Jeep and Elephant Safaris to Bandhavgarh National Park | Bandhavgarh Fort | Shesh Shaiya | Baghela Museum | Sandstone Caves | OTHER PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST
JEEP AND ELEPHANT SAFARIS TO BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
With the most number of tigers per square kilometre in the country, spotting a tiger from a 4-wheel drive is almost easy. However, the most effective safaris are the Elephant Safaris. Equipped with walkie-talkies, the Mahouts know the whereabouts of the tigers and are easily able to lead the surefooted elephants up steep rocky hillsides and down marshy riverbeds. At Bandhavgarh, you’ll also find Tigers, Leopards, Jackals, Jungle Cats, Wild Boars, Sloth Bears, Nilghais, Chinkaras, Sambhars and a large variety of migratory and resident birds.
BANDHAVGARH FORT
Another marvel inside the marvelous park, the fort is believed to be more than 2500 years old. The fort now is the private property of the Maharaja of Rewa and prior permission is required to visit it. A one hour trek leads up to the fort and the track is dotted by the small temples of the 12th century, unspoiled forests, and small meandering streams. The fort is believed to have been visited by Lord Rama and Lakshman on their way back from Lanka. The fort finds mention in various ancient texts like the Narad-Panch Ratna and the Siva Purana. Watch out for the grand palaces of the Baghela royals, the ancient temples as well as the 10 avatars of Vishnu inside.
SHESH SHAIYA
This large statue of Lord Vishnu is located on the Bandhavgarh hill, and is the only area within the park where you can walk on foot. The idol of Lord Vishnu is visible in a reclining position on the Shesh Naga, the seven-hooded serpent. The deity stands in a green pool which is also the source of the Charanganga River. According to legends, the Charanganga originates from the feet of Lord Vishnu, hence the water is considered sacred and is left untouched.
BAGHELA MUSEUM
The Baghela Museum houses personal belongings of the Maharaja of Rewa, who once maintained Bandhavgarh as his personal hunting ground. This museum near the Tala village is worth a visit for its display of a stuffed white tiger captured by Maharaja Martand Singh in 1951.
SANDSTONE CAVES
Around 35 sandstone caves exist inside the northern area of the Park that bear inscriptions dating from 1st century BC. The largest cave here, Badi Gufa, is particularly impressive with its broad entrance, several rooms and pillars.
OTHER PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST
Other places of tourist interest in and around Bandhavgarh include the Tala village, closest to the reserve and a perfect picture of a rural village. Climbers Point, Rampur Pahari and Sita mandap are other places of interest for hikers. The Kalchuri Archeological remains are also well worth a visit.
The Bhamera Dam and the Gharpuri Dam form a huge water bank in the adjoining Panpatha Sanctuary, popular for water birds. The Chenchpur waterfall is another attraction of the place.
JEEP AND ELEPHANT SAFARIS TO BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
With the most number of tigers per square kilometre in the country, spotting a tiger from a 4-wheel drive is almost easy. However, the most effective safaris are the Elephant Safaris. Equipped with walkie-talkies, the Mahouts know the whereabouts of the tigers and are easily able to lead the surefooted elephants up steep rocky hillsides and down marshy riverbeds. At Bandhavgarh, you’ll also find Tigers, Leopards, Jackals, Jungle Cats, Wild Boars, Sloth Bears, Nilghais, Chinkaras, Sambhars and a large variety of migratory and resident birds.
BANDHAVGARH FORT
Another marvel inside the marvelous park, the fort is believed to be more than 2500 years old. The fort now is the private property of the Maharaja of Rewa and prior permission is required to visit it. A one hour trek leads up to the fort and the track is dotted by the small temples of the 12th century, unspoiled forests, and small meandering streams. The fort is believed to have been visited by Lord Rama and Lakshman on their way back from Lanka. The fort finds mention in various ancient texts like the Narad-Panch Ratna and the Siva Purana. Watch out for the grand palaces of the Baghela royals, the ancient temples as well as the 10 avatars of Vishnu inside.
SHESH SHAIYA
This large statue of Lord Vishnu is located on the Bandhavgarh hill, and is the only area within the park where you can walk on foot. The idol of Lord Vishnu is visible in a reclining position on the Shesh Naga, the seven-hooded serpent. The deity stands in a green pool which is also the source of the Charanganga River. According to legends, the Charanganga originates from the feet of Lord Vishnu, hence the water is considered sacred and is left untouched.
BAGHELA MUSEUM
The Baghela Museum houses personal belongings of the Maharaja of Rewa, who once maintained Bandhavgarh as his personal hunting ground. This museum near the Tala village is worth a visit for its display of a stuffed white tiger captured by Maharaja Martand Singh in 1951.
SANDSTONE CAVES
Around 35 sandstone caves exist inside the northern area of the Park that bear inscriptions dating from 1st century BC. The largest cave here, Badi Gufa, is particularly impressive with its broad entrance, several rooms and pillars.
OTHER PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST
Other places of tourist interest in and around Bandhavgarh include the Tala village, closest to the reserve and a perfect picture of a rural village. Climbers Point, Rampur Pahari and Sita mandap are other places of interest for hikers. The Kalchuri Archeological remains are also well worth a visit.
The Bhamera Dam and the Gharpuri Dam form a huge water bank in the adjoining Panpatha Sanctuary, popular for water birds. The Chenchpur waterfall is another attraction of the place.
