Hotel Accommodation in Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh National Park is a tiger reserve and India's finest conservation. Nestled on the last ledge of Vindhya Range it is situated in Umaria District in Madhya Pradesh. The state boasts of being home to fabulous wildlife tracts, and Bandhavgarh is one of them.

The refuge is a historical show case. Within its confines are ancient ruins, man made caves, fort, stables, idols and temples. Once the abode of kings, destination has turned into an animal kingdom. Since its notification as a protected area the number of big cats have grown. The park is home to a very high density of tigers.

Due to frequent sightings, large number of tourists visit the wildlife refuge every year. They come from far and wide, from every part of the globe hence the primary requirement is accommodation and food.

Five Star Category:

Mahua Kothi (Taj Group)

Syna Tiger Resort

Three Star Category

Infinity Resort
Tiger Den Resort
Bandhav Vilas
Green Woods Resort
Wildflower Resort
King's Lodge
Tiger Loogun Resort
Samod Jungle Resort
Sal Van Jungle Resort
Monsoon Forest Resort
Tree House Headway
Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge
Bundela Safari Camp
Royal Tiger Resort
Bagh Sarai Jungle Resort
Nature Heritage
Jungle Mantra
Jungle Huts
Camp Aranya
Bandhavgarh Meadows
Mogli Resort
Wild Heaven
White Tiger Forest Lodge
Maharaja Royal Retreat
Ashoka Resort

Budget Hotels

Kum Kum Home
Tiger Inn
Jungle Inn
Gitanjali Hotel
Baghela Hotel
Kolkatta Kutir
GTV Resort
Bagh Vihar
Surya Hotel

The luxury and star hotels offer upscale facilities and amenities. You should read reviews of the hotels in order to finalize your stay for tiger safari and birding. Most of the accommodations offer jungle plan which is all inclusive, but stay on American Plan and on room basis is available. Jungle plan is better since all arrangements are made in advance for you. This is most suitable for foreign tourists who have no local contacts in the destination.

In the initial stages whence tourism was less only a Rest House accommodation was available. The booking was done at the DFO office in Umaria. But this was subject to availability. Accommodation increased when the White Tiger Lodge with four rooms came into the picture.

The park received publicity through wildlife films and documentaries, and the rush began. Initially those who were well versed with eco tourism started small ventures. But as the tourist numbers increased a large number of hotels, resorts and lodges were established.

In this park tourists usually prefer to stay near the gate. Hence you will find most of the budget and semi luxury lodges near the gate. Most of the exclusive one's are situated at a distance in pristine surroundings. Situation counts a lot in tiger reserves if the property is situated near the forests the stay and ambiance is much better.

The properties in Bandhavgarh are well equipped for tiger safaris and birding expeditions. All modern amenities and facilities are available in the star properties. Some of these have their own resident naturalists and wildlife interpretation centers. Watching wildlife movies in the evenings is a good pastime besides the lovely warm fireplace.

The five star and three star properties provide spa facility, out door games and swimming pool for recreation. Climate control in shape of AC or Air Cooler is available for summer visitors. All the jungle lodges serve Indian and Continental food. They serve non vegetarian and vegetarian meals. Beverages are served but at very high prices so it is better to carry your own. In case of any food preference advance intimation has to be given.

Today there are many resorts in Bandhavgarh you can choose from. Of these many are luxurious with high tariff, if you can afford these it is worth a stay. These places offer fully equipped facilities for a good stay. But there are many budget resorts as well in the wildlife refuge. Most of these are nice clean places with basic amenities.

But if your are touring during the off season i.e after January you can bargain. Even the most luxurious hotels in Bandhavgarh offer discounts. Off season does not include week ends and festival times remember. Hence plan you itinerary carefully.

The plans available in accommodations are usually American Plan and Jungle Plan. The latter is all inclusive. You can also stay on room only basis.

Tiger safaris can be booked with the help of the people in the lodges. They will book your gate entry as well as reserve an open jeep for your jungle safari.

There is one rest house belonging to the forest department and one PWD rest house. These are accommodations with few rooms reasonably well done and clean. But these are not actually meant for public as it is for the Government Officials. On some instances this was given to the public but I have no idea about the present.

There is a large accommodation from the MPTDC a MP State Government enterprise. This is semi luxurious and well maintained. The reservations are possibly through their website as well as number of offices set all over India. The property is situated near the banks of Charanganga and offers dining and bar facility.

The tariff is on par with semi luxurious resorts. During the busy season advance booking is required. This is very popular with holiday makers from India.

The room rates in Bandhavgarh start from Rs.1000 per night on room basis only. These are the rates budget hotels quote. The rest is up to how you bargain. Average room cost in luxury hotels is RS. 3000 plus.

On many instance the tented accommodations are costlier than the room accommodation. Some luxury hotels charge Rs.10000 per tent per night.

To sum it up you can stay in complete luxury from Rs.3500 onwards. These are rack rates and you have to bargain. There is no bargaining during holiday seasons like Diwali, X'mas, New Year and Holi!. During the rush hours resorts charge their highest rates. Rest of the period rates depend upon occupancy.

When you book online or directly, rate discussion is a must since hotels tend to charge the full amount. But many properties will offer you a reasonable discount on direct booking. Some upscale properties have their prices fixed and do not invite any bargaining.

It is important to choose the right spot to stay in this wildlife refuge. If you wish to book the accommodation yourself then do some findings. In order to enjoy animal and bird watching you need to stay a good and comfortable place.

Search on the Internet and explore Bandhavgarh hotel websites. Go through them carefully check their facilities and all the amenities they offer. Once you have chosen your stay you can book online at the booking page. If you have queries you can use the contact form or ring the bell. Telephonic conversation will clear the picture of what you should expect when you arrive.

You can also book through friends and references. This is a good way since their experience will guarantee a good choice.

Going through the tour operators in MP is another way of safari and hotel booking in Bandhavgarh. A good tour operator will put you in the right place on a right budget. You can contact the operator online and seek reference if possible. Whence you send him money for the hotel advance ask for a receipt and confirm with the hotel.

Most preferred mode of travel from New Delhi to this park is the flight. The flight from New Delhi lands at Jabalpur sometime in the early morning. From here Bandhavgarh is about four and a half hours drive. The rail options are many but they are all overnight.

There is a overnight train from New Delhi which takes you to Umaria Rail head. From Umaria it is thirty two km drive to Tala where most of the hotels in are situated. The hotels offer pick and drop facilities if you wish to arrive at Umaria.

You can also reach Bandhvgarh through Katni Railway Station which is about eighty kilometers from the Park.

The onward journey can take place for Khajuraho Temples which are about seven to eight hours ride from Bandhavgarh. Second option is to visit Kanha National Park which is about four and half hours from BTR.

Local sightseeing is visiting tribal hamlets, local markets, schools, traditional fairs and festivals. There are some wetlands near the villages which are good for birding.