Bandhavgarh National Park

The Land of the Royal Bengal Tiger Highest Tiger Density in India

Est. 1968
1536 Sq. km
Tiger Reserve
Historic Fort & Caves

Bandhavgarh Jeep Safari Booking

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Book open jeep safaris for core (Tala / Magadhi / Khitauli) or buffer gates.

Core zones open ~1 Oct–30 Jun (closed Wed evening). Buffer zones open year-round. Max 6 persons + 2 children (under 5) per jeep.
Core Zones

Tala · Magadhi · Khitauli

Weekday Indian ₹9,500 / jeep
Weekend Indian ₹10,300 / jeep
  • Foreigner from ₹14,000 / jeep
  • Morning & evening slots (seasonal timings)
  • Highest tiger density — Tala is most popular

Jeep, driver, guide & permit charges included

Book Core Safari
Buffer Zones

Dhamokar · Johila · Panpatha

Indian ₹8,700 / jeep
Foreigner ₹13,000 / jeep
  • Open throughout the year
  • Night safari available (same-day counter)
  • Great when core permits are sold out

Jeep, driver, guide & permit charges included

Book Buffer Safari
Same ID used at booking required at gate
Permit non-refundable once issued
Book up to 120 days in advance

About Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh. With one of the highest densities of tigers, it is an extremely popular tiger reserve in India. Madhya Pradesh has the highest population of tigers in its reserves, and the chances of spotting the wild beast in Bandhavgarh are excellent.

The reserve is spread over 1536 sq. km including 716 sq. km core zone and 820 sq. km buffer zone. Nestled in the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges in Umaria district, Bandhavgarh shelters the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers in the world. It is said that the origin of all white tigers can be traced to Bandhavgarh, though none have been reported in the past 50 years.

Bandhavgarh Scenic Fort Valley
Types of Safari Available

Jeep Safari

A jeep safari in Bandhavgarh offers an exclusive wildlife experience in open 4x4 gypsies with a trained guide and driver. Book core zones (Tala, Magadhi, Khitauli) or buffer gates (Dhamokar, Johila, Panpatha) for morning or evening slots — ideal for photographers and small groups seeking high tiger-density forest drives.

Night Safari

Night safari runs in buffer zones Panpatha and Dhamokar (about 7:00–9:30 PM in winter; 7:30–10:30 PM in summer). Spot nocturnal wildlife including deer and, with luck, tigers. Limited vehicles only — usually available same day at the ticket counter.

Jeep safari in Bandhavgarh National Park
Open Jeep Safari Core & buffer · Morning / Evening
Canter Safari — currently not available online Elephant Safari — currently not available
Best Safari Zones in Bandhavgarh
Tala Zone

Tala Zone

Tala Zone

Tala is one of the oldest and most renowned zones in Bandhavgarh. Apart from exceptional tiger sightings, it features Bandhavgarh Fort, the 10th-century Shesh Shaiya idol of Lord Vishnu, Bari Gufa, and meadows like Rajbhera and Chakradhara. Lush sal forests, grasslands and hillocks characterize the zone. Umaria is the nearest town, 32 km from Tala.

Magadhi Zone

Magadhi Zone

Magadhi Zone

Magadhi features natural and artificial waterholes including Murdhawa, Dabhadhole, Sukhi Patiha and Charkpwaha where tiger sightings are frequently reported. Mixed dense forests and open grasslands define the area, with attractions like Charger Point, Mahaman Pond, Climber's Point and Dinosaur Rock. Umaria is 38 km away.

Khitauli Zone

Khitauli Zone

Khitauli Zone

Khitauli is characterised by dry deciduous forests with numerous tiger sightings in recent years. It is home to a herd of migratory wild elephants. Visitors may also spot nilgai, chinkara and chausingha. The zone is increasingly popular among birdwatchers, with attractions including Umrar River, Garhpuri Dam and Marjadgarh Tower. Umaria is 37 km away.

Dhamokar Zone

Dhamokar Zone

Dhamokar Zone

Located 14 km from Tala, Dhamokar is a buffer zone extension of Magadhi between Parasi and Mahaman villages. Notable attractions include Mudgudi Dam and natural caves of Sehimaada. The Kadewaha grassland provides an excellent setting for wildlife observation.

