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Bandhavgarh National Park is nestled in the Vindhya mountain range of Central India full of hills and reverines. Though, very small in comparison to Kanha or other parks of Madhya Pradesh, the park hosts almost the same number of tigers or any other wildlife animal. Apart from tigers and leopards, Bandhavgarh is also extremely productive for medium-sized bison herds.
Bandhavgarh came into existence as a national park in 1968 with a core area of 105 sq. km, which was later extended to include two adjoining sal forests in 1986. Before becoming a national park, it was the game reserve of the Maharajas of Rewa. But due to loss of royal patronage, it remained neglected for a long time until the government declared it a national park to control rampant poaching in the area.
| Fast Facts |
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| Area |
450 sq. km (Core area: 105 sq. km) |
| Altitude |
800 m above sea level |
| Annual Rainfall |
1,500 mm |
| Temperature range |
42°C to 2°C |
| Best time to visit |
February-June (Closed 1 July-31 October) |
| State Capital: |
07653 |
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History:
Bandhavgarh has a very deep-rooted importance of it's own in the history and mythology of India. Looming high over the entire park and located in the State of Madhya Pradesh, the fort of Bandhavgarh dates back to the mythological era of Rama and Hanuman from the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is said that the two monkeys who created the "setu", or bridge, between India and Lanka to enable Rama to cross over and vanquish the demon king, Ravan, were also the architects of the Bandhavgarh fort. This fort was used by Rama and Hanuman on their journey back to their kingdom from Lanka. This fort was later handed over by Rama to his brother Lakshmana who came to be known as the "Bandhavdhish", lord of the fort.
Maharaja of Rewa presently owns the fort. In the northern area of the fort one comes across caves dug into sandstone and carry "brahmi" inscriptions dating back to the 1st century BC. The Chandela kings of bundelkhand, who are famous for the Khajuraho Temples built by them, also ruled Bandhavgarh. The ancestors of the Maharaja of Rewa were the Baghela Kings who started their rule here in the 12th century. Bandavgarh was the capital of their dynasty till 1617 after which it moved to Rewa, which was 120 km to the North. Due to this moving of the capital, Bandhavgarh went through a period of neglect in the times to follow
Best Season, Climate, and Clothing:
Summers start here in April and continues till June. The temperature touches the high of around 42°C. But these are also the months when you can look forward to sighting tigers and leopard. December to February is the best months climate wise, while the weather is cool and present. The park is closed during the monsoon season, which also coincides with the breeding season, from June till November. Another reason for closure during this season is the torrential rainfall washing away most of the jungle tracks.
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