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Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has the highest tiger density of any of India's reserves, and a sighting on a tiger safari here is almost guaranteed.
Getting close to Royal Bengal tigers in their natural habitat in India is a truly magical moment. When you first spot the faint image of yellow and black stripes through the early morning mist, hear movement through the tall sal trees and bamboo bushes, or see a tiger emerge from a waterhole, you’ll no doubt have goosebumps.
Here's our guide on how to make the most of a trip to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:
2. Tiger Safari Planning and Timing at Bandhavgarh
3. What to Expect on a Bandhavgarh Tiger Safari
4. Responsible Tiger Tourism with TOFTigers
5. Where to Stay for Your Bandhavgarh Tiger Safari
6. Tiger Safari Holidays in India
Your Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Safari Guide
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, is one of India's most renowned national parks and a top destination worldwide for spotting tigers on safari. One of the park's tiger families was recently featured in the BBC Earth and David Attenborough wildlife documentary series, Dynasties.
The park's name originates from the most prominent hill in the area. In Hindu legend, this hillock was gifted by Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana to help him keep watch over Sri Lanka (Ceylon). Therefore, the name Bandhavgarh translates into Sanskrit as: "Brother's Fort."
In 1968, 105 square kilometers were declared as Bandhavgarh National Park, which was later expanded in 1982 to include surrounding forest areas, covering a total of 1,161 square kilometers.
Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary was included as part of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in 1983. In 1993, Bandhavgarh National Park, Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary, and a Buffer Zone Area of the park were declared as the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has a healthy population of tigers, which roam the sal and bamboo forests in search of prey. The park is also home to other wildlife, including leopards, deer, sloth bears, gaurs, sambar, chitals, jungle cats, and wild pigs, as well as 150 species of birds.
Around 207 square kilometers (approximately 20%) of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has been designated as a tourism zone within the park, and this area has been further divided into three zones:
1. Tala Zone
The Tala Zone is the premium zone, which means that visitors have to pay a double entry ticket fee if they wish to enjoy a tiger safari in this area. The Tala Zone is known for its excellent tiger sightings.
2. Magadhi Zone
The Magadhi Zone is the most popular zone among visitors, and it is also good for tiger sightings, as well as sambar and spotted deer, which are frequently spotted.
3. Khitauli Zone
The Khitauli Zone is ideal for birding, as well as sloth bears and blue bulls.
Tiger Safari Planning and Timing at Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh is open from October 16th until June 30th and closed during the monsoon months from July to September.
1. October to January
When the park reopens in October after the monsoon season, the forest vegetation is lush and green, and the waterholes are full of water. October to January is a lovely time to visit Bandhavgarh, as temperatures tend to remain below 85°F (29°C), allowing you to enjoy the lush greenery of the forests.
However, keep in mind that from October to January, the grass is longer and the vegetation in the forest is denser, which can make spotting tigers more challenging, although it can also make for more exciting safari drives.
If you’re interested in birdlife, the months of October to December are the best time to visit. The forests of Bandhavgarh attract many migratory birds during these winter months, including birds of prey such as the steppe eagle, as well as a variety of wildfowl.
During December, Bandhavgarh can become very chilly, with nighttime temperatures dropping to below 40°F (4°C). Therefore, it is essential to pack warm clothing and choose accommodations with heating. In contrast, if you plan to visit between March and June, we highly recommend choosing accommodations with air conditioning.
Wayfairer Top Tip
During the festival months of November and December, the park is very popular with domestic tourists, as schools are on vacation. Therefore, if you wish to visit at this time, we recommend booking well in advance to ensure availability at your preferred accommodation. Please note that the park will be closed for the entire day on Diwali.
2. Late January to March
Late January to March is an ideal time to visit the park, as temperatures are likely to remain below 75°F (24°C), making for more comfortable tiger safaris.
