This atlas is in beta. I am still checking facts, ranges, and species lists, so some of it may be wrong or incomplete. It is here early so these places get seen. If you spot an error, write to me.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
BetaAlso known as Bandhavgarh National Park
A compact Vindhyan tiger reserve known for some of the highest tiger densities in India, set around the Bandhavgarh fort.
Why this place matters
Compact Central Indian tiger reserve with some of the highest tiger densities recorded, centred on the Bandhavgarh fort landscape and key for regional tiger conservation and prey restoration.
The wildlife
TigerENEndangeredHigh-density Bengal tiger population; one of India's most reliable parks for tiger sightings.
LeopardNTNear ThreatenedPresent across the reserve, using rocky hills and dense forest for cover.
Sloth BearVUVulnerableRegularly recorded in forested valleys and on hill slopes.
GaurVUVulnerableReintroduced from Kanha; herds now established in suitable habitat.
SambarVUVulnerableLarge deer frequently seen along meadows and waterholes.
The wider field list, with current IUCN Red List status.
Mammals
- Bengal tigerPanthera tigris tigrisENEndangered
- Gaur (Indian bison)Bos gaurusVUVulnerable
- Sambar deerRusa unicolorVUVulnerable
- Sloth bearMelursus ursinusVUVulnerable
Chital (spotted deer)Axis axisLCLeast Concern- Indian leopardPanthera pardus fuscaNTNear Threatened
Indian muntjacMuntiacus muntjakLCLeast Concern
Wild boarSus scrofaLCLeast Concern
Birds
Crested serpent eagleSpilornis cheelaLCLeast Concern
Indian pittaPitta brachyuraLCLeast Concern
Indian rollerCoracias benghalensisNTNear Threatened
Raptor
Reptiles
King cobraOphiophagus hannahVUVulnerable
Bengal monitorVaranus bengalensisNTNear Threatened
Indian rock pythonPython molurusNTNear Threatened
Notable birds include Indian Roller, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle and Indian Pitta. Reptiles include Indian Rock Python, Monitor Lizard and Spectacled Cobra.
Plan your visit
Peak tiger viewing as water sources shrink in late summer; cooler winter months combine pleasant conditions with good mammal and bird activity.
- Zones
- Tala, Maghadhi and Khitauli
- Safari
- jeep
- Typical sightings
- Tigers along forest tracks and meadows, chital and sambar herds, langurs and occasional sloth bears and leopards.
- Light and terrain
- Mixed sal and bamboo forest with small meadows and rocky hills; sightlines can be close and intimate, with soft winter light and harsh summer contrast.
- Hides
- No dedicated tourist hides; photography is from authorised vehicles in designated zones.
- Good to know
- Limited vehicles per zone and round; core tourism closed 1 Jul to 30 Sep; Wednesday evening safaris closed as per MP Forest guidelines.