Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the famed tiger abodes of India, is home to the magnificent Tigers of Bandhavgarh, sheltering more than 75 tigers. Spread across a sprawling forested area of 1156 sq. km., Bandhavgarh National Park is known to have one of the highest density of tigers in the world. Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, in Central India.
It is surrounded by the undulating Vindhya hills that are spread over thirty-two rolling hills, untamed grasslands and thriving, sylvan meadows. The park has twelve natural waterholes, several manmade water holes, many historical monuments, and the remains of ancient caves that are witnesses to the two thousand years of history.
With the tiger at the apex of the food chain, Bandhavgarh supports 37 species of mammals, more than 250 species of birds, over 70 species of butterflies, and a large number of reptiles and amphibians.
The three Core zones of Bandhavgarh National Park are Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli with an area of 716 sq. km. The remaining 820 sq. km. are part of the three Buffer zones of Bandhavgarh – Dhamokhar, Johila (Kalwa), and Panpatha (Pachpedi).
Core Zones of Bandhavgarh National Park
1. Tala Zone of Bandhavgarh
It is the most scenic zone with multiple open meadows such as “Chakradhara”, which is known so because it is surrounded by multiple hillocks and is blessed with a healthy number of tigers ruling the area for generations with enough open space for their cubs to play, hunt, and grow.
Another spot in Tala zone which has a very unique characteristic is called the “Andhiyari Jhiriya”. “Andhiyari” means dark and “Jhiriya” means natural spring which defines what it is known for. i.e a dark patch of the jungle from where a river originates. There are 4 more areas from where small natural rivers originate inside this zone. You’ll also be able to peek into the ancient times as this zone has “Bandhavgarh Hill” which is spread across 500 acres, and is nestled at the centre of the zone.
There is an ancient temple on top of it dedicated to Ram, Sita and Laxman. Many incarnations of lord Vishnu lay around the hill 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 two times in 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.
Popular Tigers of Tala Zone
- Bajrang named after one of the Hindu deities who is known for strength, Hanuman. It is 8-9 years old and is popular for being masculinely strong tiger.
- Senior Chakradhara female, aged 9-10 years has been named after a famous meadow which lies within.
- Buffer Wali aged 9 years has endowed this name as she comes from the buffer zone
- Dotty is one of the famous sister duo of Bandhavgarh which included her sister Spotty. She is roughly 10 years old.
2. Magdhi Zone of Bandhavgarh
Very different from both the other core zones, Magdhi is uniquely beautiful with a dense forest coverage and a lot of hidden saucers and water bodies. The proximity of vehicles and the trees is quite close to each other which gives you a magnified look into the lives of birds and mammals. Some of the popular points you’ll hear about during your safaris are sehra, dabhadol, patheeya, badhrasila, and charger’s point.
Charger’s Point being the most prominent, as it has a cemetery which portrays the value of tigers in the lives of people and the forest. The cemetery is made for one of the legendary tigers of Bandhavgarh who was called Charger, because he gave a fright to a lot of safari goers by mock charging. His contribution to the forest, where he fathered a lot of cubs during his lifetime and also promote tourism as people would come to see him, earned him respect of being laid down respectfully.
Another interesting point is Dabhadol. It’s a large water body which does not dry up throughout the year. The word “Dabhadol” itself in local language means water is in surplus quantity.
Popular Tigers of Magdhi zone
- Jamhol is named after one of the water holes where he was frequently seen at the start of his life. He is 7-8 years old
- A Fighter Female aged 4 years got her name for her aggressive antics. She fought with two dominant males of this zone and is bigger than usual females.
- Dabhadol Female has been named after the popular water body “Dabhadol” as she is seen there most of the times. She is about 8 years in age
3. Khitauli Zone of Bandhavgarh
Rocky, patchy wooden areas and countless water bodies at every junction describe this core zone. You’ll also be able to notice that it has a lot of bamboo vegetation inside. According to the forest department officials there have been more mammals recorded on this side of the park. Some of the spots which makes this zone liked most by the people are Kumbhi Kacchar, Dharra Talaab, Mura Tara, Nigaha Nala, and Mary Saucer.
Kumbhi Kacchar is a naturally occurring water body and is one of the main tourist attractions. The temperature stays cool and the vegetation is bright green throughout the year. Another popular spot is “Mary Saucer” named after a village which was abandoned by the farmers. The saucer lets you get a closer look at the majestic tigers when they come to quench their thirst.
Popular Tigers of Khitauli zone
- Ra Female aged 6 years is a very bold tigress who is seldom bothered by the vehicles around her. The alphabet “Ra” in Hindi language, is written on the right side of her forehead hence, the name.
- Dharra Bacchi currently has 2 cubs and is a very cautious mother. 5-year-old tigress was named after the water body where she was seen with her mother when she herself was a cub.
- Pujari is an 8-9-year-old cat known so because he likes to take a bath before going on for his stroll just as a priest does.
- Chota Bheem was named after his father who was one of the biggest at the time and is ruling the same territory as his father did. He is 8-9 years old.
Know More: Tiger Cubs in India
Buffer zones of Bandhavgarh
1. Zone of Bandhavgarh
It’s one of the buffer zones which is open throughout the year for tourism. It lies just outside the boundaries of the core zone Magdhi. There is a famous spot called “Jhaanj” which is a small waterfall. Filled with small villages the area witnesses a decent animal movement. Khadeya Madheya is another spot where people can get down and climb up the watchtower to get a bird’s eye view of the surroundings.
Popular Tigers of Dhamokar Zone
- Ra Male Cub aged 4 years, was born to her mother ‘Ra’ in Khitauli, but now lives in Dhamokar. He is not as bold as his mother but has become a formidable opponent with blue eyes.
- Gehraniya Female aged 6 years is named after a spot in the zone.
- Gauri aged 9 years is another tigress of the zone
- Chota Charger, son of the legendary tiger ‘Charger’ takes after his dad in traits and is almost 7 years old.
2. Pachpedi Zone of Bandhavgarh
It is another buffer zone which lies outside the Khitauli core zone (Panpatta Range). This one has some giant Arjun Trees (Terminalia Arjuna) as one of the key attractions and is known for its tranquil scenery and a free-flowing river called “Badhaar” which does not dry up throughout the year.
One more interesting spot is “Panihayi“, which too never dries up and pulls a lot of wildlife contributing as a constant water source.
Popular Tigers of Pachpedi zone
- Behrouli Female aged 8-9 years has 3 adult cubs who are on the verge of being dispersed into their territories, soon enough.
- 7 D aged 6 years is a dominant male from the 3rd litter of the famous tigress Spotty.
- Panihayi tigress with cubs who are only 6-7 months of age and is seen with them at one of the water bodies which is called “Panihayi”. The tigress is 6-7 years old.
- 9-10-year-old Tara, a Female with 3 cubs is a very shy tigress and is known for hiding her cubs well.
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