Friday, August 9, 2013

Bandhavgarh – The Land of Tigers and Legends

Bandhavgarh National Park in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh was established in 1968 to protect the tiger population. This National Park is home to a wide variety of wild species of animals and plants. It is a popular destination for wildlife tourism in central India. Also known as the land of tigers, Bandhavgarh National Park is related to many legends. It has much more to offer to its visitors both in terms of wildlife and tourist attraction. Here are some interesting facts about Bandhavgarh.

1. Bandhavgarh National Park derives its name from an ancient fort called the Bandhavgarh (in Sanskrit) which literally means ‘brother’s fort’. It is located in the centre of the park on a hill top.

2. This park was established in 1968 by the Government of India under the Project Tiger.

Tiger-in-Bandhavgarh-National-Park


3. Before it was established as a national park, the forests of Bandhavgarh and its surrounding areas were used a gaming preserve (hunting ground) for the kings of Rewa kingdom.

4. Bandhavgarh National Park has the highest density of tigers among all the other National Parks in India.

5. It is also the first place in India where the rare white tiger was found.

Bandhavgarh-Fort-Ruins


6. The Bandhavgarh Fort, now in ruins, inside the park is said to be the oldest fort in the world that dates back around 2000 years.

7. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ram gave this fort to his brother Lakshman after the epic battle with Ravan, to keep a watch over Lanka. Lord Ram is the seventh avatar of the God Vishnu.

Caves-in-Bandhavgarh-National-Park


8. There are many ancient caves in and around the fort with amazing carvings and sculptures.

9. Sita, of the tigress that lived in the forest is said to be the most photographed tiger in the world and also appeared on the cover National Geographic magazine.

Sita-on-National-Geographic-Magazine


10. Besides tigers, Leopards, Chital, Sambar, Barking deer and Nilgai are some of the wild creatures found in this park. Bandhavgarh National Park also has a sound population of bird species, both resident and migrating.

7 comments:

  1. I love the big cats, tigers and lions are such magnificent creatures..so powerful.

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  2. Useful info..... and that turtle shaped rock (or is it made from tree trunk?) formation is amazing :)

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  3. Fantastic shot of the tiger and scenery.

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  4. Great, Beautiful big cat, but danger on his nails and tooths :)

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  5. Good information and some great pictures. Bandhavgarh certainly beckons anyone into serious tiger photography.

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  6. WOW....THAT A FANTASTIC TIGER SHOT..

    Greetings from Holland, Joop

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