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Bandhavgarh Fort – Everything you need to know about the Mysterious Fort
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If you are planning on visiting Madhya Pradesh, then Bandhavgarh is a place that must definitely be on your itinerary. The place is brimming with surreal beauty, scenic landscapes and historical richness. A visit to Bandhavgarh is a daylong affair, including the Bandhavgarh national park, Bandhavgarh fort, a beautiful and comfortable stay at the famous hotels in the vicinity and a deep dive into the history of the Indian culture. You can even stay for one night and two days if you are up for a leisure trip and have some time to spare.
The Bandhavgarh hill has an array of wildlife and extraordinary history. Set on a 560-acre plateau which cliffs of up to 240m, the Bandhavgarh Fort dominates the park. A large monolithic statue of a reclining Vishnu known as the Sesh Shaiya is situated halfway up the south face. A pool of spring water can also be found in front of the humungous statue which is said to be the source of the stream known as Charan Ganga. Towering water tanks carved out of volcanic rock and ancient ruined temples dating back from the 11th century is a highlight when one visits Bandhavgarh fort. The Bandhavgarh Fort is also a large reservoir for turtles.
The Bandhavgarh Fort History and Mythology
The Bandhavgarh Fort history is deep, fascinating and offers a plethora of information for history and mythology lovers. The oldest fort in India dates to more than 2000 years back. You can also learn through the ancient books of the Narad Panch Ratra and the Shiva Purana that this place is being associated with Ramayana. The Bandhavgarh meaning is of mythological and legendary significance. It is believed to be gifted by Lord Rama to his younger brother Lakshmana. ‘Bandhav’ in English means brother and ‘Garh’ means fort, resulting in ‘Brother Fort’.
This fort also holds stories of earlier dynasties of India, the Maghas, the Vakatakas, the Sengars and many more. Regional folklore also suggests that Bandhavgarh Fort was constructed by rulers of the Gond Empire. It is believed that Gond kings of the Pandro caste are the original builders of this fort, and descendants of Gond kings still live near the fort. In addition to the Fort, the Gond kings constructed 12 Talab ponds, of which only a few remain now for tourist visits, rest have been dried up over these 2000 years. The fort is now a private property of the erstwhile Maharaja of Rewa Martand Singh.
The Temple on the Bandhavgarh Hill
The top of the hill has a temple called ‘Bandhavdeesh’ temple where the priest resides, and the chief deity of the temple is Lakshamana. The locals do visit the temple on certain days during festivities.
The Bandhavgarh National Park
The Bandhavgarh jungle or the Bandhavgarh abhyaran is also well-known as the land of tigers. You are sure to spot big cats at this national park. This amazing forest beholds the great population of tiger species even now and is considered a tiger reserve since 1993 under the project Tiger Network at the neighbouring Panpatha Sanctuary.
Back when the park was established, poaching of these cats increased in huge numbers and the density of the animal population decreased several folds. While visiting the national park, you will also witness small dams that were constructed to solve the water crisis for the animals in the vicinity. Apart from tigers, cubs and deer are seen on most occasions during the jeep safari in the national park.
Baghel Museum
This museum is a storehouse of all the personal belongings of Maharaja of Rewa. The museum also displays a stuffed body of the first white tiger ever spotted on the Bandhavgarh hill. The timing to visit this exotic museum is from 10 am to 3 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm, so plan your trip considering the same. Equipment used for hunting by the Maharaj are amongst the artifacts on display at the museum. Apart from experiencing the wilderness of the jungle, tourists can also enjoy a taste of royalty at the property of Shikargarh.
November to June is the best time to visit this place.
Village Tala
Tala village populates the Bandhavgarh fort photos and the itinerary, as it is also one of the major tourist highlights. The village comprises of mud houses and depicts the ethnic way of living in India. For people from the urban cities, this is a wonder to witness and experience. It is the chief entrance to the national park and showcases beautiful landscapes. Tourists can spend a night at any of the magnificent hotels in the vicinity.
You can also dance on the local music of the Baiga adivasis. Baigas live in close intimacy with nature and were erstwhile nomadic hunter-gatherers. While you are visiting, you can know more about their lifestyle and culture by interacting with them and understanding their traditions.
Keep in mind that prior permission is required from the Divisional Forest Office based in Umaria which is 32 kms from Bandhavgarh, in order to make a visit there.
Bandhavgarh temperatures should be kept under consideration while planning your visit here. The most suitable time to catch the glory of the magnificent Bandhavgarh Fort is the summer season.
Cheshpur waterfalls, Jawalamukhi temple, Badi guffa, three cave points and several other places in and around Bandhavgarh can also be included in your itinerary while visiting this attraction.
To plan your trip and ensure easy travel, visit the Thomas Cook website for your upcoming booking and vacation.
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