This national park, even after being small in size, is known for its highest tiger population. Erstwhile hunting reserve of rulers of Rewa; it was declared a National Park in 1968 and extended to the adjoining Sal forests later in 1986. Bandhavgarh National Park is surrounded by thick forest and Vindhyan mountains. Numerous grass and reed covered wetlands in its plains are dominated by the Kingfishers and Egrets. Totaling up to an area of 542.40-sq-km, this national park has 25 resident tigers and it's recognized for its tiger population. Sal trees cover half of the Bandhavgarh National Park while the higher hills are covered by mixed forests. Long stretches of bamboo and grasslands cover the entire northern region. This national park is covered by 32 forest covered wooded hills.
Wildlife in Bandhavgarh National Park
Although this national park is known for the tigers, it shelters a very rich and rarefied wildlife. At least 22 mammal species and 250 bird species are found in the Park. Grasslands in the park consists of Chinkara (Indian gazelle), wild boar, Nilgai (blue bull) and Chausingha (four-horned antelope). Dense forests of this national park home Sambhar (Indian stag), Muntjac (barking deer) and herds of Chital (spotted deer). You can see herds of Gaur (Indian bison) during March and April. Some other wildlife species found in Bandhavgarh include palm squirrel, lesser bandicoot rat, black bucks, ratel, porcupine, jackal, small Indian civet, the jungle cat and hyena. Reptile population in this park includes cobras, karaits, vipers, turtles, rat snakes, pythons and lizards. Two primate species - rhesus macaque and Hanuman langur – also inhabit this national park.

Tigers in Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National park is primarily known for its tiger population. Famous White Tigers of Rewa were discovered here only. If you want to enjoy the jungle safari, the best way is to ride an elephant. It would enhance the chances of spotting a tiger. Other wild attractions in the park include Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar, a Fox, a Jackal Chital and Chinkara.

Other Attractions In Bandhavgarh
Kalchuri Archaeological Remains: Besides wildlife, Bandhavgarh is also known for the Kalchuri archaeological remains that make this wildlife destination a historical site.

Bandhavgarh Fort : Perched on a hill, Bandhavgarh Fort was built in 14th century. Many caves belonging to the pre-historic era are located on the fort and adjacent hills contain.

Jeep and Elephant Safari : You can enjoy the wildlife viewing in Bandhavgarh National Park in two ways - Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari. Full day jeep safaris are the special attractions in the national park. You will be accompanied by our forest department guide while your jeep safari within the park. Elephant safari is organized for tracking the tigers in early morning itself.

White Tigers : Sal forests of Bandhavgarh National Park have been the favourite habitat of white tigers since ages. This is the first place where white tigers were spotted for the first time. White tigers have been spotted in this national park almost eight times. Maharaja of Rewa successfully bred these white tigers in Rewa.
How to Reach Bandhavgarh National Park
By Air : Nearest airport from Bandhavgarh is at Khajurao (230 km). Numerous domestic airline services are connected with Agra, Delhi and Varanasi.

By Rail : Bandhavgarh's nearest railhead is Umaria (30 km) on Katni-Bilaspur section of South-Eastern Railways. Another railhead located nearby is Satna on Bombay-Howrah main line of Central Railways.

By Road : Bandhavgarh National Park is located on Rewa-Umaria and Satna-Umaria highway. Madhya Pradesh State Transport buses connect Bandhavgarh National Park to the cities like Rewa, Satna, Umaria and Katni.