Johila Zone

Johila Zone

Johila Zone

Johila (Kalwa) is an extension of the Tala Zone with entry near Chechpur village. Johila Waterfalls attract numerous tourists during safaris — the waterfall originates from Amarkantak and flows into the Son River. Other attractions include Kuthulia Waterfall, Badia Ghaat, Chindia Ghaat and Zurnar Ghaat.

Panpatha Zone

Panpatha Zone

Panpatha Zone

Also known as Pachpedi, Panpatha is an extension of Khitauli Zone about 25 km from Tala Village. Home to nilgai, wild dogs, chinkara and chausingha amid deciduous and bamboo forests. A picturesque stream attracts animals to the area. Nearest access is 55 km from Umaria; Katni is 63 km away.

Click on "Click to know more" to explore detailed information about the zone.

How to Reach Bandhavgarh

By Air The nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport (170 km) or Khajuraho Airport (230 km).
By Rail The nearest railway stations are Umaria (35 km) and Katni (100 km).
By Road Well connected by road from Jabalpur (170 km), Katni (100 km), and Khajuraho (230 km).

Best Time to Visit

Winter (Oct - Feb) Cold mornings and pleasant days, perfect for general sightseeing.
Summer (Mar - Jun) Hot weather but outstanding tiger sightings near water holes.
Monsoon (Jul - Sep) Core zones are closed; buffer zones remain open subject to weather.
Bandhavgarh Tour Packages
Bandhavgarh Fun Tour with 1 Jeep Safari Fun Tour with 1 Jeep Safari

Bandhavgarh Fun Tour with 1 Jeep Safari

1 Night / 2 Days • 1 Jeep Safari
Bandhavgarh Holiday Tour with 2 Jeep Safari Holiday Tour with 2 Jeep Safari

Bandhavgarh Holiday Tour with 2 Jeep Safari

1 Night / 2 Days • 2 Jeep Safaris
Bandhavgarh Fun Tour with 2 Jeep Safaris Fun Tour with 2 Jeep Safaris

Bandhavgarh Fun Tour with 2 Jeep Safaris

1 Night / 2 Days • 2 Jeep Safaris
Bandhavgarh Weekend Tour Bandhavgarh Weekend Tour

Bandhavgarh Weekend Tour

2 Nights / 3 Days • 2 Jeep Safaris
Khajuraho Bandhavgarh Tour Khajuraho Bandhavgarh Tour

Khajuraho Bandhavgarh National Park Tour

4 Nights / 5 Days • 2 Jeep Safaris

View all Bandhavgarh tour packages

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Bandhavgarh National Park located?
Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated in the Vindhya mountain ranges.
2. Is Bandhavgarh open all year round?
No. The core zones of Bandhavgarh (Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli) are closed during the monsoon season, from 1st July to 15th October. However, the buffer zones (Dhamokhar, Panpatha, and Johila) remain open throughout the year.
3. Which is the best zone for tiger sightings?
Tala and Magadhi zones are historically famous for the highest tiger sighting frequencies due to their geography and water bodies. However, Khitauli zone also offers excellent sightings and is highly popular.
4. How can I book a safari permit for Bandhavgarh?
Permits must be booked online in advance via the official Madhya Pradesh Forest Department portal or through authorized travel assistants. Since core permits are highly limited, booking 60-90 days in advance is highly recommended.
5. What is the difference between core and buffer zones?
Core zones are the highly protected central parts of the forest with strict entry rules. Buffer zones surround the core areas, allow night safaris, and have growing tiger populations that frequently cross the boundaries.
6. What vehicles are used for safaris?
Safaris use registered open 6-seater Gypsies accompanied by a forest department driver and a certified naturalist guide. No canters are used in Bandhavgarh core zones.
7. Is a night safari available in Bandhavgarh?
Yes, night safaris are conducted in select buffer zones (like Dhamokhar) after sunset (usually from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM). It offers an adventurous opportunity to spot nocturnal animals like leopards and nightjars.
8. What ID proof is required for booking?
Indian Citizens must provide a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport). Foreign nationals must provide their Passport and Visa details. The same original ID must be carried during the safari.
9. What should I wear on a Bandhavgarh safari?
Wear light and comfortable clothing in earthy or natural tones (khaki, green, beige, brown). Avoid bright colors and strong perfumes. For winter safaris (Nov-Feb), carry warm layers as morning temperatures drop significantly.
10. Can I cancel or reschedule my permit?
No. In accordance with the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve rules, once a safari permit is confirmed, it is strictly non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be rescheduled or modified.
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