Bandhavgarh is truly the territory of the tigers! Once a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Rewa, Bandhavgarh is now home to the largest family of tigers in the country. The Park is an unspoilt natural habitat for the majestic cat as well as a vast species of other animals. Hire a guide who can take you across the park and help you spot one of those golden hued animals moving around in full stateliness. Other rare beasts that have made this park their home include gaur, sloth bear, leopard, porcupine, wild boar, sambhar and spotted deer. Of course, the park attracts tourists not just for these animals, but for its attractive landscape with steep ridges, undulating forests and open meadows. Adding more to the charm are the 1st century sandstone caves bearing Brahmi inscriptions. There definitely is a lot more to see and discover. So be here to join this wild experience.

• Wildlife: The foremost attraction here is the park itself! Take a Forest Department Guide with you who can direct you and even spot wildlife for you. Common sightings here would include the bison, Sambar, barking deer and nilgai, which usually laze around the area. The vegetation along streams and marshes is where you’d find around 250 species of birds, as well a variety of reptiles including cobra, viper, rat-snake and python. The best way to discover this beautiful terrain is on an elephant – get the help of a mahout who would be able to hear the calls and take you on an unforgettable trail.

• Bandhavgarh Fort: Another marvel inside the marvelous park, the fort is believed to be more than 2500 years old. The fort is believed to have been visited by Lord Rama and Lakshman on their way back from Lanka. The fort finds mention in various ancient texts like the Narad-Panch Ratna and the Siva Purana. Watch out for the grand palaces of the Baghel royals, the ancient temples as well as the 10 avatars of Vishnu inside.

• Shesh Shaiya: This large statue of Lord Vishnu is located on the Bandhavgarh hill, and is the only area within the park where you can walk on foot. The idol of Lord Vishnu is visible in a reclining position on the Shesh Naga, the seven-hooded serpent. The deity stands in a green pool which is also the source of the Charanganga River. According to legends, the Charanganga originates from the feet of Lord Vishnu, hence the water is considered sacred and is left untouched.

• Baghela Museum: This museum near the Tala village is worth a visit for its display of a stuffed white tiger captured by Maharaja Martand Singh in 1951.

• Caves: Around 35 sandstone caves exist inside the northern area of the Park that bear inscriptions dating from 1st century BC. The largest cave here, Badi Gufa, is particularly impressive with its broad entrance, several rooms and pillars.

• Jeep Safari: A Jeep Safari is a must when in Bandhavgarh. Open jeeps are available inside the forest to tour around. Such trips include a guide who is an expert in navigating through the jungle, deciphering calls of the wild and spotting them successfully. You could take your own vehicle too, but since the terrain is rather rough, we recommend hiring a car from the entrance.

• Elephant Safari: Another exciting way to explore the wilderness, you need to book an elephant in advance. The mahouts are generally experts in recognizing pugmarks and tracking tigers.

Bandhavgarh does not have any stand-alone restaurants as you would expect in any other city. The only place where you can get good eating options is the restaurant attached to the hotel you stay in. The restaurant at the Tiger Den Resort serves delectable Chinese, Indian and Continental fares. The Tiger Trails Safari Resort has a restaurant and bar which has a multi-cuisine menu and a well stocked bar. The Churhat Kothi Resort restaurant serves excellent buffet meals. Their menu has Indian, Continental and Oriental dishes. They even pack lunches for camps and picnics. The King’s Lodge has a multi-cuisine restaurant and a Gol Ghar with outdoor dining facilities.