Friday, February 22, 2013

Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh


“If you don’t spot a tiger, it is your fault. You must have sinned badly for sure!” is what we were told by the forest guard. It was just before 3pm, we had just had a wonderful lunch and were out on our first safari in Bandhavagarh.


Wild boar


Bison


Our first sighting of wild life was a wild boar followed by a variety of birds and animals but the tiger eluded 




Indian roller


Langur


Sambar


us. We did see fresh paw marks of the elusive animal though and returned wondering who amongst us was the great sinner!
 Fortunately we had kept one more day for  more forays into the forest hence were not totally disappointed and kept our hopes alive for the next safari in the morning scheduled for the next day. We had barely entered the forest when our guide raised his hand and the jeep stopped. He had spotted some frenetic activity in the jungle which indicated the presence of the elusive one. The jeep then inched forward and voila, round the 


next turning we saw some jeeps parked and people with their cameras ready to shoot. We joined the gang and waited, with our cameras ready and holding our breaths in excitement of what we were to witness.


And there he strode in from the right! From the thick forest onto the road. Glanced at us nonchalantly  and proceeded without another glance to the pond on the left. Wow! Then there was a scramble to get into position to shoot him in the pond but he just drank some water, looked around and started back!


There must have been at least 8 jeeps with 5 tourists in each. Yet, there was pin drop silence and respectful awe at the sight of this magnificent beast!
Was my first sighting of this regal animal. Felt blessed.

Getting there:

By Air:
Fly from any major city in India to reach Jabalpur which is the nearest airport (173kms) and take a taxi from there to Bandhavgarh.

By Train:
Umaria is the nearest railhead (68kms) to Bandhavgarh and well connected to all major cities in India.

By Road:
Bandhavagarh is well connected by State Road Transport buses and plenty of private buses ply too. Private tour service operators arrange deluxe AC and Non AC buses to Bandhavgarh from various cities including Jabalpur (177 km) and Nagpur (370 km).

50 comments:

  1. Lovely captures!

    http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/02/colours-of-maha-kumbh-mela.html

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  2. Probably, seeing that wild boar, I thought you were the biggest sinner. :p
    Just kidding!
    You have a nice blog. The first post I read, itself, is appealing me to read on your previous posts.

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    1. Thank you! Looking forward to your visits and comments!

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  3. Thank you for this very nice Travel Post. Pls tell me where to stay and how to Book the accomodation. In aplace like this, there could be rush. Tell me the best time to visit.

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    1. We had been there last year and stayed in Hotel Narmada Palace. We were charged Rs.1500/- for a 4 bedded room. Any time except the monsoons is a good time.
      You can check at http://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotels-g679039-Bandhavgarh_National_Park_Madhya_Pradesh-Hotels.html for accomodation and reviews

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  4. You are blessed. :) I'm sure the tiger was the highlight of the safari. And now you know you haven't sinned very badly. ;)
    Great pics as always, Magic eye. :)

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  5. great pics ...been there few years back and did have the luck to meet the king ...or should i say see the king ...

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  6. Thank you Deepak for the wonderful safari:)

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  7. Really blessed you are. The majestic animal has been beautifully captured.

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  8. beautiful wildlife photography!!

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  9. Lovely captures..........

    http://debnature.blogspot.in

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  10. Nothing more thrilling than seeing a tiger in Jungle.. great post..

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  11. Such beautiful picture! Awesome!*loved the tiger*

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  12. Great pictures as usual. But I am surprised that there is not much protection in the jeeps. What's to prevent the tiger from attacking the jeeps?

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    1. Thank you Ramakant. The tigers are at a safe distance and apparently used to gawking tourists.

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  13. Loved the Pics... Makes me want to visit Bandhavgarh soon.

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  14. Deepak ji, Nice to read your post and nice photos.

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  15. What a refreshing post, Deepak! Those are exciting shots, the dancing peacock and the hurrying tiger and the birds. Thanks fir sharing.

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  16. Wooowww lovely :) truly inspired...want to go for a safari :)

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  17. You are really blessed. I've tried 3 times and all the time I missed the big cat, although we saw the pug marks.

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  18. You managed to click so many animals and birds and then finally the eluding one. Obelix would have been with the first picture :-)

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  19. The tiger is the most exciting and most scary!

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  20. Lovely coverage of this wildlife paradise. I missed seeing this when I visited Kanha National park:(

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  21. Hi,
    Really great Post! I've enjoyed reading through your blog http://magictravels.blogspot.com/ because of the great style and energy. I have a blog on travel theme. If you're interested, we would love to have you on as a guest blogger. Please send me an e-mail and I can give you more information. Looking forward to hearing from you.
    Thanks

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  22. Hari OM
    Look who got adventurous! After knocking together the "My Take-quadrangle" finally got round to checking out your other postings, Deepak-ji and this is totally my cuppa tea. Have been a bit snowed under and just looking at these is a holiday in itself. thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Hari Om

      Glad you enjoy going through my posts!

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  23. superb shots deepak...love the photography....discovered your blog today...great job indeed...keep blogging...

    www.trip-o-graphy.blogspot.in

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