Bandhavgarh National Park, located on the northeastern edge of Madhya Pradesh along the Satpura mountain ranges, offers visitors an immersive experience of lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique geography. Known for its tropical monsoon climate, the park experiences well-defined seasons: winters, summers, and monsoon rains that bring a vibrant green to the surroundings.
Unique Geographical Highlights
Altitude: Varies from 410 meters (1,345 ft) to 810 meters (2,657 ft)
Natural Fort: The park’s central fort rises to 800 meters, offering panoramic views of cliffs and the surrounding countryside.
Forests: Dominated by thick Sal forests, the upper slopes feature a mix of Sal, Sai, Dhobin, and Saja trees, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere.
Park Zones and Visitor Access
Though Bandhavgarh covers a vast area of 1,161 sq km, tourists are limited to exploring 105 sq km within the Tala Range, the park’s core zone, famous for tiger sightings. This core zone includes the Tala, Magdhi, Kallwah, Khitauli, and Panpatha ranges.
Core Zone: 624 sq km
Buffer Zone: 537 sq km
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Winters: Chilly, with temperatures often dropping near freezing at night, reaching up to 20°C (68°F) during the day.
Summers: Daytime temperatures can soar to 40°C (104°F), with cooler nights.
Monsoon: From July to August, the park closes to allow wildlife breeding.
Average Rainfall: 120 cm per year.
Seasons & Visiting Schedule
Monsoon: Mid-June to September
Winter: November to mid-February
Summer: Mid-March to mid-June
Best Time to Visit: October 16 – June 30
Geographic Coordinates:
Latitude: 23°30’12” to 23°45’45” N
Longitude: 80°47’15” to 81°11’45” E
Bandhavgarh’s Tala Range, with its incredible biodiversity and tiger-rich core zone, offers an unforgettable experience in a well-preserved, serene natural setting.