Bandavgarh

With an area of only 448 square kilometres, Bandavgarh National Park may be one of the smallest parks but has the highest concentration of tigers. Located in the central highlands of Madhya Pradesh, the park has an impressive layout. The wildlife-- several kinds of deer, nilgai, wild boar, tiger, leopards etc-- are found along the grasslands, rocky terrain and the waterholes. The ruins of an ancient fort on a 800 metre high cliff can be seen and sometimes tiger families find it very convenient to rest here. The most convenient way to see the forest is by taking the dawn and dusk rides by a jeep or a Maruti Gypsy and avail the tiger show whenever it is held.

BASICS

STD Code: 07653

Airport: Jabalpur and Khajuraho.
Rail: Satna, is the most convenient railway station. Umaria, 32 kilometres away, on Katni-Bilaspur route, may be nearest but receives mostly local passenger trains.
Road: Major distances:
Satna-- 117 kilometres
Japalpur-- 175 kilometres

Best time: The Park remains open between 1 November and 30 June. December to March is very pleasant. April to June can be very hot but offers a better chance of seeing the tiger.

Accommodation: Madhya Pradesh Tourism's White Tiger Forest Lodge (Tel: 65308) is fine but those on a splurge mode can opt for Bandavgarh Safari Camp-- the erstwhile Royal Hunting Lodge (Tel: 65322) or Bandavgarh Jungle Lodge (Tel: 65317). Tiger Lodge, Kumkum Home (Tel: 65328) and V Patel Lodge (Tel: 65323) are middling places.

Jungle Transport: Jeeps/Maruti Gypsies available on hire.

Contact: Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation
Hotel Bharhut, Satna.
Tel: (07672) 26071.