Category: bandhavgarh national park

The Best Place to see Tigers in India : Madhya Pradesh

Madhay Pradesh : The Numero Uno state for Wildlife Tourism in India Finally, good news rolling out of the forests of Madhya Pradesh. As per the latest reports of Wildlife Institute of India ( WII, Dehradun ), The number of tigers in Madhya Pradesh might increase from the existing 308 (as per 2014 census by … Continue reading “The Best Place to see Tigers in India : Madhya Pradesh”

Madhay Pradesh : The Numero Uno state for Wildlife Tourism in India

Finally, good news rolling out of the forests of Madhya Pradesh. As per the latest reports of Wildlife Institute of India ( WII, Dehradun ), The number of tigers in Madhya Pradesh might increase from the existing 308 (as per 2014 census by NTCA ) to 415. This report is an amalgamation of camera trappings, pugmarks & scientific reports.

It is speculated that WII might release the report in the coming fortnight.

NTCA ( National tiger Conservation Authority ) has conducted a state wise counting of tigers in Madhya Pradesh from Dec ‘2017 to April ‘2018 in the national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and unreserved forests of Madhya Pradesh. This counting, done every four years was conducted last in 2014 and had reported 308 tigers n Madhya Pradesh. Authorities closely associated with this are extremely optimistic of a final figure crossing 415 tigers in Madhya Pradesh.

The analysis of the “Tiger Census 2018” concludes significant increase in the number of resident tigers in the unreserved forests too. Even the territorial areas of the tigers has enhanced in the Jabalpur forest circle.

The State Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur has forwarded all the primary survey and trap camera records to National Tiger Conservation Authorities & Wildlife Institute of India. They will be processing the same and analysis of a PAN India state wise records will be submitted finally.

Around 4,600 trap cameras and forest department employees were used for this tiger count.

The year 2014 recorded tiger presence in 717 beats of Madhya Pradesh. The current consus projects tiger presence in 1432 beats. In 2014, Kanha National park recorded tiger presence in 155 beats of 11 11 ranges. The current census shows a positive tiger presence in 188 beats in 13 ranges.

Currently, Kanha National Park has 83 tigers and Bandhavgarh National Park has 61 tigers.

Similarly, in Jabalpur circle, the presence of tigers has enhanced from 28 to 62 beats.

The tiger census of 2014 declared Karnataka having a count of 408 tigers, Uttarakhand with 340 & Madhya Pradesh ranked No 3 with 308 tigers.

Year Wise Tiger Census of  Madhya Pradesh

2006 – 300 tigers

2010 – 257 tigers

2014 – 308 tigers

Madhya Pradesh had received the “Tiger State” award in 1991 when the total count of tigers were said to be 900, which included the state of Chattisgarh too.

Madhya Pradesh lost this coveted title to Karnataka in 2010.

The government of Madhya Pradesh is planning to declare newer National Parks and Wildlife sanctuaries to protect the species. Omkareshwar National Park, Mandhata, Singhaji and Ratapani wildlife Sanctuaries has already been shortlisted.

Bandhavgarh & it’s Elephants

With reference to a recent report on the alleged mistreatment of elephants in Bandhavgarh National Park, many of our guests have reverted to us to have a ground report and check on the facts. This is our version. At no point, we intend to challenge the intention of the photographer. The objective here is to … Continue reading “Bandhavgarh & it’s Elephants”

Statement of PCCF Wildlife, Madhya Pradesh

With reference to a recent report on the alleged mistreatment of elephants in Bandhavgarh National Park, many of our guests have reverted to us to have a ground report and check on the facts.

This is our version.

At no point, we intend to challenge the intention of the photographer. The objective here is to showcase the reality.

As one enters the Tala zone in Bandhavgarh National Park for the safari, on the right side is an enclosure where elephants are kept. The person who saw and photographed had no idea of the background and as we would say impressions can be deceiving, the person drew an opinion and unfortunately were not even enlightened by the accompanying guide.

