With an area of only 448 square km, Bandhavgarh National Park may be one of the smallest parks in India, 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, leopard etc – roams amid the grasslands, rocky terrain and the waterholes. The ruin of an ancient fort on an 800 meter high cliff is often turn into a convenient resting place for tiger families.

Satna is the most convenient railway station. Umaria, 32 km away, on Katni-Bilaspur route, may be nearest but receives mostly local passenger trains.

Buses, private cars and shared jeeps are available from Satna to Tala, the entry point to Bandhavgarh National Park. The distance of 120 km is covered almost in four and half hours. Car rental is Rs 300/- and jeep fare is Rs 15/- per hour.

Nearest airport is Jabalpur, 175 km away.

The park remains open between 1 November and 30 June. November to March is the most enjoyable time to visit the place. The period between April and June is quite warm here; however chances of seeing the tigers are high during this time.

Madhya Pradesh Tourism’s White Tiger Forest Lodge
Tel: (07653) 265308, 265366
Rent: Non-AC double-bedroom costs Rs. 1,990/-; AC double-bedroom costs Rs. 2,490/-. Both the rents are inclusive of breakfast and two meals.

Bandhavgarh Safari Camp
Tel: (07653) 65317

Tiger Lodge
Kumkum Home
Tel: (07653) 65328

V Patel Lodge
Tel: (07653) 65323

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