Bandhavgarh Safari Booking
Book Your Bandhavgarh Jungle Safari Online
Experience the thrill of exploring one of India’s most famous tiger reserves by booking your Bandhavgarh Safari online. Simply complete the enquiry form with your travel details, and our team will assist you with the safari reservation process.
Documents Required for Bandhavgarh Safari Booking
To confirm your safari permit, you will need to provide valid identification as per the Forest Department guidelines.
International Visitors
- Passport (photo page with personal details)
Indian Visitors
- Aadhaar Card
- Driving Licence
- Passport
- Voter ID or any other government-issued photo identity card
Important Information
- The original ID used during booking must be carried while entering the park.
- Details such as your full name, age, gender, nationality, and ID number must exactly match the submitted document.
- Incorrect information may result in cancellation of the safari permit without any refund.
About Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park, located in the Umaria and Katni districts of Madhya Pradesh, is one of India’s finest wildlife destinations and is renowned for its exceptional tiger population. Nestled among the Vindhya hills, the park offers a spectacular combination of dense forests, rolling hills, grasslands, streams, wetlands, and rocky landscapes.
Apart from the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, Bandhavgarh is home to leopards, sloth bears, jackals, wild boars, sambar deer, chital, barking deer, nilgai, chinkara, langurs, and numerous other mammals. The park also attracts birdwatchers with more than 250 species of birds and supports a rich variety of butterflies, reptiles, and plant life.
Whether you are a wildlife photographer, nature enthusiast, or first-time visitor, Bandhavgarh offers an unforgettable jungle safari experience.
Safari Options in Bandhavgarh National Park
Visitors can explore the park through the following safari options.
Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari is the most popular way to experience Bandhavgarh National Park. Conducted in an open 4×4 vehicle, each safari is accompanied by an experienced driver and an authorised nature guide.
A maximum of six visitors are permitted in each jeep, and exclusive jeep bookings are also available.
During the safari, visitors have an opportunity to observe tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer, gaur, birds, and a wide variety of flora while travelling through scenic forests and grasslands.
Elephant Safari
Elephant Safari, also known as the Elephant Joy Ride, is available only under special permission and is generally restricted to the Tala Zone.
This safari allows visitors to access areas that are not reachable by jeep. However, it is rarely available for tourists because prior approval from the Field Director is required, and permissions are granted only under exceptional circumstances.
Safari Zones in Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park consists of both core and buffer safari zones, each offering a unique wildlife experience.
Tala Zone
Tala is the oldest and most famous safari zone of Bandhavgarh. It is considered the best area for tiger sightings and is known for its rich biodiversity.
Major attractions include:
- Bandhavgarh Fort
- Shesh Shaiya statue of Lord Vishnu
- Charan Ganga River
- Ancient caves
- Dense Sal forests
- Beautiful meadows and grasslands
Several internationally acclaimed wildlife documentaries have been filmed in this zone.
Magadhi Zone
Magadhi is another highly sought-after safari zone with excellent opportunities for tiger sightings.
Its landscape includes dense forests, open grasslands, and scenic water bodies such as Sukhi Patiha, Dabha Dhole, and Charakpwaha.
The legendary tiger “Charger,” one of Bandhavgarh’s most famous tigers, once dominated this region and became internationally recognised through wildlife films and magazines.
Khitauli Zone
Khitauli features dry deciduous forests, open landscapes, and excellent habitats for herbivores.
Wildlife commonly seen includes:
- Tigers
- Nilgai
- Chinkara
- Four-horned antelope
- Sloth Bear
- Wild elephants (occasionally)
- Spotted deer
The zone has become increasingly popular for tiger sightings in recent years.
Dhamokar Zone
Dhamokar is a buffer zone located near Tala and offers a peaceful wildlife experience with comparatively lower tourist traffic.
Visitors frequently spot:
- Leopards
- Sloth bears
- Chital
- Sambar
- Wild boars
- Numerous bird species
The area also features scenic reservoirs, caves, and lush forest landscapes.
Johila Zone
Johila is known for its scenic beauty and rich birdlife. Forest streams, waterfalls, grasslands, and river valleys create an ideal habitat for both resident and migratory birds.
Popular attractions include:
- Johila Falls
- Kuthulia Falls
- Chindia Ghat
- Badia Ghat
- Zurnar Ghat
The zone is perfect for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Panpatha Zone
Panpatha is a buffer zone adjoining Khitauli. Although tiger sightings are comparatively less frequent, the zone offers beautiful forest scenery and excellent opportunities to observe herbivores and smaller predators.
Wildlife includes:
- Chital
- Nilgai
- Chinkara
- Wild dogs
- Four-horned antelope
- Various bird species
Bandhavgarh Safari Timings
Bandhavgarh National Park remains open for visitors from 15 October to 30 June every year.
| Months | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| 15 October – 15 February | 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
| 16 February – 31 March | 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| 1 April – 30 June | 5:30 AM – 10:00 AM | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Safari timings may vary slightly depending on sunrise, sunset, and instructions issued by the Forest Department. | ||
Safari Closure Information
Please note the following park closure rules:
- The park remains closed during the annual monsoon season (July to mid-October).
- Safari operations remain suspended on the festival of Holi.
- The afternoon safari is closed every Wednesday.
- Safari operations may also remain suspended on Diwali or other occasions as notified by the Forest Department.
Visitors are advised to book well in advance, especially during weekends, holidays, and the peak wildlife season, as safari permits are issued on a limited, first-come, first-served basis.