Dreaming of a jeep safari through the hilly, historic forest of Bandhavgarh National Park – one of the best places to spot tigers in India due to their high population density?
If you are planning your safari adventure, understanding the booking process in advance can help you secure the best zones and safari slots, especially during the peak travel season.
In this step-by-step guide, we explain how to book safari online in 2026, including permit types, safari zones, tatkal bookings, cancellation rules, and important tips to make your wildlife journey smooth and hassle-free.
Step-by-Step Guide How to Booking a Bandhavgarh Safari Online
Step 1: Visit the Official MP Safari Booking Website
Visitors can book all their jungle safaris across different tiger reserves via the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department booking portal – https://forest.mponline.gov.in
Jeep safaris open 120 days in advance. Since Bandhavgarh is a popular park, core safaris tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak season from November to April. Though this reserve is open year round, core zones shut for three months (July to September) in the monsoon.
If you want to know about the best gates and zones in Bandhavgarh, then click on the link to read more.
Step 2: Create your User Profile
- Click on User Login on the bottom left corner, followed by Forest New User Registration.
- Register and create your login ID and password. This account will be used for all safari bookings going forward.
- Ensure you have correctly added your mobile number to your profile as you will receive an OTP to book the safari.
Step 3: Select your Park and Choose the Right Safari Permit
- To book your permit, select Book Now → Tiger Reserves.
- An interactive map featuring all of the state’s tiger reserves will pop up. Click on the specific park, in this case, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
- Select your Permit Type (Full Vehicle or Single Seat) and enter your Safari Date to see current availability.
- The current number of vehicles available per zone will be displayed for morning and evening slots. Choose the zone / gate as per your preference. Core zone options include Tala, Magdhi and Khitauli while buffer zone options include Dhamokhar, Johila and Panpatha.
Step 4: Enter Guest Details
Next, enter guest details including full names, age, gender, nationality and upload a valid government ID. Ensure names match their IDs exactly, as changes are not permitted.
Step 5: Make the Payment
- You will be led to the payment gateway. After making the payment, your Bandhavgarh safari permit will be generated.
- Download your safari booking confirmation and remember to carry a copy along with the original ID proof used during booking to the gate at the time of safari.
What is the Difference between a Full Vehicle and Single Seat Safari Permit?
With a Full Vehicle, you can reserve the entire gypsy exclusively for yourself or your group by adding up to six guests’ names to the permit. You do not need to block all the seats individually. This option is best for families, photographers, and travellers desiring privacy and flexibility. You can request for the vehicle to pick you up from the resort you are staying in when you have booked the full jeep.
With the Single Seat selection, you have the option to choose one of six seats in the gypsy. This option is more budget-friendly as guests can book individual seats in a shared safari jeep instead of the whole vehicle. The remaining seats may be occupied by other travellers. You will have to reach the designated gate 15 minutes prior to the entry time to meet the other participants.
Also Read: How to Plan a Tiger Safari in Bandhavgarh: Complete Guide
Permit Cancellations and Modifications
In case additional names need to be added to an existing permit for a full vehicle, this is permissible within 7 days of booking the original permit, and if the safari is more than 30 days away. There is a minimal cancellation fee, following which guests will have to pay for the new permit to be issued again.
If the permit is canceled within 30 days, 50% of the cost will be deducted and the remaining amount refunded. If it is canceled with one week left to the safari, 80% of the permit fee will be cut and the balance 20% refunded.
Pro Tip: Remember to update your bank account details through your profile before canceling the permit for the refund to be processed and remitted to your account manually. It is not automatically transferred to the original payment method used at the time of booking.
How to Book Tatkal Safaris
For visitors who missed booking in advance or made a last-minute plan, Tatkal safaris might be the answer! While the release of tatkal permits isn’t guaranteed and often limited in number, they offer a last-minute option for travelers who could not secure permits earlier or made a spontaneous travel plan.
It is important to note they are more expensive than regular safari bookings, and guests might not be able to choose preferred zones and timings as it depends on what becomes available as per the Forest Department rules.
Tatkal safaris open twice – seven days before the safari at 11 am to book a full vehicle, and one day before at 2 pm for the single seat option.
Also read about Tiger of Bandhavgarh Hidden Facts and Stories.
Book with the Experts
Several tour operators and wildlife lodges like Pugdundee Safaris can help guests with safari bookings and complete travel planning for Bandhavgarh. For a hassle-free wildlife experience, guests staying with us can connect with our reservations team for assistance with safari permits, zone selection, safari logistics, and travel guidance.
If you are also searching for the best places to stay in Bandhavgarh, Kings Lodge offers an immersive jungle experience close to the forest, combining comfort, nature, and responsible wildlife tourism, making your Bandhavgarh safari getaway even more memorable.
About the Author
Pooja is a nature and wildlife enthusiast who finds joy in exploring the wilderness, whether on safari in the forests or hiking in the hills. As a content writer with Pugdundee Safaris, she draws inspiration from nature to craft stories and poetry that connect the human experience with the beauty of the natural world. Through her writing, she hopes to inspire and educate others about the wonders of wildlife and conservation.
