Wildlife in madhya pradesh

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Once part of the old Rewa state, Bandhavgarh national park is set amidst the Vindhya ranges with a series of ridges running through it. Initially this park was the royal hunting ground for the rulers of Rewa. At present, the Bandhavgarh Park covers 448 sq km, but initially in 1968 it had an area of 105.4 sq.km.

The density of tiger population is among the highest in India. The tigers once roamed freely here but due to extensive hunting (Maharaja Venkat Raman Singh shot 111 tigers by 1914), their population came down drastically. Numerous steps were taken to conserve the wildlife here without spoiling the natural beauty of the park. Even today, the Bandhavgarh national park has retained its unspoilt look.

The famous white tigers of Rewa were discovered in Bandhavgarh National Park. The last known capture of the white tiger was in 1951. He is believed to have fathered many a cub in Indian zoos and outside. 'Mohun' is now stuffed and on display in the palace of the Maharaja of Rewa.

Bandhavgarh is densely populated with other animal species too. The great gaur, Indian bisons can be easily spotted when they come to graze on the meadows at dusk. The sambar, barking deer and nilgai are also common sights in the open areas of the park.

The ancient fort of Bandhavgarh adds grace to the park. Climb the fort to get a bird's eye view of the park. Do not miss the small population of naughty black bucks that live here, protected from the predators below.

Park Population :

The vegetation of the park is dry deciduous. About half of the park is covered with sal trees. There are mixed forests in the higher reaches of the hills. Stretches of Bamboo and grasslands extend to the north of the park. Grassy meadow patches occur in the valley and along the nalas. The park sustains all those species which are typical to Central India.

There are 22 species of mammals which include langurs and rhesus macaque as the primary group. The jackal, bangal fox, bears, ratel, mongoose, hyena, jungle cat, leopard and tiger form the core carnivore population. The animals frequently sighted are wild pig, spotted deer, sambar, dhole, the small Indian civet, palm squirrel and lesser bandicoot rat are seen occasionally. Among the herbivores, the gaur is the only coarse feeder.

The national park holds some 250 odd species of birds along the streams and marshes. Reptilian fauna include cobra, krait, viper, rat snake, python, turtle and a large number of lizard varieties, including varanus.

Nearby Attractions : The most fascinating and most popular excursion from the national park is to the Bandhavgarh fort. This fort is in ruins now but the strong high walls of the fort tell a saga of valour and splendour. The fort blends with the wilds of the park and has become a part of the park. No one knows when the fort was constructed but scripts as old as Shiv Purana have mention the fort which is believed to be almost 2000 years old. The park in itself is historically very important. The signs of early habitation can be seen in the caves excavated from the cliffs to the north of the fort.Brahmi inscriptions here date back to the 1st century BC. Park Trips : The park can be entered on elephant back and/or in a jeep and/or by car. In these safaris a forest department guide always accompanies you. He will direct and tell about the flora and fauna of the park. The best time to visit the park is early in the morning or after 4 p.m.It is during this time that the animals are most active and are easily spotted. Climate : There are three well defined seasons - the cool (from middle of October to end of February), the hot (from middle of March to middle of June) and the wet (from middle of June to middle of October). The annual rainfall is 1.173 mm, coming mostly in the rainy season. The temperature ranges from a maximum of 42 D celsius in May and June, to around 4 D celsius in winter. Accommodation : The forest department and the PWD have arranged good accommodation facilities here. Madhya Pradesh Tourist department maintains the White tiger Forest Lodge. The rest houses of forest department and the PWD are sufficient to fulfill the needs of the visitors. For reservations contact the Madhya Pradesh tourist offices. Ask for the Bandhavgarh Jungle Camp from the forest officials or the reservation authorities.   Getting There : The nearest airport is that of Khajuraho which is connected with flights from all over India. From Khajuraho, it is a five hours drive to the national park. But there are many railheads which facilitate the access to this historical national park. Jabalpur is one of the major railway stations, just 164 kms away. Then there is Katni (102 km), Satna (120 km) on the central railway section. Umaria (35 km) falls on the south eastern section of the railways. Thus, access to Bandhavgarh is easy by even train. There are bus (both private and state bus services are available) and taxi services to the national park from the nearby places. The route passes through heavenly scenery. The road from Khajuraho crosses Ken river which has been recently declared a Crocodile sanctuary farm famous for the Ghraiyal, a rare fish eating species of the crocodile. This road also goes to Panna, a town famous for diamond mines. The same road branches off for Vindhyachal.     For More Information : Director, Bandhavgarh National Park, P.O Umaria, Dist. Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh (India) - 484661 Reservation Authority (MPT hotels)-- Central reservations, Marketing Division, MP State Tourism Development Corporation Limited, 4th floor, Gangotri, TT Nagar, Bhopal (India) - 785612 Tel : (0755) 554340 - 43, 574289 Your Ad Here Your Ad Here

Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

One of India's most septacular and exciting parks for both variety and numbers of wildlife and well worth a visit. Originally proposed to protect a unique type of chinkara. It is open forest and lake national park. It is 120 kms. from Gwalior and 95 kms. from Jhansi.

This is the place that has been described by Rudyard Kipling in his great book "The Jungle Book". Picture this: thick sal forests, long bamboos, swaying grasslands and meandering rivers. This is what Kanha is all about. Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha national park is a tiger reserve that extends over an area of over 1940 sq km. A horse-shoe shaped valley bounded by the spurs of the Mekal presents an interesting topography. Steep rocky escarpments along the edges offer breathtaking views of the valley.

Realizing the danger on the Tiger population in the country, the Government started the "Project Tiger" at Kanha and in 1974 the area was declared a Tiger reserve. The park is also the habitat of the high ground Barasingha.

The park was created in 1955 by a special law and since then it has dedicated itself in preserving a variety of animal species. Many endangered species have indeed been saved here. Today Kanha is among the few most scenic and beautiful wildlife reserves in Asia. This 'Tiger Country' is the ideal home for both predator and prey.

Park Population :

It was at the Kanha national park that the first ever scientific study of the tiger was undertaken by the eminent zoologist George Schaller. Another landmark at Kanha is the preservation of the hard ground Barasingha .This was achieved by extending the grasslands, relocating villages and by increasing habitat.There are 22 species of mammals in the park. These are the three-stripe squirrels, variety of monkeys and apes, hyena, wild pigs, deers and black bucks. The Indian jackal, jungle cat, leopard, blue bull can also be spotted here.

The mixed forests and bamboo forests are good breeding and nesting grounds for many feathered species. There are almost 200 species of birds in Kanha. Many of them are found on the grasslands too. Some of them can be spotted around water holes. The ground opposite the Museum is also a good place to watch the birds at play. Take binoculars to watch them closely. Best time to observe the birds is in the morning and evening. The park also sustains a sizeable number of reptiles which are very difficult to spot.

Nearby Attractions :

The Kanha national park in itself is so beautiful and full of adventure that no other local attraction is needed.But Bamni Dadar is one place which is visited by every tourist who come to the national park. This also known as the sunset point. The Kanha national park is at it scenic best at this point. The sunset from this spot is mesmerizing. The eminent natural splendor of the park comes to the fore here. The grazing sambars, barking deer, gaurs and other animals make the ambience magical.

Park Trips :

Take a forest department guide to go around the park. Guides take you to the exact locations where animals can be seen at their natural best. Touring is usually on jeeps. These jeeps can be hired from the MPTDC. Elephant safaris are mainly to spot tigers. Jeeps can be hired from the MPTDC manager at Kisli and Mukki. Remember to book the jeep one day before.