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BANDHAVGARH
The Bandhavgarh National Park, lying in the
heart of the Vindhya Mountain Range in Central India at a distance of 195 km
from Jabalpur and 225 km from Khajuraho, is a small and compact National Park,
yet full of game. The density of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the
highest known in India. Bandhavgarh is also extremely productive for
medium-sized bison herds. Bandhavgarh came into existence as a national park in
1968 with a core area of 105 sq. km, which was later extended to include two
adjoining Sal forests in 1986. Before becoming a national park, it was the game
reserve of the Maharajas of Rewa.
The centre of the park is dominated by the
majestic Bandhavgarh Fort, around which is numerous caves containing shrines
and ancient Sanskrit inscriptions.
ATTRACTIONS
The Fort -
Though no records remain to show when the
Bandhavgarh Fort was constructed, it is believed to be 2000 years old. Various
dynasties have ruled the fort - the Maghas, Vakatakas, Sengars & the
Kalachuris. In the 13th century the Baghels took over, ruling from Bandhavgarh
until 1617 when Maharaja Vikramaditya Singh moved his capital to Rewa. The last
inhabitants deserted the fort in 1935.
Flora and Fauna -
The Forest of Bandhavgarh can be classified
as moist deciduous and the National Park holds all those animal species, which
are typical of this habitat in Central India. Certain areas in the Park are
drier in character and hold such species as the Nilgai and the Chinkara. Sal
Forest occurs throughout the valleys, giving way to mixed forest on the upper
hill slopes, on rocky outcrops and in the South and West.
Wildlife -
There are more than 22 species of mammals
and 250 species of birds in the Park. Wildlife that can be spotted here are the
Rhesus Macaque, Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Grey Mongoose, Striped
Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard, Tiger, Sambar, Chausingha, Nilgai, Chinkara and
Gaur or Indian Bison.
Birds -
The vegetation along the streams and
marshes in the Park is rich in birdlife. The commonly seen species are the
Little Grebe, Egret, Lesser Adjutant, Black Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Common
Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Parakeet, King Fisher, Indian Roller, Sarus Crane,
Black Kite and Crested Serpent Eagle.
Wildlife Viewing -
There are two main ways of getting about in
the park, in a motor vehicle or on elephant back. Jeep safaris are best
undertaken from dawn till about 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. till dusk as the
animals are most active during this period. Elephants are used every morning by
the Forest Department for tiger tracking.
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