Month: July 2018

5 Interesting Things To Do In Bandhavgarh National Park

Regarded as one of the most popular national parks in India, Bandhavgarh National Park is a place of beauty, tranquility and exotic animals! It is located in the Umaria district in Madhya Pradesh and is spread over a huge area. Hosting the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, this national park has over the years treated visitors … Continue reading “5 Interesting Things To Do In Bandhavgarh National Park”

Regarded as one of the most popular national parks in India, Bandhavgarh National Park is a place of beauty, tranquility and exotic animals! It is located in the Umaria district in Madhya Pradesh and is spread over a huge area. Hosting the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, this national park has over the years treated visitors with views of majestic tigers, in their full glory. The natural habitat of the park serves as the perfect place for flora and fauna to thrive.

While Bandhavgarh National Park has become synonymous with tigers, there is a wide range of other activities that you can undertake when in the park. Here is a list of five things to do when in the reserve to create memories for a lifetime.

Jeep Safari to Experience the Wildlife

The best way to experience the park and the wildlife habitat is to go on a jeep safari. It is just too fun to miss. If you are a wildlife enthusiast who wants to capture astonishing moments, the safari is all you will ever need. The jeep safaris run in two shifts daily with a duration of 4 hours each. The first shift starts early in the morning, whereas the second shift begins late in the afternoon. Each jeep accommodates only 6 people, so make sure you get the booking is done in advance. The Bandhavgarh national park is divided into four zones namely Tala, Magadhi, Khitauli, and Panpatha. The visitors have to show identity cards to get an entry into the park.

Spotting the Tigers

Chakradhara is a place in Bandhavgarh park which has gained a reputation for being the best spot for tiger sighting. This meadow is surrounded by dense hills that provide the ideal place for tigers to reside in. This is the place where you can find a high density of tigers. Each of the wild cats has been given individual names like Bheema, Chandini, Kankati, Sukhipatia, Dotty, Krishna, Bamera, Marchaini and Rajbhra. In fact, to reach Bandhavgarh Fort, you have to pass through this beautiful and stunning place.

Extravagant Living

The Bandhavgarh reserve is spread over a massive area of 1536 sq km! The park offers several accommodation options to augment the experience of the tourists. The hotels are primarily divided into four categories, namely, the high-end hotels, the luxury resorts, the deluxe resorts and the budget hotels. Luxury resorts are the most popular followed by the deluxe versions for tourists have access to all types of extravagant amenities without having to empty their banks to stay here. Most of the luxury resorts arrange for bonfire evenings complemented with stunning performances to give the visitors a complete experience of the park.

Shopping in the Bandhavgarh Market

Bandhavgarh has more to offer other than its stunning wildlife setting. There is a market just outside the park where you will find numerous small shops selling souvenirs. From t-shirts to wildlife books, postcards to wooden toys, you can find exquisite and unique items here. There are several photographers who sell pictures of the tigers clicked inside the park at an affordable price. When in Bandhavgarh, do not forget to buy yourself this amazing collection of gifts.

Trekking to Bandhavgarh Fort

You cannot miss the trekking trip to Bandhavgarh Fort that is located right in the center of the park. The one-hour trek to the fort is beauty personified. The fort is situated on a hill with an altitude of 811 meters above the sea level. It is necessary to have a guide accompany you as the trail traverses the national park and the chances of getting lost are high. The Bandhavgarh Fort is almost 2000 years old and has its own historical significance. There are several caves in the fort which are adorned with magnificent paintings and scripts. There is a statue of Lord Vishnu towering at 35 feet. If you want to know more about this region and its rich history, a trek to the fort is a must.

While these might seem like a part of the park itinerary, there is much to indulge in outside the park as well. You can visit the Bamera dam or experience the rustic setting at Tala village. Visiting the Bandhavgarh National Park is an experience you will not forget. Be it the setting or the wildlife, this national park should be on the bucket list of every travel enthusiast. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and book your holiday today with popular travel agents today.

7 Things To Do In Bhopal For An Amazing Experience

The first thing you notice in Bhopal is the amalgamation of contrasts that runs through the city. The capital of Madhya Pradesh is beauty personified. On one side, you will find the Old City that is highlighted by marvelous mosques and vibrant markets. On the other side, you will find the bleak and sobering landscape … Continue reading “7 Things To Do In Bhopal For An Amazing Experience”

The first thing you notice in Bhopal is the amalgamation of contrasts that runs through the city. The capital of Madhya Pradesh is beauty personified. On one side, you will find the Old City that is highlighted by marvelous mosques and vibrant markets. On the other side, you will find the bleak and sobering landscape of Union Carbide, where one of the worst gas tragedies took place many years back. To the south, nestled in Shamla Hills and Arera Colony, the setting completely changes with modern buildings, big shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants.

It is this stark combination of the city that has made Bhopal into one of the most popular tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh.

To explore the multifaceted city is an experience in itself. However, there are a few things/places that you need to do when in the city of lakes. Read through to find a detailed guide on the top 7 sights and activities to do in Bhopal as included in most MP tourism packages.

Boating in Upper Lake

The Upper Lake in Bhopal is the oldest man-made lake in India. Also known as the Bhojtal, the lake was built by Parmara Raja Bhoj, the King of Malwa (1005- 1055). The lake serves as the main source of potable water for the residents of the city. You can go boating on the lake to experience the enchanting charm of the lake. The quaint mosque in the middle and the nearby Kamla Park only enhance the beauty.

