Which is the best safari zone in Bandhavgarh National Park?

More than 75 tigers live in the Bandhavgarh National Park, which is the area’s main draw. A huge 1,536 square kilometres make up the park, which are split between a core zone (716 square kilometres) and a buffer zone (820 sq. km.). These areas are home to 250 different types of birds, 37 different animal species, many reptile species, and butterflies (80 species). It is understandable why the park appeals to nature enthusiasts and animal photographers. During your jeep safari with pugdundee safaris, in addition to seeing tigers, you may also see wild elephants, leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, macaques, etc.

The safari zones are divided into distinct paths, including the core and buffer zones.

The safari tourists are typically given two routes — one for entering the jungle and the other for leaving it. This makes sure that the region’s natural beauty is visible to tourists. Knowing the best safari areas of Bandhavgarh National Park will boost your chances of seeing wildlife in its natural habitat.

Core Zone

The central area of the forest that is off-limits to human habitation is known as the core zone of the Bandhavgarh national park. There are restrictions on tourists in this region of the forest, and any harvesting of forest products is prohibited. The main goal of these restrictions is to stop poaching and deforestation in order to give animals the most natural habitat possible. The buffer zone’s borders are shared with the core zone. There are three distinct areas inside it:

1. Tala Zone — This is one of Bandhavgarh National Park’s oldest and most well-liked zones. In addition to tiger sightings, the area is renowned for its many other attractions. These include the well-known Bandhavgarh Fort and the Shesh Shaiya, a popular tourist destination from the 10th century featuring an image of Lord Vishnu reclining on the SheshNag The statue is also where Charan Ganga, which sustains the park and its many meadows, began. The Charan Ganga river gets its name because it springs at the foot of Lord Vishnu. The Bari Gufa, which dates to the 10th century, is another draw of the area. The zone’s two most well-known meadows, Rajbhera and Chakradhara, are known for their remarkable wildlife observations. The zone’s additional attractions include Bamania Hill, Three Cave Point, Sita Mandap, Gopalpur Pond, and Ketkiha, among others. There are several Sal forests, meadows, and hillocks in the area. The Tala zone is 32 kilometres away from Umaria, the closest town.

2. The Magadhi Zone- This zone is commonly known as Bandhavgarh National Park’s Gate 2. It has a number of man-built and natural waterholes, such as Murdhawa, Dabhadhole, Sukhi Patiha, and Charkpwaha, where reports of seeing tigers have been made. Mixed thick forests and grasslands are the defining features of this region. Sehra Dadra, Charger Point, Mahaman Pond, Climber’s Point, Sookhi Taalab, Sookhi Dam, Dinosaur Rock, and other attractions are among the zone’s other well-known features in addition to its abundant fauna. As it is only 38 kilometres away from Umaria, the zone, which is situated on the edge of the park, is easily accessible.

3. Khitauli Zone — This area is known as Bandhavgarh National Park’s Gate 3. Tiger sightings have been recorded frequently in the previous few years in the dry-deciduous forests that make up the forest region. A herd of migratory wild elephants lives in the area as well. Other species that can be seen here, besides tigers, include nilgai, chinkara, and chausingha. The area is becoming popular for birdwatchers in addition to wildlife. Other points of interest in the area are the Umrar River, Garhpuri Dam, Nilgai Nala, Kumbhi Kachhar, Charkhi Dongri, Marjadgarh Tower, and Tedka Munara. Khitauli is easily accessible by cabs or private automobiles and is only 37 kilometres from Umaria.

Buffer zone

The Bandhavgarh National Park buffer zone is adjacent to or encircles the park’s core area. Between the human occupants of the nearby communities and the forest’s fauna, it acts as a barrier. Human habitation is not the only activity allowed in this area of the forest but it is one that is regulated. Despite the fact that there are fewer animals per square metre in the buffer zone than in the core zone, having it open to tourists all year round has its benefits. Visitors can observe the antics of nocturnal creatures with authorization to conduct a night safari in the zone (7–9.30 PM). Chinkara, nilgai, wolves, and four-horned antelope are just a few of the diverse species found in the area. Three zones make up the structure:

1. The Dhamokar Zone — It is an extension of the Magadhi Zone that is located between the settlements of Parasi and Mahaman, is 14 kilometres from the Tala Zone. The region’s main draws are the Mudgudi dam and a few of the Sehimaada area’s natural caves. Wildlife can be easily spotted in the area at the Kadewaha grassland.

2. Johila (Kalwa) Zone — An extension of the Tala Zone, this zone’s entry point is close to the settlement of Chechpur. Several visitors come here for the safari to see the Johila waterfalls. The Son River receives the water from the waterfall, which rises in Amarkantak. The area’s additional attractions include the Kuthulia waterfall, Badia Ghaat, Chindia Ghaat, and Zurnar Ghaat, among others.

3. Panpatha (Pachpedi) Zone — The Khitauli zone extension is 25 kilometres from Tala settlement. Nilgai, wild canines, chinkara, and chausingha are a few of the zone’s attractions. The area is entirely covered by bamboo and deciduous trees. The area includes a lovely scenic place where a stream runs, drawing a variety of creatures to the region. Umaria (55 km) is the town with the closest entry to this zone, and Katni is the second-closest (63 km).

Conclusion

Despite the park’s split into many zones, the region is actually just one big forest. As a result, it is hard to forecast which region may get tiger sightings. It is essential to check the local recent sighting index before booking your safari in order to increase your chances. Additionally, going on multiple rounds with Pugdundee safaris in Bandhavgarh National Park boosts your chances of seeing animals, particularly tigers.