Bandhavgarh
National Park
Set amongst the Vindhyas, in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is a small national
park, but with the highest known density of tiger population in India. This
is also known as White Tiger territory. These have been found in the old state
of Rewa for many years. The other species found in abundance in Bandhavgarh
are the gaur or Indian bison, the sambar, the barking deer and the nilgai.
The Park is spread over an area of 437 sq. km.The terrain is made of rocky hills,
sal forests and grazing areas, formerly agricultural land. The finest of these
hills is the Bandhavgarh hill, and on its highest point stands Bandhavgarh Fort.
Though no records remain to show when the fort was constructed, it is believed
to be about 2000 years old. Several dynasties have ruled the fort: for example,
the Maghas from the 1st century A.D, the Vakatakas from the 3rd century; the
Sengars from the 5th century, and the Kalachuris from the 10th century.The oldest
signs of habitation, are the caves dug into the sandstone, near the fort. Several
of these contain Brahmi inscriptions dating from the 1st century B.C. Prior
to becoming a National Park, the forest range around the region had been maintained
as a Shikargarh, or game preserve, of the Maharajahs of Rewa. It was only in
1968, that the area was declared as a National Park. Since then, stringent steps
have been taken to retain it as an unspoilt natural habitat.
There are more than 22 species of mammals, and 250 species of birds. Some of
the inhabitants of this park are the rhesus macaque, the black-faced langur,
jungle cats, chinkara, black buck, munjtac and the chital. The Park attracts
many migratory birds in the winter months, that include the steppe eagle and
a variety of wildfowl. Reptilian fauna include cobra, krait, python, turtle
and a variety of lizards. The Bandhavgarh National Park has excellent game and
bird viewing to offer, coupled with a fascinating historical element to it,
thus satiating those adventurous at heart, completely.
The park can be explored on elephant back (also, a much preferred means of tiger-tracking)
or in a vehicle. Jeep safaris are best undertaken, from dawn till about 10a.m,
and from 4 p.m till dusk, as the animals are quite active during these periods.
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