The Bandhavgarh National Park activities are not only about witnessing tigers with bated breath. There are several exciting things to do in Bandhavgarh, and we are here to guide you through them. You get to watch tigers, jackals, monkeys, and even wild boars as you visually take in the wildlife. However, there’s more to Bandhavgarh than meets the eye! You may or may not know about the unique types of birds that take shelter in this forest. But that’s not all; let’s explore what this fascinating landscape has to offer.
Bandhavgarh Beyond Tiger Safaris: Top 5 Must-Do Activities
Activity #1: Exploring the Historic Bandhavgarh Fort
Exploring its history is first on the list of Bandhavgarh National Park activities. The Fort was a gift from Lord Rama to his younger brother Lakshmana to keep watch over Lanka.
Years later, the fort was ruled by different dynasties from the Bhimsena Sanwat in 300 A.D. to 1494 A.D. under the Sengars, Kalachuri Rajputs and Baghels. The Kuruvanshees took custody of the fort between 1495-1535 A.D. until the Baghels returned in 1535 A.D. There was eventually a time when they shifted to Rewa. With the locals moving out of the area too, Bandhavgarh became the thriving ground of tigers and other wild animals.
Since the land was still owned by the Bhagels, they treated the wild as their hunting ground. As a result, the forest life was severely affected. Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa suggested designating 105 sq km of the forest as a national park in 1968. After this, they eliminated hunting and poaching, addressed the water shortage, and built small dams for the animals. Gradually, the park size increased to 694 sq km with a buffer area of 437 sq km.
Activity #2: Village Visits and Baiga Cultural Immersions
If you’ve heard a lot about the Baiga Tribe Bandhavgarh cultural immersions, then now is your chance to meet them. This tribe is known for their harmonious relationship with nature. They are located in Madhya Pradesh, while their communities also reside in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
You would be amazed by their dance traditions featuring songs in gratitude for the monsoons and harvest seasons. While they dance, they wear costumes adorned with decorative headgear, peacock feathers, metallic anklets, and grass braids. During their performances, the men play the Mandar, which is a drum placed around their necks. On the other hand, the women play the Thiski, which is an instrument that produces a clapping sound when played. It is noteworthy that these people display tattoos across their bodies, representing deep-rooted cultural expressions and showcasing the Baiga artistry.
Activity #3: Birdwatching and Nature Walks
Always been a fan of winged wonders? Then #3 on the list of activities is birdwatching in Bandhavgarh. You will find more than 150 species flying in their natural habitat. At the heart of the Vindya ranges, you will find the dense tropical forest most satisfying, along with the wetland, scrubs and fields.
These birds that you will see flying around or seated in a regal manner on tree branches are not your everyday birds. You’d be amazed at the intricate detail nature has bestowed upon these aerial beauties.
Here’s a list of some of the birds you might see when you visit, but remember, you will see more:
- Alexandrine Parakeet
- Ashy Crowned Sparrow-Lark
- Asian Palm Swift
- Barred Buttonquail
- Barred Jungle Owlet
- Brahminy Starling
- Barn Owl
- Barn Swallow
- Alexandrine Parakeet
- Asian Paradise Flycatcher
- Asian Palm Swift
- Sarus Crane
- Savanna Nightjar
- Shikra
- Short-eared Owl
- Spotted Dove
Activity #4: Cycling Through the Countryside
Down to our next adventure among the Bandhavgarh National Park activities is especially for those who love being on the move. Cycling is one of the activities you can take up while also sightseeing the villages and the forest buffer areas. So, if you want to experience more than just a Bandhavgarh safari, we suggest you start pedalling through the countryside. The lodge where you stay will provide well-maintained cycles.” You can also book a nature guide to accompany you while they brief you about the places at every pedal of the way. Prepare to witness the beauty of the Bandhavgarh Fort, the Baiga tribe and their community, and the Chechpur waterfalls located in the buffer areas.
Activity #5: Visiting Shesh Shaiya and Nearby Attractions
You don’t want to miss the Shesh Shaiya Bandhavgarh attraction along the path of the Bandhavgarh Fort. This magnificent 65-feet-long statue was constructed by its artist out of one large stone. It translates to “The Sleeping Serpent” and symbolises a sandstone figure of Lord Vishnu resting on a coiled serpent called Shesha. There is also a Shiv Ling on the left of the statue and Brahma on the right. While the Shesh Shaiya statue is a beautiful sight, you can also visit the man-made caves nearby. Your guide will drive you through the massively gorgeous fields while watching animals like the Samba, Monkeys, Deer, Elephants, and even Tigers, among other animals living their natural lives.
Conclusion
While there are many Bandhavgarh National Park activities you can look forward to, make sure to take the above top 5! From the tiger safari to birdwatching, legendary tribal communities to ancient statues, feel free to venture into the historical land of India. Every sight at Bandhavgarh is worthy of the adventures you will tell the generations to come.