Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is located across Umaria and Katni districts of Madhya Pradesh. The landscape combines hills, valleys, rivers, marshes, and meadows supporting a diversity of habitats. The name Bandhavgarh derives from the ancient fort within the reserve — Bandhav meaning brother and Garh meaning fort, referencing the mythological tradition that Lord Rama built this fort and gave it to his brother Lakshman.
• Open Season: October 15 to June 30 — all core and buffer zones operational
• Weekly Closure: Wednesday evening safari closed across all zones
Wildlife
Bandhavgarh is a Bengal tiger reserve with one of the highest tiger densities of any reserve in India — the relatively compact core area and open terrain make tiger sightings among the most consistent of any Indian national park. The reserve also supports leopards, wild dogs (dholes), sloth bears, hyenas, jackals, and wolves. Spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, and blackbuck are present throughout. Over 242 bird species have been recorded.
Safari Zones
Bandhavgarh has three core zones — Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli — and three buffer zones — Dhamokhar, Johila, and Panpatha. Core zones cover the original protected forest with the highest tiger density. Each zone has a designated entry gate — the gate you need to reach depends on which zone you have booked.
Core Zone: Tala
The oldest and most visited zone in Bandhavgarh. The Tala zone contains the most established tiger territories and historically the highest sighting frequency. The ancient Bandhavgarh Fort ruins are within this zone. Entry via Tala gate (32 km from Umaria).
Core Zone: Magadhi
Adjacent to Tala, Magadhi offers similar dense forest and grassland terrain. Growing tiger presence with regular sightings reported. Entry via Magadhi gate (38 km from Umaria).
Core Zone: Khitauli
The most rugged of the three core zones with hillier terrain and denser forest. Diverse wildlife including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and gaur. Entry via Khitauli gate (37 km from Umaria).
Buffer Zone: Dhamokhar
Buffer zone with open grasslands and forested corridors. Entry via Parasi gate (44 km from Umaria).
Buffer Zone: Johila
River corridor buffer zone with good bird diversity alongside tiger and large mammal sightings. Entry via Cechpur/Gajwahi gate (32 km from Umaria).
Buffer Zone: Panpatha
The most remote buffer zone — Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary forms part of this zone. Entry via Pachpedi gate (55 km from Umaria).
Safari and Permits
Safari Timings
Each safari session runs approximately 4–4.5 hours for morning and 3 hours for evening.
Safari Types
Jeep (Full Vehicle): 6-seat open jeep. Entire vehicle can be booked by a group.
Jeep (Single Seat): Individual seat booking in a shared jeep with other tourists. Guide and driver shared across the vehicle.
Canter (Single Seat): A 20-seat open vehicle with shared booking only. It is more economical per seat.
Elephant Ride: Available in Tala core zone only. Walk-in, first-come-first-served basis — booked prior at the gate, not online.
Guide is mandatory on every safari. Guide and vehicle charges are paid separately at the gate on safari day and are NOT included in the online permit fee.
Permit Booking
All safari permits are booked through the official Madhya Pradesh Forest Department portal. There is no authorized alternative.
• Official Booking Portal: forest.mponline.gov.in
• Advance Booking: Opens daily at 11:00 AM for the date 120 days ahead.
• Premium Tatkal: Opens 7 days before safari date at 11:00 AM.
Foreign National ID: Passport required at booking and at the gate. The same original ID used for booking must be carried.
Entry Fees
Fees below are permit fees for Session 2025–26. Vehicle and guide charges are paid separately at the gate.
Full Vehicle — Core
• Normal date: ₹5,280 + Portal fees
• Premium date: ₹6,600 + Portal fees
Single Seat — Core
• Normal date: ₹880 + Portal fees
• Premium date: ₹1,100 + Portal fees
Full Vehicle — Buffer
₹1,320 + Portal fees
Premium dates apply to core zones only — weekends and selected public holidays carry a 25% surcharge. Buffer zone has no premium surcharge. Portal fees is approximately ₹50.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation allowed one day before safari date before 5:00 PM. Cancellation amount calculated as per slab on department fees plus ₹100 cancellation charge.
Premium Tatkal: No cancellation, reschedule, or add-on permitted under any circumstances.
Reschedule: Cancellation after reschedule is not permitted.
There is no refund for cancellations due to weather, rain, or natural causes.
Getting There
Umaria is the primary railhead for Bandhavgarh — Tala village, the main tourism base, is 32 km from Umaria. Different zones have different entry gates at varying distances from Umaria. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes and info below.
Bandhavgarh Access Point — Umaria / Tala Village
Rail Stations: Umaria Junction (UMR)
Airports: No airport in Umaria. Nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport (JLR)
Bus Terminal: Umaria Bus Stand
Travel to Umaria (UMR) by train and hire a taxi to your zone gate. If flying, Jabalpur Airport (JLR) at approximately 167 km is the nearest — travel onward to Umaria by train or road. No direct bus services connect to the park gates.
India Manual is produced by Intodia. All content follows a continuous review cycle and is free from commercial influence, ads, or any affiliate arrangements. All fees and charges listed on this page are applicable to foreign nationals only.
for travelers
for travelers