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Bandhavgarh
National Park
Though small in size, yet it is the national park known for its highest
tiger population. The former hunting reserve of the royal family of
Rewa; Bandhavgarh was declared a National Park in 1968 and further
extended to the adjoining Sal Forests in 1986. The thick forest and
Vindhyan Mountains surround Bandhavgarh National Park. Its plains
have a number of grass and reed covered wetlands dominated by the
Kingfishers and Egrets. The Bandhavgarh National Park. Covering an
area of 542.40-sq-kms, Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary has 25 resident
tigers and is noted for its tiger population. The fine trees of Sal
cover half of the Bandhavgarh National Park while the higher hills
consist of the mixed forests. The wide stretches of bamboo and grasslands
cover the entire northern region. Whole of the national park is encompassed
by 32 wooded hills.
Wildlife Attraction in the Bandhavgarh National Park
The Flora :
Bandhavgarh National Park is densely covered by variety of trees with
Sal dominating throughout the valley, giving way to mixed forests
in the higher reaches of the hills. Mixed vegetation like Sali, Saj,
Saja, Dhobin, etc. are found in these higher lands. Stretches of Bamboo
and grasslands extend to the north.
The Fauna :
The
density of the big cat population at Bandhavgarh is the highest in
India; and this is the main reason why Bandhavgarh is famous among
the wildlife lovers across the globe. Apart from Tigers, Bandhavgarh
is endowed with variety of wildlife species like Leopards, Gaur (Indian
Bison-although some say this is no longer seen), Chital (spotted deer),
Sambar, Dholes, Nilgais, Wild Boars, Hyenas, Chinkaras, Sloth Bears,
Rhesus Macaques, Black-faced Langurs, Jungle Cats, Porcupines, Jackals,
Foxes, Wild Dogs, Chausinghas, and Ratels.
The Birds :
Apart
being rich in wildlife, Bandhavgarh National Park is also an abode
of several species of colorful birds, which will leave you spellbound.
Major inhabitants are White-browed Fantails, Steppe Eagles, Green
Pigeons, Grey Malabar Hornbills, Black and White Malabar Hornbills
(quite a rare sighting), Blossom-headed Parakeets, Parakeets, Blue-bearded
Bee Eaters, Green Bee Eaters, White-bellied Drongos, Owls, Jerdon's
and Gold-fronted Leaf Birds, Minivets, and Woodshrikes.
Mammals & Reptiles :
There are at least 22 mammal species and about 250 bird species in
the Park. The grasslands in the park consist of chinkara (Indian gazelle),
nilgai (blue bull) and chausingha (four-horned antelope) and wild
boar. The dense forests contain sambhar (Indian stag), the muntjac
(barking deer) and the herds of chital (spotted deer). Gaur (Indian
bison) herds can be seen during March and April.
In & Around Bandhavgarh :
If you are at Bandhavgarh then don’t miss to see Bandhavgarh
Fort and Kalchuri Archaeological Remains. You can also visit Khajuraho
(230 km) for a complete but welcome change. But, if you have a hunger
for more wildlife then you can visit Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary (250
km).

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