Here’s all that You Need To Know About Gates of Bandhavgarh National Park.
The 3 core gates of Bandhavgarh National Park are Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli. Meanwhile the 3 buffer gates of Bandhavgarh are Dhamokar, Pachpedi and Johila.
CORE GATES OF BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
The core gates of Bandhavgarh National Park are Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli.
1. Tala Gate
Tala gate gives access to Tala zone.
Tala zone is the park’s oldest, the innermost and the most scenic zone. The zone boasts of ample amount of tiger sightings with something in store for every seeker.
2. Magdhi Gate
The Magdhi gate gives access to Magdhi zone.
This zone is a mix of vast spaces of grasslands and dense forest cover.
3. Khitauli Gate
Khitauli gate gives access to Khitauli zone.
Rocky, patchy wooden areas and countless water bodies at every junction describe this core zone.
Now let’s take a closer look at what each core zone has to offer.
a. Tala Zone
Crested inside this core zone, is a natural spring named “Andhiyari Jhiriya”, “Andhiyari” which means dark and “Jhiriya” which means natural spring could be translated to a dark patch of the jungle from where a river originates.
Shesh Shaiya
In Hinduism, Gods can be found anywhere and this holds true for every jungle and this jungle is no different. What makes it special is a 10th-century statue of Lord Vishnu called Shesh Shaiya. The origin of this 35 feet tall mural can be traced down another folklore. Here Lord Vishnu can be seen resting over a seven headed serpent named Sheshnaag, hence the name Shesh Shaiya came to fore.
Shesh Shaiya is the point of origin of the Charan Ganga River, the river which never dries, is the lifeline of the park and many large meadows. Bari Gufa caves from the 10th century are also located here.
There is another ancient temple on top of the hills dedicated to Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman, where many incarnations of lord Vishnu lay around with 12 water bodies. The access to the temple and the top of the hill has been restricted as it comes under the 80% of the restricted area of forest but opens up for pilgrimage twice a year. Once in August as according to the Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was born during this month. And then later in the year in the month of December.
The famous Chakradhara and Rajbehara also lie in this core zone. These scenic beauties will make you feel like the main characters in your own films. Also many tiger documentaries such as ‘The Hunt & Dynasties’ have been shot in these grasslands.
b. Magdhi Zone
A number of natural and manmade water holes like Sukhi Patiha, Dabhadhole, Charkpwaha, Murdhawa are in Magdhi
Charger’s Point
The zone is flourished with several hidden water bodies which are yet to be discovered. This gem of the jungle brings you close to the nature and gives you a magnified look into the lives of birds and mammals. Other popular tourist points in the area are sehra, dabhadol, patheeya, badhrasila, and charger’s point
Charger’s Point is a major tourist attraction in the area. It is a cemetery established in the honour of a tiger named Charger. The tiger got this name because he gave fright to a lot of safari goers by mock charging. The Tiger gave birth to a lot of cubs and tourists specially came here just see a glance of the mighty Charger.
Another interesting point is Dabhadol. It’s a large perennial water body. The word “Dabhadol” in local language means water in surplus quantity.
c. Khitauli Zone
Now we come to the third core zone, which is Khitauli Zone. You’ll be able to notice that it has a lot of bamboo vegetation inside. Forest officials say this zone has comparatively higher density of mammals than the rest of the core zones.
Some of the zones which stand apart are Kumbhi Kacchar, Dharra Talaab, Mura Tara, Nigaha Nala, and Mary Saucer. These regions are the most liked places of this zone.
BUFFER GATES OF BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
1. Parasi Gate
This zone of the National Park is open throughout the year for tourist activities.
Dhamokar Zone can be accessed through Parasi Gate.
2. Pachpedi Gate
This zone forms the perimeter of the core zone Khitauli.
Pachpedi Zone can be accessed through Pachpedi Gate.
3. Cechpur/Gajwahi gate
An extension to Tala zone, Johila buffer’s entry point lies near Chechpur village.
Johila Zone can be Cechpur/Gajwahi gate.
Now let’s take a closer look at what each core zone has to offer.
a. Dhamokar Zone
This zone of the National Park is open throughout the year for tourist activities. It encircles the previously mentioned core zone Magdhi. A minor tourist spot in this zone is a waterfall, named “Jhaanj”. Khadeya Madheya is another spot where people can get down form their jeeps and climb up the watchtower to get a bird’s eye view of the surroundings. Gate number 4 is the nearest gate to this zone.
b. Pachpedi Zone
This zone forms the perimeter of the core zone Khitauli. Blanketed by thePanpatta Range, the zone is home to giant Arjun Trees (Terminalia Arjuna). It also catches eyes due to its landscape like beauty and a free-flowing perennial river “Badhaar”. The nearest gate to this buffer zone is Gate number 5.
c. Johila Zone
An extension to Tala zone, Johila buffer’s entry point lies near Chechpur village. It is 35 km away from Tala village. Named after the scenic Johila waterfall, it’s an attraction for tourists during safari.
