Bandhavgarh National Park, National park in Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Bandhavgarh is a protected area in Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh, India, that covers a territory with mixed vegetation combining forested slopes, open grasslands, and rocky ridges. The terrain rises from flat valleys to hilltop chains where ruins of ancient structures stand.
The region served as a private hunting ground for the ruling family of Rewa until the 20th century, before being converted into a state-managed conservation area in 1968. The fort ruin on the central hilltop dates back several centuries and was once the seat of local dynasties.
The park takes its name from the Sanskrit word for "brother's fort" and references the mythological connection to Lakshmana, a prince in Hindu tradition. Local communities view the hills and forests as a sacred landscape where spiritual stories intertwine with the natural environment.
Safaris operate in the early morning hours and late afternoon when wildlife is most active and temperatures are cooler. Advance booking through official channels is necessary as the number of vehicles per zone is limited.
A white tiger named Mohan was discovered in this area in 1951, the first documented specimen of its kind in modern times. All white tigers living in zoos and conservation centers today trace their genetic lineage back to that single animal.
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