Bandhavgarh, located in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most celebrated tiger reserves in India, renowned for its rich biodiversity. Spread over 1,536 sq. km, the park features a mix of sal and bamboo forests, grasslands, and rocky hills that provide ideal habitats for a wide range of wildlife. The terrain, with its valleys, ridges, and plateaus, supports both dry deciduous and moist forest ecosystems, allowing a remarkable variety of species to coexist.
The park is home to more than 37 species of mammals, 250 species of birds, and 80 species of butterflies, alongside numerous reptiles and amphibians. The Bengal tiger is the star attraction, and Bandhavgarh is considered to have one of the highest tiger densities in the world. Other predators like leopards, wild dogs (dholes), and jackals roam the forests, while herbivores such as sambar, chital, barking deer, and nilgai maintain the prey base essential for carnivores.
The birdlife is equally captivating. Raptors such as the crested serpent eagle and white-eyed buzzard soar above, while ground birds like the red junglefowl and peafowl thrive in the undergrowth. Migratory species, including steppe eagles and various ducks, visit in winter, making Bandhavgarh a rewarding experience for both wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
