Bandhavgad National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park consists of a core area of 105 sq km and a buffer area of approximately 400 sq km. The topography varies between steep ridges, undulating valleys, forests and open meadows. The terrain comprises of great rocky hills rising sharply from the swampy and densely- forested valley bottoms. In the center of the park is the Bandhavgarh hill, rising 811 meters above sea level and surrounding it are sloping valleys. These valleys end in small, swampy meadows locally known as “bohera.” The vegetation is mainly sal forest in the valleys and on the lower slopes, gradually changing to mixed deciduous forest on the hills and in the hotter, drier areas of the park in the south and west. Bamboo is found throughout the park. 

The Bandhavgad fort is considered to be more than 2500 years old. The charm of trekking up this fort lies in discovering the hidden monuments in the jungle, unspoiled and unexplored. One comes across small temples built around the 12th century. These temples are deserted, but the fort is still used as a place of worship. Scattered throughout the park, and particularly around the fort, are numerous caves containing shrines and ancient Sanskrit inscriptions. The natural ramparts of the fort provide a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. Vultures soar around the precipice which also attracts blue rock thrushes and crag martins. 

Legend has it that Rama stopped at Bandhavgarh on his way back after defeating Ravana. Two monkey architects, who had built the bridge between the isle of Lanka and the mainland, are said to have built the Bandhavgarh fort. Later Rama handed it over to his brother Lakshmana who became known as Bandhavdhish -The Lord of the Fort. Lakshmana is the presiding deity of the fort and is regularly worshipped here.