How to Reach Bandhavgarh National Park | A Complete Itinerary For 2024 • Travelothon

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Bandhavgarh National Park, located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India, is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in the country. Known for its high density of Bengal tigers, Bandhavgarh offers an unparalleled experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Whether you’re planning a thrilling safari or a peaceful nature retreat, getting to Bandhavgarh requires some planning. This article provides a detailed, reader-friendly guide on how to reach Bandhavgarh National Park, covering various modes of transportation, key routes, and travel tips.

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Table Of Contents

Overview of Bandhavgarh National Park

Best Time to Visit Bandhavgarh — *Source: bandhavgarh.net*

Bandhavgarh National Park spans an area of 1,536 square kilometers and is divided into three main zones: Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli. Each zone offers unique landscapes and diverse wildlife, making the park a popular destination for safaris.

The park’s history is as rich as its biodiversity, with ancient fort ruins, caves, and carvings scattered throughout the area. Bandhavgarh’s dense forests, open meadows, and water bodies create the perfect habitat for its star attraction—the Bengal tiger.

Best Time to Visit Bandhavgarh

Before planning your journey, it’s important to consider the best time to visit Bandhavgarh:

Winter (October to February): This is the most popular time to visit, with pleasant weather and good chances of spotting tigers and other wildlife.
Summer (March to June): Although the temperatures can soar, summer is the best time for wildlife sightings as animals gather around water sources.
Monsoon (July to September): The park remains closed during the monsoon season due to heavy rains and the breeding season for animals.

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Reaching Bandhavgarh by Air

Flying is the quickest way to reach Bandhavgarh, but since the park doesn’t have an airport, you’ll need to fly into a nearby airport and then continue your journey by road.

Nearest Airports

Jabalpur Airport (Dumna Airport): Located about 160 km from Bandhavgarh, Jabalpur Airport is the most convenient option for reaching the park. The airport is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
Khajuraho Airport: Situated approximately 230 km from Bandhavgarh, this airport serves as another option, especially for those who wish to explore the Khajuraho temples before or after their visit to the park.

Connecting Flights and Transfers

From Jabalpur Airport: Upon arrival at Jabalpur, you can hire a taxi or use a pre-arranged car service to reach Bandhavgarh. The drive takes about 4 to 5 hours through scenic landscapes.
From Khajuraho Airport: A taxi or private car can take you to Bandhavgarh in about 5 to 6 hours, depending on road conditions.

Reaching Bandhavgarh by Train

Traveling by train is a popular and comfortable way to reach Bandhavgarh. Several railway stations are located relatively close to the park, providing convenient access.

Nearest Railway Stations

Umaria Railway Station: The closest railway station, just 35 km from Bandhavgarh. It’s a small station but well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Jabalpur, and Katni.
Katni Railway Station: About 100 km from Bandhavgarh, Katni is a major railway junction with frequent trains from various parts of India.
Jabalpur Railway Station: Located 170 km from Bandhavgarh, this station is a good option if you’re combining your visit with a trip to Jabalpur.

Popular Train Routes

From Delhi:
- Train: Mahakaushal Express
- Route: Delhi – Katni – Umaria
- Travel Time: Approximately 15 hours
From Mumbai:
- Train: Howrah Mail
- Route: Mumbai – Jabalpur – Umaria
- Travel Time: Approximately 20 hours
From Kolkata:
- Train: Shaktipunj Express
- Route: Kolkata – Katni – Umaria
- Travel Time: Approximately 18 hours

Once you arrive at any of these stations, you can hire a taxi or use a car service to reach Bandhavgarh. The travel time from these stations to the park varies from 45 minutes to 4 hours.

Reaching Bandhavgarh by Road

If you enjoy road trips, driving to Bandhavgarh can be an enjoyable experience. The park is accessible via well-maintained highways and roads from several major cities.

Driving from Major Cities

From Jabalpur:
- Distance: 160 km
- Route: Jabalpur – Shahpura – Umaria – Bandhavgarh
- Travel Time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours
From Khajuraho:
- Distance: 230 km
- Route: Khajuraho – Panna – Katni – Bandhavgarh
- Travel Time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
From Bhopal:
- Distance: 450 km
- Route: Bhopal – Sagar – Damoh – Katni – Bandhavgarh
- Travel Time: Approximately 9 to 10 hours

Bus Services and Car Rentals

Bus Services: Regular bus services are available from Jabalpur, Umaria, and Katni to Bandhavgarh. These are usually state-run buses or private operators, and while they are budget-friendly, they may not offer the same comfort and convenience as a taxi or private car.
Car Rentals: For a more comfortable and flexible journey, you can rent a car from Jabalpur, Khajuraho, or any nearby city. Car rentals are available with or without a driver, depending on your preference.

Local Transportation within Bandhavgarh

Once you’ve arrived at Bandhavgarh, getting around is straightforward:

Safari Jeeps: The most common mode of transport within the park is the safari jeep, which can be booked through your hotel or resort. These jeeps are necessary for exploring the park’s zones.
Private Vehicles: Only allowed in specific areas and under certain conditions, so it’s advisable to rely on official safari vehicles.
Bicycles: Some resorts offer bicycles for guests who want to explore nearby areas outside the park.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Advance Bookings: Bandhavgarh is a popular destination, especially during peak season (October to June). It’s advisable to book your safaris, accommodation, and transportation well in advance.
Best Zones for Safaris: The Tala zone is the most famous for tiger sightings, but Magadhi and Khitauli also offer great opportunities for spotting wildlife.
Packing Essentials: Carry light cotton clothes during summer and warm layers during winter. Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, binoculars, and a good camera.
Health Precautions: Carry basic medication and mosquito repellent. It’s also advisable to drink bottled water to avoid any health issues.

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Conclusion

Reaching Bandhavgarh National Park is a journey worth making for any wildlife enthusiast. Whether you choose to fly, take the train, or drive, the experience of witnessing Bandhavgarh’s majestic tigers and diverse wildlife in their natural habitat is unforgettable. With proper planning and consideration of the best routes and travel options, your trip to Bandhavgarh will be both smooth and memorable.