After a long drive from Jabalpur Airport, through one of the finest road experiences we near our destination. The final moments are absolutely stunning, as looming cliffs, tabletop mountains come into the vision and the pure air begins to enhance the sense of wellbeing.   

Bandhavgarh is one of the finest wild holiday destinations on Earth. Tucked away in the remote corner of Madhya Pradesh (MP), this Central Indian paradise is the land of the Tiger. The drive is through quaint hamlets, rustic villages, and dense forests but the experience of reaching the destination is truly enchanting. The sudden surprising emergence of steep cliffs is the most intriguing feature, the first glance captivates, the holiday has just begun. 

In a modern urbanized clutter that the Earth is slowly turning into, experiencing Bandhavgarh is like entering into a dreamy fairy tale World. The central place Tala may be a little disappointing but the surroundings are absolutely stunning and holidaymakers prefer to stay on the outskirts.     

The tiger reserve and National Park is a mix of exotic and esoteric with dense forests, swampy meadows, and streams running wild.  But the most eye-catching features are the steep cliffs, part bare, partly enveloped in green, down below are the glens enchant. In between the rising cliffs, the sun descends to play hide and seek emitting sobering orange glows. The vivid landscape impacted by sunlight and the halo appears as a bizarre spectrum of striking colors painting the terrain in a romantic mix of shades and sunlight overpowered by amber glows. 

The terrain is rugged and surprises you on a tiger safari as you gain height and then descend down steeply into the meadows. The roller coaster game ride is an absolute thrill, a bit frightening due to the uneven surface, and the initial fear of a sudden encounter with the majestic tiger.  

Thrill on a Bandhavgarh Safari captivates visitors by amazing eruptions of the torturous terrain, sudden encounter with the Big Cats, and the sight of ancient artifacts scattered in wild abundance.  The latter makes Bandhavgarh unique, a creation of tribal, way back two thousand years ago, perhaps more. These civilized structures are a tribute to Lord Vishnu who resides in zoomorphic forms a symbol of universal life. 

The Lord, the preserver is best revered at Shesh Shaiyya, the amazing fairy tale enclave of a shaded pool created by the mountain River Charanganga that trickles into the assemble mysteriously through the dense vegetation. Visit Sesh Shaiyya or the reclining Vishnu if you believe in fairylands.  This is the spot where tired soldiers back from the ravages of internecine wars once rested under the cool shade of the grove.  Now the big cats come here to rest.  Further up the hill lies the fort and the Ram Temple, out of bounds for visitors but nevertheless a place frozen in time - unique and esoteric.   

Safaris at the reserve begin early almost at predawn and last for three hours. It is the thrill of sighting the tiger in the wild that attracts people from far and wide. It is one of the most intriguing sights, a moment to remember for life such is the magical charisma of the Bengal Tiger in India. The search is an experience, and if you go for a large number of safaris then the guides will turn you into an expert tiger tracker. 

This wildlife experience is engaging, invigorating, and thrilling. Bandhavgarh is an ecosystem that contains several niches and each as exciting as the other. The amazing wilderness is a floral paradise and home to equally amazing life forms major and minor. It is an explorer’s paradise and a researcher's dream lab. Filmmakers and lensmen come here to capture exciting images of big cats and mammals in the pristine, unspoiled surroundings.   

Excitement awaits at every turn in the mysterious green alleys of paradise. One has to keep calm and silent as the guide searches for your favorite animal. The logical end is the sighting of big cats, sloth bears, and huge bison. The birds' delight, and you should have keen eyesight and sharp focus to sight them before they vanish into the foliage.   

Earlier you could sight the predators from a close quarter on the elephant's back, but that is not allowed anymore. Nevertheless, open jeep safaris are as exciting and help explore every nook and corner of the paradise. 

You should book a jeep safari in advance at Bandhavgarh. The booking is done on MPOnline Portal and directly at the gates if available.  Open jeep safaris are limited and available only to permit holders. Six tourists are allowed on one jeep and you can share to cut the cost. Hire a naturalist if, you are keen on the interpretation of wilderness around. Carry good quality binoculars, warm clothing in winters and food and water. Bird hand guides and books on wildlife are handy.   

You need to stay for few days in order to sight and photograph tigers. A longer stay is like a revelation on the mystery of natural Earth, undisturbed and unpolluted.  Understand life as you explore. 

You should stay at the best resort in Bandhavgarh hence book early. The holiday is a mix of wilderness experience and recreation. Good food, a comfortable stay, and a romantic experience for some, all is possible here. The wildlife resorts organize safaris, bird watching trips, village tours, and more. Unlike urban hotels, the resorts are inclined towards nature and local surroundings and ambiance that is the experience of countryside living. Though they do not lack in luxuries and style the ambiance is bound by local traditions, peace and serenity prevail. 

Experience life in remote India, amidst land that is nearly standstill undeterred by urban pursuits. The locals are peaceful and loving and understanding their life is a revelation. Life resonates with the robust nature in the surroundings and it is the best place to spend few days on an exciting vacation. 

You can reach Bandhavgarh from Jabalpur Airport in Central India which is a four-hour drive. Another option is to drive from Kanha National Park which is five hours drive. You can also connect the ride to the reserve from Khajuraho Temples also in Madhya Pradesh.   

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Uday freelances as a naturalist and loves to write on tiger conservation and the environment.

He also provides SEO and Contents and teaches  Digital Marketing in his hometown Jabalpur. 

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