outside the reserve.

The extinction of bison a coarse feeder was a major set back to conservation efforts at the tiger reserve. This created a vital gap in the ecosystem.  During my visit to the reserve in the seventies about sixty two heads of this animal were regularly seen at Raj Bohera Meadow as well as at Bhadrasila Tank. In the subsequent years the numbers declined in spite of protection awarded. It appears that no scientific studies nor extensive research was conducted to save the coarse feeder.

Also known as gaur the animal lost ground and became locally extinct. This was perhaps the last population in and around Bandhavgarh. There were reports of gaur having migrated to GhunGhuti Forests near by but there was no substance. Why would this animal leave a well maintained ecosystem?

{Ghunghuti Forests are categorized as reserve forests and not included in the Project Tiger Program. Recently a cowherd was mauled to death by a tiger here. }

After recent success achieved in trans location of tiger to Panna National Park the shifting of this animal to Bandhavgarh was imminent. Hence about fifty heads were trans located from Kanha National Park in MP. The decision was taken on the basis that these animals were thriving in Kanha. The trans located animals were at first kept in a large pen bounded with strong fence for some time.  This was done so that the animals could acclimatize to the new ecosystem.

The animals have now settled well and reproduced successfully. There number is reported to eighty heads along with the calves. The project was a great success,

Bison at Bandhavgarh

a vital element of the ecosystem has been restored at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in MP in India.

Interesting Images of Wildlife in Central Indian Tiger Reserves

Image Courtesy MP Tiger Safari Teerath Singh

Indian Marsh Crocodile
Great Thicknee
Telia Cubs Tadoba
Tiger in Tadoba Tiger Reserve
Munna Tiger Kanha
Vultures in Panna Tiger Reserve

 

Muchmucha Lodge Pictures

Muchmucha Lodge is situated about 47 km from Bandhavgarh National Park. It is one of the finest birding destination and ideal for animal watching. The Lodge is an Indian Style Kothi built in 1935.
For more information read about muchamucha accommodation.

Teerath Singh Images

Teerath Singh based in Bandhavgarh operates tiger safari packages all over MP State in Central India. He is also a wildlife photographer and nature enthusiast. Find some of his images here.

Muchmucha – Bandhavgarh Birding

Bandhavgarh is a well known tiger reserve in Central India. It is situated in Umaria District of Madhya Pradesh. This wildlife refuge is popular for tiger safari and big game watching in India.

The preserve is also popular for birding but lives under the shadow of its magnificent tigers. Hence bird watching is not highlighted in this park. A number of visitors come here for this activity in winters. The core or tourism zone is a mixture dense forest and marshy grasslands which support forest birds but few wetland species.

Hence places like Muchmucha near the park are more popular with birders. The diverse habitats in vicinity make birding more fruitful here. The Old Hunting Lodge at Muchmucha is surrounded by dense forests, scrub, secondary forests, fields and wetlands all near one an other.  This kind of  habitat supports  more bird species than the core zone.

Unlike the hotels in Bandhavgarh which are based at Tala Gate and provide accommodation along with modern amenities. The Mucmucha stay provides a unique tiger safari and birding  option.

The ethnic Kothi at Muchmucha as it is often referred lies about forty km from the core zone.  Built in nineteen thirty five  it provided accommodation in Bandhavgarh to shikaris and nature lovers. The lodge is now occupied mostly by birders and wildlife lovers coming from far and wide.

Indiana Safari the company that runs the lodge provides trained naturalist and birding guide. Since the destination is rich in wildlife many nature photographers  seek a stay here.

Ancient Architecture at Bandhvgarh National Park

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.