- Best Time to Visit Bandhavgarh National Park
The best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park for birdwatching is from November to March, when the climate is conducive and so are the numbers one gets to witness in terms of migratory species.
Bandhavgarh: Where Tigers Share the Stage with Soaring Avifauna
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India, is a land renowned for its majestic Bengal tigers. However, beneath the dense canopy and amidst the rugged Vindhya hills lies a thriving paradise for birdwatchers. This diverse landscape, encompassing various habitats – from dry deciduous forests and open grasslands to marshes and rocky cliffs – provides a haven for over 250 resident and migratory bird species, making Bandhavgarh a premier birding destination in India.
A Tapestry of Avian Wonders
The park’s rich tapestry of habitats caters to a wide variety of birds. Lush green forests teeming with Sal trees offer a sanctuary for elusive and colorful residents like the Indian Pitta, its vibrant plumage a jewel hidden amongst the foliage. Patient birders might be rewarded with sightings of the secretive Rufous-bellied Woodpecker or the flitting Verditer Flycatcher, its electric blue back a flash against the green. Open grasslands become a stage for resident birds like the stately Grey Francolin and the flamboyantly displaying Indian Peafowl.
Soaring above the landscape, Bandhavgarh is a haven for raptors. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic Long-billed Vulture, a critically endangered species, circling on thermals. The park is one of the few remaining strongholds for these magnificent birds in India. Other birds of prey to look out for include the powerful Bonelli’s Eagle, with its piercing gaze, and the agile Shikra, adept at hunting amongst the trees.
Bandhavgarh's Wetland Symphony
Dotted throughout the park are marshes and water bodies, teeming with resident and migratory waterfowl. The shy Brown Fish Owl might be spotted perched on a branch at dusk, its amber eyes reflecting the fading light. Watch patiently as the stately Indian Cormorant dives for fish, or listen for the unmistakable call of the Bar-headed Goose, a winter visitor from the Himalayas.
The park’s rocky cliffs provide a unique habitat for birds like the majestic Grey-headed Fish Eagle, its piercing cry echoing through the valleys. Look out for the acrobatic Crested Serpent Eagle, soaring effortlessly on air currents, or spot the colorful Indian Roller perched on a rock face, its vibrant blue plumage a striking contrast to the red sandstone cliffs.
Beyond the Core Zone: Exploring the Rich Buffer Areas
Here, you might encounter insectivores like the lively Indian Golden-Oriole, its melodious song filling the air, or the elusive Spotted Owlet, perfectly camouflaged against the tree bark. The open fields offer a perfect vantage point to spot grassland specialists like the shy Black-breasted Buttonquail, its distinctive call betraying its presence, or the stately Indian Bushlark, its song rising from the tall grasses.
Enhancing Your Birding Adventure
Hiring our experienced bird guide can significantly improve your birding success in Bandhavgarh. Our naturalists possess a deep understanding of the park’s habitats and the birds that call it home. Their keen eyes and knowledge of bird calls will help you spot even the most camouflaged birds.
Highlight Species of Bandhavgarh National Park
- Indian Roller
- Lesser Whistling Duck
- Jacobin Cuckoo
- Red Avadavat
- Painted Francolin
- Scarlet Minivet
- Malabar Pied Hornbill
- Shikra
- Red-headed Vulture
- Peregrine Falcon
- Red Jungle Fowl
- Common Greenshank
- Eurasian-collared Dove
- Rose-ringed Parakeet
- Sirkeer Malkoha
- Pied kingfisher
- White-throated Kingfisher
- Puff-throated Babbler
- Orange-headed Thrush
- Coppersmith Barbet
- Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark
- Yellow-crowned Woodpecker
- Spangaled Drongo
- Common Iora
- Golden-fronted Leafbird
- Tawny-bellied Babbler
- Indian Paradise Flycatcher
- Indian Orile
- Indian Pitta
- Crested Bunting
Types of Safaris in Bandhavgarh National Park
Jeep Safaris and Walking Safaris : Best experienced through jeep and walking safari, it has a lot to cater to a nature lover. Bird watching is best experienced by walking safari which takes place on defined nature trails. Many Birding enthusiasts made this a birding hotspot in recent times. You can easily hire experience bird naturalists from lodges. Local guides too are highly experienced and help you identify tons of bird species.
How to reach Bandhavgarh National Park
By Air : Bandhavgarh is a jungle, naturally not having an air strip. However, it is well connected to cities in Madhya Pradesh, that do. Jabalpur, approximately 200 kms from the park, is well connected by air with major cities in the country, i.e. New Delhi and Mumbai.
By Train : Reaching Bandhavgarh National Park by Train is simple too. Trains to Umaria (37 kms), Katni (100 kms) and Jabalpur (180 kms) Railway Station, run from major cities in the country, like Mumbai, New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Mathura, Gwalior, Bhopal, Sawai Madhopur, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai etc. One can drive to Bandhavgarh post this point.
By Road : Bandhavgarh is connected to major towns in Madhya Pradesh, that can be travelled to by air or by train.
1. Umaria: At a mere distance of 37 kms, Umaria is just a 45 minute drive from the Park.
2. Jabalpur: At a mere distance of 190 kms, Jalbalpur is just a 04 hour drive from the Park.
3. Katni: At a mere distance of 100 kms, Katni is just a 02 hour drive from the Park.
