Bandhavgarh Buffer Zone
Brief Details about Bandhavgarh National Park Buffer Zone
- 82003.5 hectare of forest land is declared as Buffer area
- Maanpur Zone has 33992.6 hectare - Tala to Gajwahi Gate
- Dhamokhar Zone has 26673.4 hectare - Mahaman to Badwaar
- Panpatha Zone has 21337.5 hectare - Biruhali to Khitauli
Maanpur Buffer Zone
Maanpur buffer zone is sharing boundary with Core zone of Tala of Bandhavgarh National Park. The area is full of dense forest and all type of wild animals with river, rivulets, landscape, waterfalls and natural scenic spots etc. exists here, which has a great potential for attracting tourists. Tala zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is most popular zone because of the highest density of tigers present here.
Maanpur Buffer Zone Route Chart – (Tala to Gajwahi Gate )
Tala Buffer area Entry gate – Badia Ghaat – Jurnaar Ghaat – Chindia Ghaat – Chechpur – Johila – Khaama
Badia Ghaat: Tourists can reach Badia ghaat through beautiful dense forest of Badkheda sighting animals movements, enjoying melody sounds of birds, where one can see an awesome view of the nature. The caves of porcupines are also present here along with the regular movement of the Tigers. There is a hill at distance of one kilometer named Richhah, which is the habitation of Sloth Beer, Hyena and wild Dogs. Villagers were using the pathways in this region for commuting.
Zurnaar Ghaat: Jurnaar Ghaat is located 1 kms from Badia Ghaat, where Damnaar and Janaadh rivers meet each other. This scene is awesome and wonderful. The area is surrounded by large lush green trees and there are sand beaches on both sides of the river where tourists can walk and enjoy nature.
Chindia Ghaat: After crossing Damnaar River, proceed towards Gobirataal, moving forward cross Janaadh River. The villagers use only this road for commuting. Two caves are also present for the habitation of tigers in the area along with the river. Mostly the tiger is sighted, sitting in the river. If we cross this river, we can reach Chechpur through forest of Newasi. One can see a good wildlife in this area.
Kuthulia Fall: Kuthulia Fall ( Chechpur) is a very popular tourist place of Manpur Zone. Tourists in large numbers keep coming to this area to enjoy and wish to spend time. It is proposed to build and provide various facilities at Zohilla Water fall. Tourists can be relaxed at Zohilla water fall after 3 – 4 hours Park excursion in Tala zone. Both sides of River, there are sand bank where arrangements of camping with boarding and lodging facilities can be organized for the tourists. There is a great potential for boating in Zohila fall area. There is an oldest and famous temple of Maharaja kartikey at Dashrath Ghaat, exists only one in Madhya Pradesh which can be visited by tourists through boating. Only salt is offered to the Lord Kartikey in the temple by followers. After crossing Johila Water fall Tourists will exit from Gajwaahi gate via Makra, Patapriha, Kathai water fall, Khamha hill, Elephant lake, and Sunset point. The entire area of this route is also rich in wildlife, both flora and fauna. The scenic beauty is also very admirable due to the tall Sal tree in this dense forest.
Zohila Fall: The other end of Kuthulia fall is known as Zohila fall. Arrangement of Cafeteria for the tourists is also proposed this side. Tourists can visit various scenic spots like Bhawarkhandi, Elephant lake, Kathai water fall and Sunset point.
Sunset Point: after visiting the entire area of Maanpur Buffer zone, tourist will reach Sunset point where he will enjoy the wonderful view of the forest. There is a proposal of building a Machaan from where the tourists could stay a while and admire the nature.
Gajwaahi Gate: After visiting the entire area of Maanpur buffer zone tourists will exit from the Gajwaahi gate.
Damokhar Buffer Area
Damokhar Buffer area is extension of the Magadhi Core Area of the forest.
The route for this area starts from Mahaman to Badawar. It covers Jamunia – Jhaanjh – Mudgudi-Kehrawah –Kadewaha – Kudarmada – Sahu – Taal – Sehimaada – Madehavah – Kalwahdhaar – and Badawar.
