Bandhavgarh National Park UNESCO Heritage Probable
The purpose of designating a reserve as a UNESCO Heritage Site is to highlight the conservation impetus, and sustainable usage of natural resources, and acknowledge the harmonious existence of humanity in the surroundings.
In the year 2020, one of our tiger reserves at Panna was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve. Though rightly placed in the global network of biospheres the buck should not stop here. Another of our amazing tiger reserves Bandhavgarh National Park also situated in Madhya Pradesh is deserving the same status. The 1500 sq. km reserve holds more than eighty tigers and is home to enchanting Central Indian mammalian and reptilian species. More than 250 avian species are found here.
Under the aegis of Project Tiger, Bandhavgarh as a biodiversity hub has an excellent record of tiger conservation in India. The ecosystem was declared a National Park in the year 1968 and subsequently declared a tiger reserve in the year 1993. The erstwhile hunting reserve of the Maharajahs of Rewa is one of the most popular tiger landscapes in India. Not only famous for the tiger the reserve encapsulates an amazing storehouse of architectural remains that depict Hinduism in India.
A fragmented corridor exists between Sanjay Dubri National Park and Bandhavgarh. The former is a reserve where the World's first and only white tiger was discovered by the Maharajah of Rewa. It is one hours drive by road.
Story of Ancient Tribal Civilization
The central structure is the fort complex with the main edifice in complete ruins. Yes, the fort has crumbled with the passage of time to naught. Much remains in the complex to intrigue and enchant visitors. Unfortunately, the fort has no archeological status of historical worth since a visit to the fort complex is barred due to rules that govern excursions or safari in the reserve.
No effort has been made to accord the status of a separate entity to the historical fort that is a place of religious significance as well for the Hindus. Visitors are not allowed here but on some religious occasions, Hindus are allowed to trek on foot to the fort's confines. It is a strenuous trek of 11 km on a rugged jungle road inhabited by tigers.
From the foothill of the Bandhavgarh Mountain (800 MSL), a steep climb takes visitors on a jeep to Sesh Shaiyaa or reclining Vishnu. A reclining idol carved out of igneous rocks situated amongst a fairy pool surrounded by a grove is a mesmerizing spectacle. A place where battle-worn soldiers on horseback came to rest under the cool shade. Even in hot summers, the place remains cool and shady. The fort as the name suggests is a gift by Lord Rama to brother Laxman. A Ram Laxman Janki Temple is situated on the tabletop and is manned by a priest who arrives here almost every day to pray.
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From Shesh Shaiyya the climb to the fort complex on Bandhavgarh Hill is steep and exhausting, but thankfully short. Amidst the dense vegetation, a rugged jungle road leads to the top. The access is through a massive wooden gate with a huge metal lock. Hence the name of the range is TALA (Lock). The arched gateway leads to zoomorphic idols of Lord Vishnu among them most captivating is the one looming tall on the precipice. The time comes to a standstill here and the dazzling drop is mesmerizing, it offers a magnificent view of the panoramic reserve. A number of zoomorphic idols are scattered all around beside remains of small domed chattris, temples, gateways, and small structures. The most prominent are the twelve man-made reservoirs that surround the tribal fort which is in complete ruins. The space all around though engulfed by vegetation is an archeological treasure. The expanse of the tabletop is said to be 4 km square and comprises grasslands that harbor tigers and all wild animals found in the park. In Central India, the Bandhavgarh Hill fort complex is one of the most esoteric places and not to be missed. The National Park is home to a number of historic and religious relics scattered all along with the forests besides man-made caves, stables, courtrooms, and small domed cenotaphs.
The Land of the Tiger
The land of the tiger comprises dense SAL, mixed forests, and mountain rivers that snake through marshy grasslands in the plains. The unique feature of the destination is the thirty-two hillocks with bamboo-covered slopes and bare or scarred at places on the descent as well. The maze of inaccessible hillocks and glens has proven to be an ideal place for the big cats to breed. No wonder the reserve is one of the most picturesque in India and saturated with tigers. Recent conservation measure has been the remarkable comeback of wild cattle gaur by translocation which had become extinct some time back to due disease.
While the tiger is the apex predator in the food chain, the conservation measures gave a lease of life to all endangered species, and have preserved the ecosystem. For wildlife enthusiasts and botanists the microforms of life dwelling in niche habitats are a matter of intense study. The destination with millions of trees and vegetation creates an environmental equilibrium and helps in minimizing carbon footprint. The reserve is a fine example of sustainable resource management with responsible guidelines being followed by the department, rural habitation, and the hotel industry alike.
A lot of ecodevelopment work is being carried out by the forest department. Community initiative by some resorts is reducing man-animal conflict besides harmonizing wild animal existence with humans. While the core is completely inviolate the buffer is a fine example of the coexistence of humans with the surrounding wilderness.
Bandhavgarh is already in the international limelight but a UNESCO status will boost conservation measures, and community initiatives. The status will draw crucial revenue for conservation by attracting a greater number of visitors.
Visitors to Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh receives thousands of overseas and domestic visitors every year. It is one of the preferred destinations for wildlife documentary makers besides photographers., researchers, naturalists, and wildlife enthusiasts. It is a major contributor to foreign exchange as well as receiving money for conservation.
The core area of the preserve is 716 sq. km and twenty percent is reserved for tourism. Safaris are available only to permit holders in the core and the buffer area. The excursions and the visit to the interpretation centers are the best means of exploring and learning about charismatic biodiversity and how the ecosystem functions.
The best way to reach the park is from Jabalpur Airport which is at four hours drive. Umaria railways station is at a distance of 32 km and is connected to Jabalpur. Road connectivity via bus and car is excellent and the destination can be accessed from Kanha National Park and Khajuraho Temples.
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