Bandhavgarh National Park Safari

Bandhavgarh National Park Safari Timings

Safari Zones in Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park has been divided into two kinds of zones in its total area of 1536 square kilometres. The two zones - The core zones and the Buffer zones are divided according to animal movements; core zones have higher animal movement, especially of the predators, while the Buffer zones have less. You are assigned a specific zone on your entry to the park and you can only be within the boundaries of that specific zone. There are also several distinctive rules in different zones. So let's know more about the different zones and make your wildlife tourism perfect.

Popular Core Safari Zones in Bandhavgarh

The core zones are the main zones of the Jungle with most of the animal movement in it. The conservation of wildlife and natural resources are protected here thus there is no human habitation allowed. Core zones have much limited tourist movements that allow both wildlife to stay ideal and ensure more human safety.

There are three core zones in Bandhavgarh National Park all of which are accessible through Jeep safaris. Out of the three, the Tala and Magadhi core zones are more popular due to high tiger sightings.

Tala Safari Zone Bandhavgarh

Tala is the most popular zone for safari in the whole Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The highest tiger sightings are reported from this zone. This tiger zone has a major forest area covered with sal trees and grasslands. Rajbhra and Chakradhara are popular meadows ideal for tiger sightings. Along with this, Tala zone has a number of attractions including the most popular and historical Bandhavgarh Fort. It is said that Lord Ram had given this fort to his younger sibling Lakshman as a gift. Tala core zone got its name from the Tala village. The entry gate of Tala is the main gate of the whole Bandhavgarh safari area and the ticket counter is here.

• Entry Gate: Tala entry point/ Gate number 1
• Tiger Sighting Chances: High
• Maximum Number of Vehicles: Morning - 28, Evening - 27
• Popular Attractions in This Zone : Bandhavgarh Fort, Shesh Shaiya (idol of lord Vishnu), Bari Gufa, Sita mandap, Gopalpur pond, three cave points, etc.

Magadhi Safari Zone Bandhavgarh

Adjoining the Tala zone is the Magadhi core zone which is another great Bandhavgarh National Park Safari zone for tiger sightings. It is about 8-10 km from the entry point of Tala and even shares some territory with the Tala core zone. Apart from the tiger sightings, Magadhi is popular for the Charger Point, named after Charger, who was the most popular tiger that once lived in these territories. Magadhi core area has several man-made water-holes that work as the hotspot of tiger sightings in the summer. Murdhawa, Dabhadol tank, Sookhi Talab, Sookhi dam, Mehman Pond, and others.

• Entry Gate: Magadhi entry point/ Gate number 2
• Tiger Sighting Chances: High
• Maximum Number of Vehicles: Morning - 26, Evening - 25
• Popular Attractions in This Zone: Charger Point, Climber's Point, Dinosaur Rock, Rajbehra, Patiha Camp, Dahua Tower, etc.

Khitauli Safari Zone Bandhavgarh

The western part of Bandhavgarh National Park, Khitauli core zone, is the third core zone that allows tiger sightings in the wild of Bandhavgarh. This core zone is opposite the Magadhi zone and is 5 km from the Tala entry point. Khitauli core zone has a dry-deciduous forest in most parts and several grass meadows. Although it has offered fewer tiger sightings compared to the other two core zones, it has abundant wildlife and herbivorous animals such as the migrant wild elephants. Also, Khitauli has the most dense forest and no hilly terrain which makes it the best place for bird watching.

• Entry Gate: Khitauli entry point/ Gate number 3
• Tiger Sighting Chances: Moderate
• Maximum Number of Vehicles: Morning - 21, Evening - 20
• Popular Attractions in This Zone - the Umrai River, Marjadgarh Tower, Nigahi Nala, Garhpuri Dam, Charki Dongri, etc.

Buffer Zones in Bandhavgarh National Park

The buffer zone is the area that surrounds the core zones of Bandhavgarh National Park. In an area of 820 square kilometres, this buffer area allows more tourist movements than in the core zones. However the buffer zone has very slight chances of tiger sightings, still, Bandhavgarh wildlife safari in these extensively dense wildlife that has many other animals is not something one cannot admire. Due to rarer predators, these zones provide some great benefits to tourists. Buffer zones are open throughout the year for visits and can easily be booked even some days before the visit. Also, the Bandhavgarh National Park's buffer zones have walking safaris and Night safari which provide great wildlife experiences with nocturnal animals and bird sightings. There are three Buffer zones in Bandhavgarh National Park which are the Dhamokar, Johila, and Panpatha buffer areas.

Panpatha Safari Zone Bandhavgarh

Panpatha buffer zone adjoining the Khitauli core zone is a big northern part of Bandhavgarh National Park. A rich forest area is home to diverse wild animals which you can easily see in the early morning and evening hours. This zone can be accessed by Jeep Safari which has a tour of 3-4 hours. This buffer zone has its entry gate from Pachpedi and the safari route starts from Pachpedi and ends at Khitauli.

Dhamokhar Safari Zone Bandhavgarh

Dhanokar, the southwestern buffer zone of Bandhavgarh National Park is an extension of the Magadhi Core Zone accessible from the Parasi entry point. Dhanokar Buffer Zone is famous for leopard and Sloth bear sightings in its forest area. Ticket slots to the buffer zones could also be booked a couple of days prior to the visit. Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park’s Dhamokhar buffer zone starts from Parasi to Badawar and it covers Jamunia, Jhaanjh, Mudgudi, Kehrawah, Kadewaha, Kudarmada, Sahu, Taal, Shimada, Madehavah, Kalwahdhaar and Badawar.

Johila Safari Zone Bandhavgarh

The Johila buffer zone of Bandhavgarh safari area shares the eastern boundaries of the Tala Core Zone. Accessible from the Cechpur/Gajwahi gate this buffer zone has a dense forest that has rivers, waterfalls, and serene nature scenic spots. Johila Falls and Kuthulia Falls are two famous spots in this buffer zone. The favourable ecosystem of Johila makes it a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The Jeep safari in the Johila Buffer zone starts from Chechpur and ends at Gajwahi.

Bandhavgarh Safari Travel Tips

• Book Your Trip in Advance: Bookings to the permit start 60-120 days prior so book your Bandhavgarh jungle safari tour always in advance.
• Best Time for Tiger Sightings: The park is usually closed during the monsoon season (July to October) and open in the rest of the months. However, the best time for tiger sightings is in summer when they come out in search of water near lakes.
• Clothing and Gear: Wear comfortable, earth-toned clothing to blend into the surroundings. Don't forget a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Binoculars and a good camera with zoom capabilities will add to the perks.
• Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from animals, do not litter, disturb animals, or damage vegetation and follow your guide's instructions. Wildlife is unpredictable, so be cautious and avoid any sudden movements or loud noises.
• Accommodation: There are various lodging options available near the park, ranging from luxury resorts to budget lodges. Book your stay in advance, especially during peak seasons and book your stay closer to the National Park to reach there quickly before your safari timing.
• Transportation: The nearest major airport is Jabalpur Airport. You can also reach the park via train or road. Plan your transportation accordingly.

Remember, the primary goal when visiting Bandhavgarh National Park is to appreciate and enjoy the natural beauty while minimising your impact on the environment. Enjoy your wildlife adventure responsibly!