Since the last one year, Bandhavgarh National Park is invaded by a big herd of wild elephants. Now, we all know that Madhya Pradesh is not a primary habitat of elephants and these pachyderms have ventured from the state of Chattisgarh and reached Bandhavgarh National Park via Sidhi.

Initially, the forest department attempted to stop this journey at Sidhi & return them back, succeed initially but over a period of time, the elephants entered the forests of Bandhavgarh National Park. This particular elephant was tranquilized and captured from an area where he had trampled and killed four villagers who were the sole bread earners of the family. The revengeful villagers were persuaded not to act and the elephant was captured alive by the forest department.

There are certain guidelines by the government where any animal, if has killed humans, should not be released in the wild and has to spend his life in a protected area. Adhering to this, the elephant was brought to Bandhavgarh National Park and is being trained to be of immense use in saving the forests in which he has lived.

Elephant patrolling through the dense Indian rainforest jungles is essential for conservation and in the fight against poachers.

No training is easy, be it humans or animals. Any such training can be heart wrenching but one thing which is wrong in that statement is that the elephant is being trained for tourism. In the National Parks of Madhya Pradesh, the primary responsibility of a trained elephant is patrolling in the deep forest where it is not possible to go by foot. The forests of Madhya Pradesh are basically moist deciduous, extremely dense in nature and cannot be patrolled only by vehicles or food. Elephants can venture into the deep forest safely where it is practically impossible to reach by a vehicle or by foot. Because of these trained elephants, the forest department can patrol inaccessible areas which is a huge deterrent for poachers. India is a country of 1.3 billion people, with 467 people living per km²,compared this to China which is just 145, USA is 35 and Russia is only 24.The cattle population in India is about 225 per km² .

This cumulates to an immense pressure on the forests in India, and still the Forest Department has managed to save it’s rich natural heritage. India still has the largest mammal on planet which is not endangered, still have Tigers which are the largest predators on earth,the numbers steadily growing  and uncounted Leopards, Snow Leopards & a healthy Rhino population. And all this is due to the hard work of the Forest Department, acceptability by the local community and adaptability of the wildlife. India’s wildlife numbers are growing. India is home to over 200 endangered species, no big mammal has been lost in last 50 years, unlike other countries where forests and wildlife has got decimated.

Apologies if this seems emotional, but someone comes and sees something and without understanding the truth starts to spread news is not fair. Our Forest department has taken very serious note of this & the highest authority ( PCCF Wildlife, Government of  Madhya Pradesh ) has made a statement too ( attached ).. One cannot see one incident in isolation, one has to see the bigger picture.

As a company, we do not promote elephant rides & we condemn acts like elephant rides in Amer Fort ( Rajasthan, India ) on hard stones ferrying tourists.

MP Tourism Packages – “International Yoga Day” 21st June ‘2019

We do not have the power to always take control of what is going outside, but thankfully, you have the power to take control of what is going inside you. Yoga gives the perfect platform to explore in detail about who you actually are, because in today’s effective life one hardly gets time to refresh … Continue reading “MP Tourism Packages – “International Yoga Day” 21st June ‘2019”

We do not have the power to always take control of what is going outside, but thankfully, you have the power to take control of what is going inside you.

Yoga gives the perfect platform to explore in detail about who you actually are, because in today’s effective life one hardly gets time to refresh and rejuvenate oneself.

Yoga adds years to your life and life to your years.

