Bandhavgarh Niche Habitat

For regular visitors to Bandhavgarh appears to be pristine forests and grasslands but if you notice the niche habitats it will create a liking for the National Park. Niche habitats bring a deeper understanding of the Bandhavgarh ecosystem works.   On my tiger safaris, I always keep an eye on unique intrigue. These niche habitats add to the charismatic beauty of the park.

Sidha Baba

In the Chakradhara swampy meadow, the holy site of Lord Shiva Lingam is first to greet you it is called Sidh Baba. This is the frequented by the tigers on the hunt favored by the slush created.  Tourists and guides often stop here to pray to Shiva. The Shiva lingam dates back 2000 years and is perhaps as old as the fort at the top.

Chakradhara Meadow

Chkradhara is a swampy grassland and is close to Charanganga River this is the finest example of a marshy meadow. The swamp grassland is frequented by the prey species which are often hunted by the hungry tigers here. This offers an ideal moment to film or photograph the hunted and the hunter encounters. There is a stream at one side of the grassland which is the rivulet that is perennial and the big cats come to rest here in the cool shade in the hot summer. 

Gopalpur Pond

If you wish to spot water and shore birds This is an ideal place and you can also watch the Palearctic migrants that land here in the winter. This is a favorite pond for the big cats during the hot summer and they come to rest here. Many big cats and other wild animals have made Gopalpur pond their regular haunt. You can see interesting wildlife if you wait here silently. 

Badi Gufa – The Big Cave

For bat lovers, this is the best multi-chambered cave. you can see the Brahmi script etched on the walls of the cave that acted as court chambers in the 10th Century AD. The walls contain a colony of bats hanging upside down as they usually do. The cave is grilled so wild animals do not enter.

Sesh Shayya

The reclining idol of Lord Vishnu is carved out of an igneous rock that is 20 feet long. The pool on the right is inundated by trickles from the mountain River Charanganga that seep downs from Bandhavgarh Hill. The surrounding canopy comprises dense thickets of shrubs and is an ideal breeding ground for the big cats.

Ketkiya Breaks (Aromatic Kewara)

 

The aromatic Kewara plants have a distinct niche habitat. The tall stands of Arjun and Jamun Trees act as shade from the Sun and encourage the growth of the shrubs.

Bhitari Bah Niche Habitat

Fed by Bhitari rivulet the slush formation is supported by grass and a thicket of dense herbs. The niche is supported by tall trees.  The d grassland is preferred by the herbivores to forage giving ample opportunity for big cats to hunt. This spot is frequented by herbivores and big cats hide in the tickets to hunt for them.

Sita Mandap (Stone Arch)

The arch is a unique geological formation due to erosions under which water flows. A number of rock and cave formations give the place a unique importance. Though closed to visitors one can look down from the top to sight the big cats arriving here to drink. This tigers inhabit is inaccessible to tourists.

Bandhavgarh National Park abounds in niche habitats throughout the park. An extensive survey of Bandhavgarh could result in amazing finds. The formation of Bandhavgarh National Park and its declaration as a protected area under the wildlife protection act 1972 has been a big boon.

All the wonderful geologic formations add to make tiger safari interesting and exciting. One must visit the park on safari. Please remember to book the safari permit online before you arrive.  Bandhavgarh can be reached from Jabalpur Airport after driving 170 kilometers.

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Uday has worked as a naturalist and loves to write about tigers and other wildlife forms. He also provides SEO Services and Content for Digital Marketing. He can be contacted at :

pateluday90@hotmail.com

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