During February and March, the bright orange flowers of the "Flame of Forest" tree (also called the Palash Tree) blossom, making the forest extremely beautiful and photogenic. The flowers also attract a variety of birds, as well as sloth bears.
3. April to June
By March and into the first half of April, the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve becomes very hot, with temperatures exceeding 75°F (24°C). During the second half of April and until June, temperatures are exceptionally high, ranging from 85°F to 95°F (29°C to 35°C), and the sun is very strong, especially during the middle of the day.
The land becomes dustier, the forests have much less foliage, and the waterholes dry up. If you can cope with the intense heat, the months of April to June are fantastic for wildlife sightings. The hot weather and lack of water mean that animals tend to congregate around the remaining waterholes, which makes for excellent wildlife viewing.
You’ll have a greater chance of seeing tigers at this time, as they are often seen cooling off in the waterholes, and the thinning vegetation in the forests means that they’re more exposed. The Tala Zone is the best area to visit during these months, with tiger sightings more likely.
For more information on the best times to visit Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and other destinations in the country, read our India When to Go Guide.
What to Expect on a Bandhavgarh Tiger Safari
Solitary, elusive, and perfectly camouflaged with their surroundings, tigers are experts at hiding. Therefore, the best way of spotting those iconic orange and black stripes is on a tiger safari with a local guide, and with buckets of patience. As a rule of thumb, the more game drives you do, the better your chances of a tiger encounter.
Game drives take place in the morning and evening in the designated zones of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve declared for tourism, and each drive lasts between three and four hours, depending on the season. You'll be accompanied by a ranger and a guide, who can lead you to the best wildlife-watching spots and entertain you with key information.
Official guides are experienced and knowledgeable; they know the territory best, they're tracking experts, and they know places where tigers have been most recently spotted.
The tiger safari vehicles are usually six-seater open jeeps, which traverse the rough roads well (and give you a bit of a massage along the way!). It's best to wear old clothes, as the dusty roads and hot weather are sure to leave their mark. In the cooler months, be sure to wrap up warm, as you'll be exposed to the elements.
Wayfairer Top Tip
Sadly, elephant-riding safaris are still common in India, including in Bandhavgarh National Park. Wayfairer Travel does not encourage or condone elephant safaris. Still, we acknowledge that the funding provided by this activity is desperately needed to support the national park and tiger conservation efforts at present. As a travel operator, we only offer jeep tiger safaris and suggest that you vote with your tourist dollars by choosing a jeep tiger safari instead, thereby discouraging elephant riding.
Responsible Tiger Tourism with TOFTigers
Wayfairer Travel is proud to partner with TOFTigers, a collective action initiative committed to saving and protecting tigers and their natural habitats across the Indian subcontinent, including Bandhavgarh National Park, as well as supporting sustainable nature tourism and wildlife conservation in general.
TOFTiger's projects include a PUG Eco Rating for accommodations to indicate eco-friendly and wildlife-friendly hotels and resorts, biannual Wildlife Travel Awards to celebrate and highlight the very best in nature tourism around the world, a Good Wildlife Travel Guides listing all TOFTiger-recommended tour operators and suppliers, as well as many other initiatives.
To learn more about Wayfairer's commitment to sustainable tourism, read our Responsible Travel Guide to India.
Wayfairer Top Tip
You can also donate and support TOFTigers and tiger conservation via their website. These funds help sponsor local Village Wildlife Guardians by providing them with income and equipment, enabling them to serve as the eyes and ears of sustainable nature tourism across the Indian subcontinent.
Where to Stay for Your Bandhavgarh Tiger Safari
There are many hotels and resorts in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve area, catering to a diverse range of travelers. Here are our recommendations for the most comfortable stays in Bandhavgarh, with accommodation suppliers who are committed to sustainability and responsible tourism:
1. Tree House Hideaway
Part of the Pugdundee Safaris group, the luxury tree houses of Tree House Hideaway are tucked into the forest, right in the heart of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Immersed in nature, the property's five exclusive treehouses are set on 21 acres of land, high up in the canopy above the forest floor.