Cycling in Van Vihar National Park

Situated right in the center of the city, Van Vihar National Park is located on the Shamala Hillock and is spread across a staggering area of 445 hectares. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The herbivores roam around here freely without any enclosures barring them. The carnivores are enclosed in areas with trenches and walls to prevent poaching. You can take a tour of the park on a bicycle whilst enjoying the best of nature and wildlife.

Picnic in Sair Sapata

An entertainment complex that is located over an area of 24.56 acres, Sair Sapata overlooks the Upper Lake and offers a range of attractions for kids and families. A musical fountain, suspension bridge, and toy train are popular attractions in the park. The numerous food kiosks in the center of the park are the ideal place to indulge in mouth-watering meals.

A Night Stroll by Taj-ul-Masjid

Taj-ul-Masjid has its own history and significance. Also known as the “The Crown of Mosques”, this gorgeous structure was built by the third female ruler of Bhopal, Shah Jahan Begum. The largest mosque in India, it showcases a pink facade with two 18-story octagonal minarets that have marble domes. The double storey gateway leads to the main prayer hall and has marble floors throughout. Visiting the mosque by night will surely give you chills (the good ones!). The magnificent structure light up is the ideal vision for the eyes and pictures for the Instagram.

National Museum of Mankind

This is the only museum in the world that uses actual tribal habitats in real-life sizes as exhibits to showcase the tribal cultures in various Indian states. The National Museum of Mankind is divided into three categories namely, the open-air exhibition, temporary exhibition and indoor galleries. The main building has 16 levels with exhibition halls, libraries, and auditoriums. The architectural marvel of this building in itself is mesmerizing. Covered with sandstones from Dholpur, the floors are made of authentic Kota stone. Not only does this place offer a great insight into the tribal lifestyles in India, but is a great place to visit and awe at the setting.

Eat at Za-aiqa

There are many eateries in Bhopal, but unquestionably, Za-aiqa is brilliant. Located in the upscale heritage hotel Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, the restaurant serves delicious Mughlai and Peshwari cuisine. The picturesque setting which includes the view of the lake, guests get a live view of the kitchen through the glass panels. The biriyani here is one of a kind. Prepare for a sumptuous meal when coming to this top-notch restaurant.

Ropeway Ride at Jain Temple

Manua bhan ki Tekri or otherwise known as the Jain Temple is a secluded sacred site in Bhopal sits atop a hill. Though accessible by a car, to get a stunning view of the city, you should (and must) take the ropeway ride to the top. Once you reach the top, you not only get a glorious view of Bhopal, but you can sit back and soak in the Jain architecture as well.

So, are you ready to experience Bhopal? Pack your bags, book one of the affordable MP tourism packages and explore the city like never before.

The Hidden Gem in the Heart of Bhopal: Van Vihar National Park

Located in the heart of Bhopal, the Van Vihar National Park is a beauty in disguise. The serene setting with the wide assortment of wild creatures and plants, this national park is a gem that is hidden perfectly amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. Ideal for all wildlife and nature lovers, Van Vihar … Continue reading “The Hidden Gem in the Heart of Bhopal: Van Vihar National Park”

Located in the heart of Bhopal, the Van Vihar National Park is a beauty in disguise. The serene setting with the wide assortment of wild creatures and plants, this national park is a gem that is hidden perfectly amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. Ideal for all wildlife and nature lovers, Van Vihar has much to offer to all the visitors.

The zoological park was first recognized as a national park in the year 1983. Located over an area of 4.48 sq kilometers, Van Vihar is an excellent amalgamation of flora, fauna and city life. The Upper Lake is situated next to the park and serves as a natural habitat for many types of birds. Considered to be one of the best national parks in Madhya Pradesh, Van Vihar prides itself on its unique location and variety of animals. To protect the animals and birds from the poachers, the mid-sized zoo was transformed into the perfect gateway in the city.

The Experience of a Lifetime

Tucked on the Shymala Hillock, Van Vihar is the home to different types of creatures. A photographer’s paradise and an animal lover’s perfect abode, you will come across different types of animals, birds, and plants. Carnivores like panther, tiger, hyena, lion, and bear are kept in huge enclosures that imitate their natural habitat. Crocodiles, snakes, gharials, and pythons are also kept in well-maintained enclosures.

Sambar, cheetah, blackbuck, monkeys, blue bulls, and many other herbivorous animals roam around the park with no enclosures or boundaries to restrict them. There are almost 200 bird species that can be witnessed when strolling around the park. Vulture, parakeet, hawk-eagle and Indian vulture are some of the commonly found birds in here.

Van Vihar is also known for its vast variety of flora. Unique plants and flowers are almost common at every step you take here. The soft breeze from the lake and the lush greenery provides an excellent setting for visitors to get lost in the world of wild.

Best Time to Visit

Bhopal experiences extreme climatic conditions due to its location. This means the summers are too hot and the winters are too cold. The months of February and March, and September through November are the best times to visit the city and experience the park in its prime.

Connectivity

Since Bhopal is the capital of Madhya Pradesh, the city is well-connected with the rest of the country. Raja Bhoj International Airport has daily flights plying both within the country and beyond international borders. The railway junction of Bhopal is well-developed. Van Vihar is connected by the road as well.

Other Specifications

  • From April through September, the national park remains open for the public from 7 am to 7 pm.
  • From October through March, the operating hours of the park is from 8 am to 6 pm.
  • The park remains closed on every Tuesday.
  • The well-developed road inside the park is used by cyclists. Morning walkers from around the area frequent the park every morning. You can take a tour of the park either using bicycles or cars.

So, what are you waiting for? Renowned travel agencies are offering packages for touring the national parks in Madhya Pradesh. Book a tour today and experience the rich biodiversity of the place today.