Yoga begins right where you are, not where you were yesterday or where you long to be.

i4u Travel Services has partnered with MP Tourism to celebrate  “International Yoga Day” on 21st June ‘2019 at the various tourist places near Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

Sailani Island Destination Yoga

Accommodation : Sailani Island Resort

Location : 80 kms from Indore & 70 kms from Khandwa

Duration : 1 night / 2 days

Inclusions :

  • Accommodation
  • All meals on buffet style vegetarian & non vegetarian
  • Boating & ATV bike rides
  • Nature walk surrounding the island
  • Dinner followed by music/dance

Maheshwar Destination Yoga

Accommodation : Narmada Retreat

Location : 95 kms from Indore

Duration : 2 night / 3 days

Inclusions :

  • Accommodation
  • All meals on buffet style vegetarian & non vegetarian
  • Local sight seeing in Maheshwar. Visit the temples & ghats
  • Visit Ahilya Fort & local market for shopping of the renowned Maheshwari sarees
  • Dinner followed by music/dance

Bhopal Destination Yoga

Accommodation : Palash Residency, Bhopal | Kerwa Resort, Kerwa, Bhopal | Wind & Waves, Bhopal

Location : Within city limits

Duration : 2 night / 3 days

Inclusions :

  • Accommodation
  • All meals on buffet style vegetarian & non vegetarian
  • Local sight seeing , visit Minto Hall & Tribal Museum
  • Visit Shorya Smarak, Birla Temple & local marketing at New Market
  • Dinner at Wind & Waves followed by music/dance

Bargi Destination Yoga

Accommodation : Maikal Resort, Bargi

Location : 15 kms from Jabalpur city centre

Duration : 1 night / 2 days

Inclusions :

  • Accommodation
  • All meals on buffet style vegetarian & non vegetarian
  • Boating in Bargi dam
  • Dinner followed by music/dance

Khajuraho Destination Yoga

Accommodation : Hotel Payal | Hotel Jhankar

Location : Within city limits

Duration : 2 night / 3 days

Inclusions :

  • Accommodation
  • All meals on buffet style vegetarian & non vegetarian
  • Local sight seeing , visit Western Group of Temples
  • Light & Sound show at Khajuraho
  • Dinner followed by music/dance

Pachmarhi Destination Yoga

Accommodation : Amaltas, Champak Bunglow & Glen View

Location : Nearest railway station is Pipariya 50 kms

Duration : 2 night / 3 days

Inclusions :

  • Accommodation
  • All meals on buffet style vegetarian & non vegetarian
  • Visit Jatashankar, Handi Kho, Priyadarshini Park, Pandav caves
  • Visit Priyadarshini Park, Pandav caves
  • Dinner followed by music/dance

Bhedaghat Destination Yoga

Accommodation : Motel Marble Rocks

Location : Nearest airport/railway station is Jabalpur 23 kms

Duration : 1 night / 2 days

Inclusions :

  • Accommodation
  • All meals on buffet style vegetarian & non vegetarian
  • Visit Chausath Yogini temple & Dhuadhar waterfalls
  • Boating at Marble Rock Boat club
  • Dinner followed by music/dance

Bandhavgarh National Park Destination Yoga

Accommodation : White Tiger Forest Lodge

Location : 200 kms from Jabalpur

Duration : 2 night / 3 days

Inclusions :

  • Accommodation
  • All meals on buffet style vegetarian & non vegetarian
  • 01 jungle safari ( evening )
  • Village tour / nature walk
  • Dinner followed by music/dance

Kanha  National Park Destination Yoga

Accommodation : Baghira Jungle Resort

Location : 180 kms from Jabalpur

Duration : 2 night / 3 days

Inclusions :

  • Accommodation
  • All meals on buffet style vegetarian & non vegetarian
  • 01 jungle safari ( evening )
  • Village tour / nature walk
  • Dinner at pool side followed by light music

Panna National Park Destination Yoga

Accommodation : Jungle Camp. Mandla

Location : Within city limits

Duration : 2 night / 3 days

Inclusions :

  • Accommodation
  • All meals on buffet style vegetarian & non vegetarian
  • 02 jungle safari ( evening )
  • Village tour
  • Dinner followed by music/dance

Parsili Destination Yoga

Accommodation : Parsili Resort, Parsili

Location : Nearest railway station Rewa 85 kms,Beohari 33 km, Panna 100 km & Khajuraho is 57 km.

