Spotting tigers and wildlife in Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh is a beautiful national park located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It’s one of the best places in India to spot Bengal tigers in the wild, thanks to its high density of tigers, (the highest in India).

The chances of spotting them are high, especially during early morning and late afternoon safaris. Besides tigers, the park is home to leopards, deers, wild boars, and a variety of bird species. You might also spot sloth bears, jackals, and langur monkeys. One of the best ways to explore Bandhavgarh is with jeep safaris. These go out twice a day – early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Each jeep is accompanied by a guide who helps track and spot wildlife. Although less common now, some areas also offer elephant safaris.

Tiger Safari Zones

Within Bandhavgarh, you can find the Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has a healthy population of around 80 tigers, roaming through the forests in search of prey. About 207 square kilometers (roughly 20%) of the reserve is designated as a tourism zone, divided into three main areas:

Tala Zone: The Tala Zone is the premium area, requiring visitors to pay a double entry-ticket fee for a tiger safari. It’s renowned for excellent tiger sightings.
Magadhi Zone: The Magadhi Zone is the most popular with visitors, offering good chances of spotting tigers, as well as frequent sightings of sambar and spotted deer.
Khitauli Zone: The Khitauli Zone is ideal for bird watching and also offers opportunities to see sloth bears and blue bulls.

When and how to visit

Make sure to book your safari in advance as spaces are limited and demand is high. The best time to visit Bandhavgarh is from October to June. The park remains closed during the monsoon season (July to September). Summer is also a great time to spot tigers, as animals gather around water sources, just be mindful of the weather as it will be hot.
There are plenty of accommodation options ranging from luxury resorts to budget lodges. Staying in one of these lodges often adds to the experience, as many offer guided nature walks and other activities.

Are you ready to start discovering India?

I decided to book a couple tours when I went to India and had an amazing experience! I’m leaving the link to the tour below in case you are interested!

Are you ready to start discovering India?

I decided to book a couple tours when I went to India and had an amazing experience! I’m leaving the link to the tour below in case you are interested!