The entry point of Dhamokhar buffer area is Mahaman.
The area of Dhamokhar and Jamunia are densely populated with Deers, Sambhar, Chital, wild bore and is home to plentiful species of the birds. Jamunia is quite close to Gohni nd Mardari Village.
Jhaanjh: This place is worshipped by the local villagers. In Hindi it means anger. This place has significance of because it was home to saint of Jhaanjh. People believe that he is fulfills every wish. Slow moving river cuts the forest and becomes ferocious waterfall. It is this place which has the capability of turning into great scenic spot for Tourists. The Tiger movement is often observed by the villagers in this area.
Mudgudi : This area is next to jhaanjh and houses Mudgudi dam. This dam contains water throughout the year and home to various birds. In coming times may be walking trek would be constructed which would be extremely useful feature for the birders.
Kerawah : Kerawah is very close to Badrehal village. This place is famous for wild banana trees which are more than 70 years old. The sight to watch is origination of Kerha River which is below these trees. The picturesque spot has open fields in front of these trees and river flowing through.
Kadewaha – Madehavah: These both areas need special mention as they are share the area with Magadhi Core Area. This area has large grassland and increases the chance of wildlife sightings.
Hundaarmaada and Sehimaada: These areas have lot of natural caves which are home to hyenas and Porcupines. It would attract lot of tourists.
Kalwahdhaar: The Topography and area needs special mention. This is home to Lot of wildlife in General.
Badawar: This is the Exit gate which would end its trails right next to Tala Umaria road.
Climate in Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh experiences climatic conditions that vary to opposite extremes. In winters, the bitter cold forces the visitors to put on multiple layers as protection against the biting cold. Early morning rides can be in temperatures that dip below zero, once you take the wind chill factor into consideration. In the summers, it changes drastically to the opposite. It now feels uncomfortable to even sometimes put on a thin cotton t-shirt. The temperature in the winters varies from 0 to 20 degrees centigrade between November and February. In the summers, the temperatures move to the other extreme and can go up to 46 degrees centigrade. Towards late summer, it is also advisable to carry some protection, for yourself and for your cameras, from rain. Bandhavgarh has an average annual rainfall of 1200mm. The rains here give very little prior warning and it is preferable to be prepared for your own protection, as well as for your equipment. These rains, however, bring good respite from the blistering heat. A single shower can make temperatures fall from 45 degrees to 30 degrees centigrade. The main monsoon season mostly begins only once the park is closed from June to November. To discover this wonderland of the big cat, you have to pack your bags and come home to this paradise.
Safaris in Bandhavgarh
Park entry times vary according to season, depending mainly on the time of sunrise and sunset. To travel into the jungles of Bandhavgarh one needs to be aware of all the transportation modes that help each travel to enjoy the vast forest stretch. Traveling within the park is possible only in the Forest registered open safari vehicles (generally the Maruti Gypsy model), which are available to be booked from the hotel.
Elephant Safaris in Bandhavgarh
All the national parks in the country differ in the activities and the facilities that they offer to their visitors. Like wise Bandhavgarh too has certain unique selling point. The elephant rides are subject to availability, cannot be pre-booked. They are for a minimum 1 hour ride or max 2 hours. These are done only in the morning, one must inform the Resort reception if one is interested to get the same done. To avail the Elephant ride it is mandatory to book the Jeep safari as well.
General & Grocery Shopping
Jeep Safari, Bandhavgarh National ParkThere is a general merchant, Known by all as “Nathu Bihari”, who is like an all-purpose store. There are a few vegetable vendors, cigarette shops and even a liquor store. Umaria, which is a 45 minutes drive away, offers some decent medical and emergency facilities. Although Tala has it’s own little post office, a trip has to mostly be made to Umaria for most telegraphic facilities. Email connectivity is available at the resort. Besides small shops at the some of the resorts at Tala, there is a shop at the main entrance to the park. This shop sells all kinds of stuff ranging from T-shirts to key chains to ashtrays. Also available at this shop are interesting maps and books dealing with wildlife of the park.