Duration : 2 night / 3 days

Inclusions :

  • Accommodation
  • All meals on buffet style vegetarian & non vegetarian
  • 01 jungle safari ( evening )
  • Barefoot river walk tour
  • Dinner followed by music/dance

For more details, contact www.i4utravels.com.

6 Best Places for Safari Trip If You are a Wildlife Lover

India is a land of diverse culture, religion, race and community. This diversity is undeniably present in its flora and fauna also so much so that you will be amazed to find such rare species of plants and animals. When it comes to India, Madhya Pradesh, as the name suggests, is popularly known as the … Continue reading “6 Best Places for Safari Trip If You are a Wildlife Lover”

India is a land of diverse culture, religion, race and community. This diversity is undeniably present in its flora and fauna also so much so that you will be amazed to find such rare species of plants and animals. When it comes to India, Madhya Pradesh, as the name suggests, is popularly known as the ‘heart of India’ owing to its central location. The state is breathtakingly beautiful with its wide array of flora and fauna, heritage, spiritual and leisure places. But if you are to go on a jungle safari, what are the places that must be in your list?

Let us look at the best places to go for jungle safari in India:

 

1. Bandhavgarh National Park– Popularly used for hunting in the past, this is now a protected territory under the government and is also a component of Project Tiger. It is located in the district of Umaria, in the Deccan Plateau region, Madhya Pradesh. This park has no dearth of both flora and fauna; members of the flora community largely include Sal which is the dominant tree in this region. If you are planning for a jungle safari in Madhya Pradesh, don’t forget to see the tigers, deer, langurs, jackals, nilgais and many more such wonderful species.

2. Ranthambore National Park– It is a sprawling home to numerous tigers who live a luxurious life in the truest sense. Located in Rajasthan, it covers an enormous territory of land. This park is a special favourite for all wildlife photographers because the big cats are quite accustomed to the presence of humans; so they come out to bask in the glory of the sun while your cameras go clicking away!

3. Jim Corbett– Known as Asia’s first national park, it again has abundance presence of the tigers, the most popular member of the cat family. Located in Uttarakhand, you can also glimpse at Serow, Goral, Himalayan Tahr and many more fascinating animals.

4. Kanha National Park– You can ask your Madhya Pradesh tour operator to render assistance when visiting this spectacular park in Madhya Pradesh. It is also famous for being an inspiration to Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’. Visiting this park will give you the golden opportunity to see black panther, bear, python, gaurs, wolves and also Bengal tigers. It was originally sanctioned for conserving tigers but now many more animals are also conserved. Mostly deciduous forests make up the dominant vegetation of this place along with Sal and bamboo trees. Visit this park between October and May and you will get to see the place in its full glory!

5. Kaziranga National Park– Popularly known as the homeland of one-horned rhinoceros, this park is located in Assam. You can witness the splendour of wildlife as the place is away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This place is also declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can view the harmonious blend of the rhinos, bears, panthers and birds against the backdrop of serene natural beauty.

6. Panna National Park– This park is again a popular tiger reserve and is situated in Madhya Pradesh. The vegetation is mainly diverse, containing a mixed population of trees. Apart from a large population of tigers, you can watch out for vultures, storks, deer, leopards and many other unique species.

Conclusion– Being a wildlife lover has numerous advantages since you will enjoy going on a safari tour of these wonderful places that will surely leave you awestruck in the end. If you are eagerly waiting to go on a safari trip, make sure you visit these places for the best experience.

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.

Festivals and Fiestas: a.k.a Reasons To Visit Madhya Pradesh

The colourful state of Madhya Pradesh oozes a vibrancy and liveliness that remain unparalleled. The bustling streets filled with frantic activity, the nooks and corners that are always animated are some of the images that are associated with the Heartland of India. The place offers a home for people of different religious backgrounds and ethnicity … Continue reading “Festivals and Fiestas: a.k.a Reasons To Visit Madhya Pradesh”

The colourful state of Madhya Pradesh oozes a vibrancy and liveliness that remain unparalleled. The bustling streets filled with frantic activity, the nooks and corners that are always animated are some of the images that are associated with the Heartland of India. The place offers a home for people of different religious backgrounds and ethnicity and this contribute to the vivid cultural diversity, emergence of numerous religious festivals, fairs and cultural fiestas.

