The Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh was declared as a national park in 1968 when the Maharaja's of Rewa handed over the area to the government for it's formation. The Bandhavgarh National Park consists of a core area of 105 sq kms and a buffer area of approximately 400 sq kms and its topography varies between steep ridges, undulating forest and open meadows. The Bandhavgarh National Park is also known as the white tiger country and has the highest tiger population density all over India.

Much of the park is covered in Sal forest, replaced by mixed forests in the higher elevations of the hills. It is in the slightly higher region that changes to a more mixed vegetation of sali, saj, saja, dhobin etc. In the northern region of the park, there are vast stretches of grasslands and bamboo forests. A lot of this is what appears to be young bamboo, which can be seen from it's green and slim appearance. This northern region also consists of a series of rocky ridges with deep crevices cut by the perennial streams. In the south, the extensions, which were included into the park in 1986, consist of low hills covered with forest but interspersed with grasslands that were formerly agricultural land. The central portion of the park, which consists of the original 106 square kilometers and the fort is still the main sighting area. This area consists of 32 hills and also some marshy stretches divided by large grasslands and a few water bodies.

Visitors to Bandhavgarh are allowed into the park twice each day for 3-hour Jeep safaris, once at dawn, and again in late afternoon. These are the times when animal activities are most visible. The commonly used safari vehicles are open 4WD Gypsys, which provides the exhilaration of being one with the forests & wildlife. Driving slowly on the dirty tracks is the best way of getting around and observing the animals without alarming them. Coming across one-two and possibly more tigers on these drives are an unforgettable moment. These moments have already been enjoyed by so many visitors from all over the world and a look of satisfaction has also been derived on their faces.

Visitors can visit the park during the time period of Mid October to mid June, still the best period to come is January-April. Park is open from 1st of October to 30th June only. After that it is closed.

The mean annual rainfall is 1,173 mm coming mostly in the rainy season (middle June to September). The temperature ranges from a maximum of 42 degree Celsius in May and June to around 4 degree Celsius in winters. Casual Summer clothing of natural colors is best from March to May. Sunglasses and sunhats are preferable. From November to February carry warm clothing for chilly mornings and misty evenings. The ideal season for tiger spotting is from November to June. The park is closed form July 1 to September 30.

you should carry appropriate clothes with you to Bandhavgarh as you are visiting a place that is totally opposite from the climate where you are staying . The summers are blisteringly hot and don't expect any let up while you are there. You should expect unrelenting heat day after day if you are there between the months of April and June. With temperatures soaring between 35 to 47 degrees centigrade most of the day, even the lightest of T-shirts feel like warm jackets. Take along your lightest clothes in the summers with the definite inclusion of a cap and dark glasses. In the winter months, especially November to beginning February, the weather is just the opposite.

Umaria: 35 kms/ 45 min

Khajuraho: 270 kms/ 6 hrs.

Jabalpur: 190 kms/ 4 hrs.

Satna: 120 kms

Delhi: 978 kms

Gwalior: 565 kms

Katni: 102 kms

Fly from Delhi, Agra or Varanasi to Khajuraho and drive (7-8 hours) to Tala park entrance at Bandhavgarh. Nearest airport from the park is Khajuraho.

Nearest railway station is Umaria after Katni railway station from there it is about 40 minutes drive to Natural Heritage. Alternatively, take the overnight train from Delhi to Umaria and drive (30 minutes) to the park. Only jeeps are available for transfers. Khajuraho / Bandhavgarh distance is 250 Kms, (8 hrs drive).