MORE ABOUT BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
1. Bandhavgarh National Park: The land of tigers
Once a royal abode to the kings of Bandhavgarh, this majestic forest stills reaps royalty in every way possible. Be it the tall trees hovering the meadows, the big cats displaying their valor or its friendly tribes, Bandhavgarh has something in store for everyone.
Known as Bandhavgarh National Park, this tiger reserve situated in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh has over 135 Royal Bengal Tigers, according to the statistics issued by Government of India. Originating from the Hindi word ‘Bandhav’ and ‘Garh’, it’s literal meaning comes out to be The forest of Brotherhood. The park is spread over an area of 1056 square kilometers, with a rich landscape that includes dense sal forests, grasslands, and rocky terrains, providing an ideal habitat for tigers and other wildlife. Bandhavgarh is not only known for its large tiger population but also for its incredible biodiversity, which includes species such as leopards, wild dogs, elephants, and a variety of deer and antelope. The reserve is considered one of the best places in India to spot tigers in their natural habitat, attracting wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
It is believed that Lord Rama had gifted this vast expanse of land to his younger brother Lakshman. Hence, carrying the legacy of Bandhavgarh, these striped cats never shy away from claiming their right and protecting their territory. Just like band of brothers, these mighty cats own this jungle.
2. Animals of Bandhavgarh National Park
Be it Leopard, sloth bear, spotted deer, sambhar, Indian gaur, jackal, langur, or macaques and over 250 species of birds, Bandhavgarh has it all. However, a group of animals has gradually been making space for themselves in this forest. Known for their magnificent tusks, these are the Earth’s Largest Mammals.
A naturalist from Pugdundee Safaris explained that due to heightened mining activities in Chhattisgarh, this herd migrated to Bandhavgarh and gradually relocated here. And they seem to be liking their new home. But the air filled with growls of tigers, it’s the tigers that rule this land and this makes Bandhavgarh a wonderful ground for the best tiger safaris. To spot a tiger is in itself a rare sight, but this has never stopped wildlife enthusiasts from trying their luck.
3. Tigers of Bandhavgarh National Park
Lying in the heart of India, these tigers are its heartbeats. Geographically, the National Park covers an area of around 1536 sq. km and comes fourth in place in terms of numbers of tigers. Jim Corbett has the highest number of Tigers (260). This vast area of land comprises the Core Zone and Buffer Zone
Legends of Bandhavgarh
Every jungle has its own myths & legends and Bandhavgarh has its own. There’s a local legend believed by villagers here. It is said that if you are not able to spot a tiger, then pray here at this site. It is believed that you will spot a tiger in the same spot after a few days.
What is a core zone and buffer zone?
What is a Core Zone?
The Core Zone is the most protected area within a forest. This area serves as a reservoir for the wildlife, since it is an area with regulated human interference in a small part of the zone. No human habitation is allowed inside the zone & no forest produce is permitted to be extracted.
What is a Buffer Zone?
This acts a buffer between the core and outside habitation. This area surrounds the core and acts as its boundary. The buffer zone is a multi-use area where human habitation and other activities are permitted in a regulated manner.
Written by Richa Dhiryan
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park?
Bandhavgarh National Park remains open throughout the year. The best time to visit the National Park is from October to June. It is to be noted that the core zones remain closed during the monsoon season i.e from 1st July to 30th Sept. Buffer zones remain open throughout the year and is extremely scenic to visit in monsoons.
2. Which is the best zone in Bandhavgarh?
All three core zones are the best zones to visit in Bandhavgarh National Park. All three zones have consistent tiger sightings and other wildlife. The core zones of the National Park are Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli with an area of 716 sq. km and the remaining 820 sq. km is with the 3 Buffer zones.
3. How many days are enough for Bandhavgarh National Park?
A minimum of 3 days are required to visit Bandhavgarh National Park. It’s a paradise for big cat lovers, photographers, and wildlife filmmakers. Bandhavgarh is an abode of wild elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer, Indian gaur, jackal, wild boar, langur, and macaques.
4. Which city is closest to Bandhavgarh National Park?
Jabalpur (190 kms) and Khajuraho (240 kms) are the best-suited airports for Bandhavgarh. On the other hand, Umaria (35 kms), Katni (100 kms) and Jabalpur (190 kms) are well-suited train stations for Bandhavgarh. Taxis can be booked from the hotel you are staying in or from local tour operators.