The place is synonymous with Tiger sightings, Jungle Safaris and the exotic flora and fauna that are spread across the expansive parks. Kanha, Pench and Bandhavgarh National Parks are frequented by visitors all the year round and always find a spot in the travel itineraries. Yet the hive of activity that animate Madhya Pradesh every few weeks are left outside the spotlight and travelers are hardly aware of them unless they time their visits around these festivals. The cultural hubbub of Madhya Pradesh presents a sight to behold with their flurry of activities that encompass and celebrate not only religious occasion but also mark various important days that contribute towards the history of the land.

Madhya Pradesh looks its best and exudes a certain charm during these times of the year when the festive feel lingers in the air. Following are a few of the most popular festivals that are celebrated with much pomp and gusto in the various cities of the state.

Khajuraho Festival

Held in the first weeks of February, the extravagant dance festival lasts almost 7 days every year. The festival is organised to pay a tribute to the Gods and Goddesses who were the original patrons of music and are thus held opposite the Chitragupta and Vishwanatha Temples in open-air stages. Dance forms ranging from Odissi, Manipuri, Bharatnatyam, Kathakalli and many more are magnificently displayed during these days paying homage to their respective states.

Tansen Music Festival

The festival that spans four days and based in Gwalior offers an excellent platform for music lovers from to showcase their talents in front of the world. The festival is organised to pay tribute to one of the first musical geniuses that India ever witnessed who elevated the status of folk music, Tansen. The performances are held under Tansesn’s tomb and present a splendid affair that is remembered long after the festival.

Navratri

Navratri is celebrated across Madhya Pradesh in the months of September and October and as the name denotes, the festival spans nine days. It marks the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon (Ravana) and the grand festivities truly make the trip to MP worthwhile. From songs, dances, fairs, street stalls displaying a multitude of trinkets, the entire state hardly spend a night asleep during the Navratri Celebrations. If nothing else, let travel agents plan the trip around these times for you to witness the splendour of the bonfire which document the “destruction of Evil” by burning a giant effigy of Ravana.

Ujjain’s Kumbh Mela

Ujjain’s Kumbh Mela that is held once every twelve years is the perfect scenario to witness the devotional and religious significance that India has to offer. Attended by thousands of tourists from all over the world to take a dip in the holy river Shipra, the conglomeration of devotees truly leaves one awed. Kumbh Mela spans an entire month and during this auspicious month hundreds of under-priviledged people are fed, religious functions are held and fair are attended. The month long festivities indeed offer a spectacle that must not be missed.

Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh

A treat for the ears and the eyes, this cultural fest pays its respects to the poet Kalidasa and is held in the cultural hotspot of the state, Ujjain. The festival sees the assembly of poets, elocutionists and scholars from all over India who successfully inspire the audience with their exquisite performances. The festivities make the literature and art lovers’ dreams come true. Even the plays that are staged have socio-political resonances that remain true to the present conditions.

The team at i4u Travels not only creates the perfect travel itinerary catering to your specific preferences but also makes sure that you do not miss out on the cultural extravagances that the place has to offer. From booking hotels, pick-ups, drop-offs, suggesting convenient locations to dine to arranging for the much sought after Safari Rides in Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks, i4u Travels do not give you much reason to enlist additional help while planning the trip.

What are you waiting for? Come, soak in the festivities and spot a tiger or two.

Indulge Yourself to the Fullest at Bandhavgarh National Park

Madhya Pradesh, known as the heartland of India, primarily because of its geographical location and rich cultural heritage, is renowned for its abundance of national parks.

Madhya Pradesh, known as the heartland of India, primarily because of its geographical location and rich cultural heritage, is renowned for its abundance of national parks.

Continue reading “Indulge Yourself to the Fullest at Bandhavgarh National Park”