Bandhavgarh
According to the myths and legends, Bandhavgarh has a very deep-rooted importance in the history of India. Dating back to the mythological era of Rama and Hanuman from the Hindu epic Ramayana, it was extended high over the entire park that is located in the heart of the city. According to the historians, the two monkeys who established the "setu", or bridge, between India and Lanka to help Rama to cross over and vanquish the demon king, Rawanna. It is said that Rama and hanuman have used this fort on their journey back to their kingdom from Lanka. Later on, this fort was gone in the hands of Lakshmana, younger brother of Rama who came to be known as the "Bandhavdhish", lord of the fort.
There are so many ancient temples which are yet used by the Maharaja of Rewa, who even presently owns the fort. It is hence, necessary to take his permission before going inside into the fort. There are some golden era indications in the northern part of this park. Dating back to the 1st century, these indicators have dug into the sand. The Chandela kings of bundelkhand have ruled over this fort and he is also famous for the Khajuraho Temples. Till 1617, Bandavgarh was renowned as the capital of their dynasty which was moved to Rewa around 120 km to the North. Due to turning into the capital, Bandhavgarh went through a period for a boon for the present forest there.
Once this area was finished for forest, the animals in the area too began to multiply. One of the disadvantages of this place is that the royal family and their guests started using it as a hunting reserve. This continued until the Maharaja decided to hand it over to the government.
Sidhababa - The Holy Meadow: the famous residence of Sidhababa
Chakradhara - It is the place that is enclosed by the hillocks
Gopalpur - The place houses number of exotic wild birds that give you golden time of memorable sighting of wild fauna.
Bari Gufa - It is an ancient Monument of Past of the tenth century. it is said that the biggest man made cave of the reserve.
Three Cave Point - These caves are the Archaeological Remains of past depicting mute testimony of rich historical past.
Climber's Point - Spotted Woody climbers of butea superba and Bauhinia wahlii, it offer fantastic view and nature Beauty to the tourist.
Mahaman Pond - An enchanting water hole which is encircled by bamboo clumps offer you to watch a wide range of hervivores and carnivores.
Bandhavgarh Fort
Around this park, 32 hills are located which has a large natural fort at its center. The fort measures 2625 feet (800 meters) high, 1000 feet (300 meters) beyond the adjacent countryside. The fort still under the control of the Maharaja of Rewa and permission is required to enter into it. However permission is available locally. The natural fortifications of the fort offer wonderful view of the surrounding landscape. The fort has housed small population of Blackbuck which have been renovated to protect from Tigers in the park below by repairs to the masonry walls at the edges of the fort. Therefore, Bandhavgarh gives you a wonderful opportunity for game and bird viewing.
Flora and Fauna in Bandhavgarh
A perfect embodiment of flora and fauna, Bandhavgarh is covered in Sal forest, replaced by mixed forests in the higher heights of the hills. It is made of wide stands of bamboo and grasslands. Generally, it is famous as tiger reserve but it also protects other inhabitants of the park include the Muntajac, Jungle Cat, Ratel, Jyena, Porcupine, the Rhesus Macaque and the back-faced Langur. Moreover, the place has various ancient caves and rock shelters, with shrines and inscriptions.
How to Reach Bandhavgarh
By TrainThe nearest railway station is Umaria (35km) that connects from Delhi to Umaria: Utkal Express. Another train is available departure from Varanasi: Sarnath Express.
By bus
Buses ply from Umaria, Tala and Satna. One can also hire jeeps to reach there from Tala (3hrs) and from Umaria (2hrs, Rs 10 per seat).
Bandhavgarh Weather
Summers (March to May) are very dry and scorching with hot sun, with maximum temperature touching above 42 °C. Tourists typically avoid this season.
Monsoons (June to November) are accompanied with heavy showers and the Park thrives during the monsoons with fresh greeneries.
Winters (December to February) are the pleasant season with cool climate all through.
