Bandhavgarh Fort
There are no records mentioning the historical dates of the construction of the Bandhavgarh Fort. It is assumed that the fort must be 2,000 years old. The reason behind this is that the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Shiva Purana, talk of this fort. Not to mention that these are ancient relics more than 2000 years old. This fort holds stories of many dynasties, for example, the Maghas, to the Vakatakas from the 3rd Century; the Sengars from the 5th Century to the Kalchuris from the 10th Century. Maharajah Vikramaditya Singh of the Baghel dynasty made Rewa their capital city, and moved from Bandhavgarh deserting the fort in 1635. The Bandhavgarh Fort is indeed a popular tourist place that sits atop the Bandhavgarh Hill. Once you are in the fort, the very sight of this place with its rich flora and fauna will take your breath away. As of now the Bandhavgarh fort and Tiger Reserve are interwoven. The fort has become the visiting place of the tigress and their cubs.
Bandhavgarh National Park
The Bandhavgarh National Park is spread across the Vindhya Hills in Madhya Pradesh and is famous for tigers and its biodiversity. The park consists of approximately 400 sq km, the topography varying between steep ridges, undulating forest and open meadows. Within the park, there are different pocketed places that serve as tourist spots. The Bandhavgarh National Park boasts of more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds. A visit to this sanctuary will definitely get you to see a variety of other animals that include Tiger, Asiatic Jackal, Striped Hyena, Bengal Fox, Ratel, Sloth Bear, Jungle Cat, Gray Mongoose and leopard. Moreover, some mammals such as Palm Squirrel, Dhole, Lesser Bandicoot Rat and the small Indian Civet can also be seen occasionally. The best way to visit this wildlife sanctuary is to go on safari either on a jeep or an elephant. You have to contact the tourist department to book a safari. + Read More 03Bandhavgarh Hill Bandhavgarh Hill Bandhavgarh Hill is the highest hill in the reserve of Bandhavgarh lying in an altitude of 807 m above the sea level. This range of hills is formed from sandstone and water that permeates into it. As a result of this unique formation, there are many springs and streams that originate from this hill. The Son River and the Johilla Riverpass are by the east side of the hill and River Umrar flows on the west side. The Bandhavgarh Hill range has a flat top mostly, and the meadows in it are marshy. Bamboos and Sal trees cover the hill’s plain tract as the hill ascends it slopes. Rare species of insectivorous plant like Drocera Peltata is found alongside Acorus Calamus or Buch in this hill. Bandhavgarh Hill is famous for its picturesque natural beauty and the cool climate. The enchanting view of hills is visible from as far as 30 km.
Bandhavgarh Ancient Caves
The Bandhavgarh Ancient Caves are built on the sand-stone hillocks of the Bandhavgarh Hills. There are around 39 caves in the region, which cover a length of about 5 km. You can notice several caves that carry inscriptions of the Brahmi script and some of these caves also have embossed figures of tiger, pig, elephant and horsemen. The Badi Gufa literally means ‘Biggest Cave’. This is one of the oldest caves and is dated back to the 10th century. The cave comprises of numerous pillars and nine big rooms. These caves are primitive in nature and lack the elaborate statues and carvings. No one really knows the purpose of these caves, and it still remains a mystery. One of the theories is that this could have been utilised by the monks for spiritual pursuits and later by the army for strategic purposes. As of now, these caves shelter the varied wildlife like tigers, bats and other fauna of the Bandhavgarh National Park.
Tala Village
Tala Village is a worth visiting attraction of Bandhavgarh. This is the lowest point of the wildlife reserve of Bandhavgarh. This village comprises of many mud houses cocooned with the natural landscapes. The village is a tourist attraction, and you can find several hotels and resorts in the village area as well. Hundreds of tourists come to this place for a peaceful holiday every year from all over the world. The beauty of this village is that it presents nature in its most magnificent grandeur. Practically, from the Tala village you get to see the entire stretch of the Bandhavgarh reserve. Moreover, you may chance to see wild animals from the village. The Tala Village is considered to be a soft romantic spot as well as a place of adventure. A holiday at this village will rejuvenate the body and mind, and you will have a wonderful memory of village life.
Baghel Museum
This museum stands as a testimony to the illustrious history of the place. It preserves and displays the assets of the Maharaja of Rewa. The Baghel Museum in Bandhavgarh is a royal mansion where the accoutrements and other belongings of the Maharaja of Rewa are being kept intact for display. This museum also showcases the stuffed body of the first white tiger, called Mohan which was spotted by the Maharaja of Rewa. The museum showcases ancient equipment used for hunting by the Maharaja. This has the property of Shikargarh that the travellers certainly want to discover at Bandhavgarh. Tourists mainly come here to discover and relive the royal life apart from the addition to the jungle life of Bandhavgarh. The best time to visit this place will be from November to June. So go ahead and book your royal visit slot.
The Gharipuri Dam
It is located on the outskirts of Bandhavgarh. It is about 10 km away from the Bandhavgarh National Park. The dam is famous for its construction. The surrounding of the dam is a visual treat as different species of water birds perch near the dam. Wetland birds such as Black Ibis, Sarus Crane, Egret, Pied Wagtail, Red-Wattled Lapwing, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Indian pond heron and common and pied kingfishers can be spotted here. As a matter of fact, most of the bird lovers will be seen here throughout the year, with their sophisticated cameras trying to get a peek of the birds through their lens. The Gharpuri Dam is a magnificent 20-km-stretch dam. This dam is a popular picnic spot too as it gives visitors ample time to talk, walk and discover Bandhavgarh along with the beautiful and colourful birds.
Shesh Shaiya
Shesh Shaiya is a 65 ft tall statue of Lord Vishnu. It is from this point that the Charanganga River origins. Shesh Shaiya is located on the Bandhavgarh Hill and is the only place within the Bandhavgarh National Park where you go are required to go on foot. As the name suggests, the Lord Vishnu is in a sleeping posture on the seven hooded serpent, Shesh Naag. The design of the statue is very ancient. The Sheesh Shaiya deity is in a green pool which happens to be the source of the Charanganga River. There is a famous legend that says that the Charanganga originates from the feet of Lord Vishnu and hence the water is believed to be very sacred. This place is visited by many birds like Malabar pied hornbill due to the presence of many fruit bearing trees in the vicinity. This place is a holy shrine and is visited by devotes during the festival of Diwali.
Ghorademaon Waterfalls
The Ghorademaon Waterfalls is a natural deep waterfall flowing within the park all through the year. This is one of the major tourist attractions of Bandhavgarh reserve. The gushing sound of the waterfall and the music of the jungle create an aura of peace and tranquility. The Ghorademaon Waterfalls is a must visit place in Bandhavgarh. This waterfall will give you a kick of adventure and relaxed time away from the daily madness. Until you visit the Ghorademaon Waterfalls, your visit to the Bandhavgarh is incomplete. + Read More 10Climbers Point Climbers Point Climbers Point is a picturesque viewpoint in the Bandhavgarh National Park. This is the right place for those of you, who like top hill scenic view added with adventure. From the Climbers Point, one can get an aerial view of the entire park as this place is situated at 13,005 ft above the sea level.
