TourForLess: Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park India

Bandhavgarh National Park is one of India’s national parks, located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. Covering an area of 105 km², Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968 and later became a Tiger Reserve in 1993. The current core area extends over 716 km², while the buffer zone, spread across the forest divisions of Umaria and Katni, totals 820 km². The park takes its name from the most prominent hill in the area, which is said to have been given by the Hindu god Rama to his brother Lakshmana so he could keep watch over Lanka (Ceylon). Hence the name Bandhavgarh, meaning “Brother’s Fort” in Sanskrit. Bandhavgarh has rich biodiversity. The density of tigers here—around eight tigers per square kilometre—is among the highest recorded in India. The park also supports a strong breeding population of leopards and several species of deer. In 1951, Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa captured the first white tiger in this region. This white tiger, Mohan, is now preserved and on display in the palace of the Maharajas of Rewa. Local villagers and their livestock have historically faced threats from tigers, and increasing mining activity around the park is putting further pressure on the tiger population.

Recommended airport

Khajuraho (HJR)

Bandhavgarh National Park, India

Bandhavgarh National Park India