One of India's most important tiger reserves, this National Park is surrounded by rugged hills and dense deciduous forest, interspersed with marshes and meadows. Apart from the tigers you can see leopards, deer, jungle cats and wild dogs. The scenic beauty is complemented by the ruins of the impressive Bandhavgarh fort on top of a hill. The entire area is also excellent for bird watching.

How to get to Bandhavgarh:
Nearest airport: Jabalpur or Khajuraho.
Nearest station:  Umaria 
By road - Drive to Gwalior and on to Umaria.

When to go - For the best weather, visit during Nov to March; however the best animal sightings are made in the hot months of May and June. The park is closed from Jul to Oct.

Permits available from: Field Director, Umaria. Tel: 07653-222214

KANHA NATIONAL PARK

This is one of the forests where Rudyard Kipling roamed and of course is famous for the royal beast - the tiger. The park is divided into the Mukki and Kisli ranges, and lies across the valley of the Banjar River, surrounded by the Satpura hills. Sal, bamboo and other trees, form the dense vegetation, along with the tall grass in which the tiger lives. Other famous animals of this region are the barasingha or swamp deer, and the wild dogs or dhole. The best way to spot tigers is on elephant back, so be sure to book an elephant safari organized by the forest department.

How to get to Kanha:
Nearest airport: Jabalpur or Raipur.
Nearest station:  Jabalpur
By road - Drive to the Mukki gate from Nagpur or Raipur, while the Kisli gate is reached via the NH12A from Jabalpur .

When to go - The best time to go is Nov to Mar; winters are chilly and summers are very hot. The park is closed from Jul 1 to Sep 30.

Permits available from: Field Director, Project Tiger, PO Mandia. Tel: 07642-250760.