About the Port
Bandhavgarh National Park lies in the hilly forests of Madhya Pradesh, central India, and ranks among the country's most celebrated wildlife reserves. Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Rewa, the park takes its name from an ancient fort that still crowns a rocky outcrop at its heart, its ramparts overlooking a mix of sal forest, bamboo groves, and open grassland. The reserve is renowned for one of the highest densities of wild Bengal tigers anywhere in India, alongside leopards, sloth bears, deer, and a rich variety of birdlife.
Visitors typically explore the park on guided jeep safaris through designated zones, moving slowly through the terrain in search of wildlife and scanning the ruins for glimpses of ancient carvings and ponds. The nearest railhead and small airstrip lie within a couple of hours' drive, making advance planning essential for those venturing inland from the coast.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Bandhavgarh National Park.
Climb to Bandhavgarh Fort
A steep path leads to the hilltop ruins, where weathered stone statues of Vishnu and Narasimha sit near ancient reservoirs. Allow at least an hour and go early to avoid the midday heat.
Book a Dawn Safari
Jeep permits are limited and zone-specific, so reserve the first entry slot months ahead for the best odds of a tiger sighting as the forest wakes.
Scan the Skies for Raptors
Bandhavgarh's grasslands and sal forest shelter over 250 bird species, from crested serpent eagles to Indian rollers; bring binoculars for the quieter buffer-zone drives.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Bandhavgarh National Park
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 18, 2027 | Lindblad Expeditions | Charaidew II | 17 | $25,857 | |
| Feb 25, 2027 | Lindblad Expeditions | Charaidew II | 17 | $24,500 | |
| Mar 4, 2027 | Lindblad Expeditions | Charaidew II | 17 | $24,500 | |
| Feb 24, 2028 | Lindblad Expeditions | Charaidew II | 17 | $24,500 | |
| Mar 2, 2028 | Lindblad Expeditions | Charaidew II | 17 | $24,500 | |
| Mar 9, 2028 | Lindblad Expeditions | Charaidew II | 17 | $24,500 |