Bhopal To Bandhavgarh

Into the tiger's lair - Bandhavgarh National Park

Post by Wanderlust

Access to Bandhavgarh is difficult. One can go either by road from Jabalpur or by Katni but getting to Jabalpur or Katni is itself difficult unless you live in Madhya Pradesh. The road from Jabalpur to Bandhavgarh forest is positively scary and very, very exciting. We traveled the road at dusk – it gets pitch black by 5:45 pm out there – on a road that is cut out of the forest and is not completely unlighted. It was fun. The roads are quite good for most of the way but need considerable improvement over the last few kilometers. And yes, make sure the driver is familiar with the road. Tip: There are three entrances into the forest, the Tala entry which is bound to produce tiger sightings and two other entries which more or less are known to not produce any tigers. The cost of entering via the Tala route is Rs.1,000 per jeep while the other two entrances cost Rs.1,500 and less likely to show tigers. Not because there are no tigers in the two newly-opened areas of the forest, as the guide was at pains to point out to us, but because the tigers in these areas are not used to humans while those in the Tala area of the forest are. Do try and book the Tala entry by internet. Apparently that gets definite bookings. Only 45 vehicles are allowed by the Tala entry, so advance booking by the internet is recommended by all at the forest. Tip: There is a Madhya Pradesh (MP) Tourism office at Jabalpur railway station which is peopled with very helpful officers. We were given extremely courteous service (apart from a good, hot cup of tea) and a couple of maps apart from a car reservation. I have to say the drivers provided by the MP Tourism office were very good. They knew the roads, were courteous, smiling and very good drivers.

Paradise on Earth.

Post by Henna | Aligarh | May 19, 2011

Umaria is 32 Km, Katni is 100 Km., Jabalpur is 200 Km. and Khajuraho is 225 Km.. You must book your all tickets previously and also taxi from Railway Station or Airport to Bandhavgarh, Your resort will help you to book taxi.

Land of tigers and much more!

Post by anupam | Raipur | Apr 1, 2009

We went from Raipur to Umaria (which is the closest railway station-around 30 km) and were picked up from Umaria and in fact we had to cross the jungle to reach the hotel (Saw a civet cat near a mahua tree..they are rarely seen during normal safari). Keep warm clothing handy even in March.