However, despite the rugged setting, this resort does not compromise on comfort and luxury, with features such as hot showers, air conditioning, private balconies, WiFi, and mini-bars. The hotel's restaurant is built around a centenary Mahua tree, but there are also regular bush barbecues and vegetable garden picnics to enjoy.
2. Kings Lodge
Spread over 12 acres of grasslands, surrounded by the sal forests of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Kings Lodge is designed to be environmentally sensitive and in harmony with the beautiful natural surroundings.
Comprised of 18 twin and double cottages, each accommodation includes ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, and large verandas. Take your farm-to-table organic meals at the old Neem tree table in the dining area, unwind by the roaring fire, relax by the swimming pool, or treat yourself to Ayurvedic massage treatments at the in-house spa.
Aside from safari excursions around the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Kings Lodge also offers a range of activities, including nature walks, cycling, birdwatching, photography tours, day walks to Bandhavgarh Fort, outdoor barbecue and bush dinners, village visits, and cultural workshops.
3. Samode Safari Lodge
Just a half mile away from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve's Tala entrance and about six miles from Bandhavgarh Fort, the award-winning Samode Safari Lodge offers luxury and comfort in a prime location.
The lodge's rooms are equipped with modern amenities, including flat-screen televisions, air conditioning, refrigerators, and internet access. However, make the most of the gorgeous views by sitting out on your private balcony, lounging on the main lodge's open-air deck, or relaxing in the outdoor swimming pool.
Families will enjoy the lodge's kids' club, plus Indian and Western dishes are available at the in-house restaurants, as well as in-room dining. Jog along the trails near the lodge, participate in nature walks and cycling tours, or visit the local Madari village. Then, pamper yourself with a treatment at the lodge's modern spa.
4. Mahua Kothi
Set on 40 acres of land and just 20 minutes from the entrance to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Mahua Kothi derives its name from the revered Mahua tree, also known as the "butter tree." Drawing on local culture and tradition, a stay here makes for a truly authentic retreat.
Beautifully renovated, the original kothi comprises 12 kutiyas (jungle village huts) built in the style typical of Central India. Each of the kutiyas is accessed through a private courtyard and features traditional mud floors and walls colored in lime and earth washes, finished by hand.
Indian and Western cuisine are featured on the menu, with each meal served in a unique location on the property. A special Baghiya breakfast can be enjoyed in the backyard of the village house. Lunch is taken under the cool shade next to the swimming pool, by the watering hole, or in your private courtyard. Dinner and evening drinks are served under the mahua tree on an open terrace.
Tiger Safari Holidays in India
Tiger safaris are one of the most memorable wildlife experiences you can have; therefore, we recommend visiting two or more national parks to increase your chances of spotting wild tigers, plus you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of wildlife and scenery.
Wayfairer Top Tip
Tiger sightings are rare in most national parks in India, but very common on tiger safaris in Bandhavgarh. Having said that, be aware that these tigers are wild animals and have minds of their own, so a sighting can never be fully guaranteed. Keep an open mind, enjoy wildlife watching in the lush forest, and when a tiger does come into view, you will appreciate your lucky encounter even more.
Suggested Tiger Safari Itinerary (15 Days)
2 Days Delhi, 3 Days Kanha National Park, 3 Days Bandhavgarh National Park, 2 Days Panna National Park, 2 Days Agra, 3 Days Jaipur.
On our Wild India, The Land of the Tiger tailor-made vacation, you’ll visit the magnificent palaces and temples of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, and enjoy tiger safaris in Kanha, Panna, and Bandhavgarh National Parks, which are teeming with rare wildlife, and the perfect trio of tiger safari destinations in India.
If you're planning a tiger-spotting trip to India, call our Luxury Travel Specialists for a chat about your dream India vacation or fill out our no-obligation enquiry form.
