OVERVIEW

ABOUT BANDHAVGARH

Bandhavgarh national park is one of the most popular national parks located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. It boasts of having highest density of wild tigers in the entire world- not many people return disappointed from a trip to the park. The park derives its name from the most prominent hillock in the area, which is said to have been given by Lord Rama to his brother Laxmana to keep a watch on Lanka; hence the name Bandhavgarh (Sanskrit: Brother's fort). Bandhavgarh has a very high density of Tigers within the folds of its marvelous Jungles. Probably the highest in the world ! There is a saying about this park that goes - " In any other Park, you are lucky if you see a Tiger. In Bandhavgarh, you are unlucky if you don't see (at least) one.

CLIMATE & WEATHER

Bandhavgarh lies on the extreme north - eastern border of the present state of Madhya Pradesh in India and the northern flanks of the eastern Satpuda mountain range.

It is mainly characterized by well - defined winters, summers and rains. During the winters the mercury falls to about 2° C; in the month of January and during the summers it goes up to 45° C. Average rainfall of 1133 mm, most of which precipitates during the monsoons. Some rains result from the southern cyclones as well, between the months of November and February.

FLORA & FAUNA

Flora

Bandhavgarh is very rich in floral diversity due to a combination of landforms and soil types, and the moist character of the region. Forest type of Bandhavgarh can be identified as Moist Peninsular Sal Forest and Southern tropical Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest and Southern Tropical Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest. The reserve has over 600 species of flowering plants, 50 species of aquatic plants and 18 species of rare plants.

Fauna

The big mammals of Bandhavgarh are the charismatic Tiger, the smarter cat leopard and Baloo the Sloth Bear of Jungle Book fame. The list is compounded by presence of super reptiles like the python, russels viper, krait, boa, the keel backs, etc. The Sal paradise of Bandhavgarh dosen't disappoint the avid birdwatcher either.

Birds : Browed fantails, steppe eagles, green pigeons, grey malabar hornbills, blossom headed parakeets, blue bearded bee eaters, green bee eaters, white bellied drongos, owls, minivets, woodshrikes, paradise flycatchers, etc.

IN & AROUND

Bandhavgarh Fort

The oldest fort in India, considered to be more than 2500 years. A one-hour trek to the fort is worth the effort. The charm of this trek lies in discovering these monuments in the jungle, unspoiled and unexplored. Some of the statues lie off the main path and so it is best to take a guide. Apart from the avatars, well worth seeing are three small temples of around the 12th century. These temples are deserted but the fort is still used as a place of worship. Kabir Das, the celebrated 16th century saint, once lived and preached here. The natural ramparts of the fort give a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. Vultures wheel around the precipice, which also attracts blue rock thrushes and crag martins.

Marble Rocks of Bedaghat

Soaring in glittering splendor, the marble rocks at Bhedaghat rise to a hundred feet on either side of the Narmada. The serene loveliness, the sunlight sparkling on the marble-white pinnacles and casting dappled shadows on the pellucid waters is a sight to watch.

Dhuandhar

The famous waterfall is located just 25 km from Jabalpur. The Narmada making its way through the Marble Rock's narrows down and then plunges in a waterfall known as Dhuandhar or the smoke cascade. So powerful is the plunge that its roar is heard from a far distance. The falls and the breaking of the volume of water at the crest present an awesome spectacle of nature's power unleashed.

CONSERVATION HISTORY

In 1947, when the State of Rewa was merged with Madhya Pradesh; Bandhavgarh came under the regulations of Madhya Pradesh. The Maharaja of Rewa still retained the hunting rights. No special conservation measures were taken until 1968, when the areas were constituted as a national park. Since then, numerous steps have been taken to retain Bandhavgarh National Park as an unspoiled natural habitat.

Project Tiger was constituted in 1972 and then the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 came into force. It was realized that protection of just the 105 sq.km. of prime Bandhavgarh habitat was not enough, so in 1982, three more ranges, namely Khitauli, Magdhi and Kallawah were added to Tala range (the original Bandhavgarh National Park) to extend the area of Bandhavgarh to 448 sq.km. As Project tiger extended its activities and area of influence, Bandhavgarh was taken into its folds in 1993.

ACCOMODATION

RESORT DETAILS

Aranyak Resort - Visit Website 
Kings Lodge- Visit Website

Terms & Conditions

Registration
The tour booking will be confirmed only upon receipt of a non-refundable amount of 20% of the tour cost, in addition to the charges such as air fares, rail fares, etc. along with completed personal information form or an email confirming your intent to travel.
- 50% of the tour cost to be paid 45 days before date of departure.
- Balance 30% of the tour cost to be paid 15 days prior to the departure.
- The trip will be considered as confirmed only if there is no default in the above payment procedure.

Cancellation Policy
In the event of any cancellation by you, the initial deposit amount paid, shall stand forfeited and further cancellation shall be levied as per the following terms:
- 6 weeks before date of departure: 20% of tour cost + Air / Rail cancellation charges.
- 4 to 6 weeks before date of departure: 50% of tour cost + Air / Rail cancellation charges.
- 2 to 4 weeks before date of departure: 80% of tour cost + Air / Rail cancellation charges.
- 2 weeks before date of departure: 100% of tour cost + Air / Rail cancellation charges (Will be considered as no show).
All dispute arising under or in connection with it, shall be governed by the laws then prevailing in India, and shall be under the jurisdiction of the courts in Sangli.

*During peak season some hotel bookings are non-refundable. Hence, in such a case the amount paid will not be refunded.

Refund Policy
Payments will be refunded within 10 to 15 working days after cancellation through a bank transfer.
Liability:
1. Certain trips organised by Jungle Lore may require various levels of physical fitness and travellers must ensure that they understand the level and nature of physical activity, fitness and endurance required for a chosen tour prior to the commencement of the same.
2. Travellers should keep in mind that certain tours are organised in places where medical assistance may not be easily available, so those dependant on medicines should stock up.
3. Travellers should ensure that prior joining a chosen trip, to the best of their knowledge they are not suffering from any medical or physical ailment or condition that compromises their ability to undertake and complete the same.
4. Jungle Lore, its owners and employees would not be responsible for any loss, liability, damage, expenses, injury, sickness or death occasioned to a fellow travellers except for lack of provision of amenities, services and infrastructure which are to be provided by the organisers themselves as described on www.junglelore.net. The organisers would not be responsible for such liabilities arising out of acts of god, earthquake, flood, storm, fire, rain, landslide, government restrictions, strikes or bandhs, defect of motor vehicles, acts of third party, external aggression, law and order disturbances, negligence of any travellers or travellers failing to heed the instructions of the organisers / activity guides, any risks that are normally attendant on a particular activity and any matters that are outside the control of the organisers.
5. Tours are subject to weather and natural conditions which are beyond the control of the organisers. To ensure the safety of the travellers it may be necessary to cancel or postpone a tour (or any part thereof) after the tour has been paid for by the travellers. Reimbursements of payments in such cases will be subject to the fixed costs of the tour barring which all other amounts will be reimbursed.
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