Popular Safari Core Zones in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

The core zones are protected or reserved zones. They are dedicated to preserving the biosphere of the ecosystem in the park. You would not see any villages or human interaction in the land of these zones. These zones consist of the densest forests in the area.

• Tala Zone
• Magadhi Zone
• Khitauli Zone

Bandhavgarh Tala Safari Zone

If you are running out of time but you also want to spot tigers then this zone is a must-visit zone for you. The Tala zone is the oldest zone in Bandhavgarh National Park with the densest wildlife in the area. The name Tala is influenced by the name of a nearby village. This zone is the most known place among all the zones and destinations in Bandhavgarh. The Charan Ganga River which begins from Shesh Shiya, flowing in this zone provides life to the park. Additionally, there is a cave here called Bari Gufa from the tenth century, which is again an interesting destination to explore. There are many tourist destinations in the Tala zone including Ketkiha, Sita Mandap, Three Cave Point, and Shidha Baba, which attract many visitors.

Extra Tips:

• If you want to ride a safari then we will recommend you book it at least 120 days prior to your visit. The region receives a number of tourists and is always busy so it’s getting hard to get the tickets for safaris here.
• It is mandatory to carry your original travel documents including the permits to enter the zone.

Bandhavgarh Magadhi Safari Zone

The Magadhi region is situated 12 kilometers away from the Tala bus stop, distinguished by its grasslands and rich mixed woodland cover. The main reason to open the Magadhi Gate which is also referred to as Gate no. 2 was to lessen the tourist burden from the Tala zone. Only 20 vehicles are allowed in this zone in the morning and evening each. In Magadhi, there are several man-made and natural watering holes, including Sukhi Patiha, Dabhadhole, Charkpwaha, and Murdhawa. As it is a core zone, you will get the chance to witness dense and exotic wildlife there. Like Tala zone, Magadhi is also a good destination for spotting tigers. Many tigers who live in the Tala zone also share their territories with the Magadhi zone.

Extra Tips:

• We would recommend you book your safari ride online prior to your visit as it gets almost impossible to get a safari because of the huge tourist crowd there.
• If you are a first-timer there, bring the original copies of your permits and travel documents.

Bandhavgarh Khitauli Safari Zone

Often called Gate no. 3, the Khitauli zone, which is opposite to Magadhi zone is more in planes than in hills but is considered denser than the Tala zone. The location has become a hotspot for wildlife sightings these years. And if you are a bird watcher then this place is going to be a heaven for you. A group of migrating wild elephants arrived here about a year ago and made Khitauli their home. In the shape of bamboo coverings, they have plenty of food for their survival. The opening timings differ here according to the season and weather. A trip to the Khitauli zone on a safari will take at least 3-4 hours enough for you to watch those exotic creatures hiding behind the bushes. You will find many herbivorous animals and if you are planning your visit in summer then you might get lucky to watch groups of tigers searching for water.

Extra Tips:

• The safari fee is non-refundable and will be split among every tourist in the vehicle.
• Visitors need to show their identification documents.

Buffer Safari Zones in Bandhavgarh

The buffer zones are the adjoining area of core zones, where you will see households and humans using the land and water provided by the park. The buffer zone is an area where humans (villagers) and animals coexist.

• Panpatha (Pachpedi)
• Dhamokhar
• Johila

Panpatha (Pachpedi)

This buffer zone is an extensive Khitauli zone and is about 25 kilometers from Tala village. has borders with the Beruhli region. The zone is famous for nilgai, chinkara, four-horned antelope, and wild dog sightings. This buffer zone is covered by bamboo and deciduous trees and offers the most exotic views for visitors. Umaria town which is 55 km away is the entry of this zone.

Extra Tips:

• There is a stream giving of the most scenic landscape, you opt to have breakfast or bunch there with your peers.

Dhamokhar Buffer Safari Zone

Dhamokhar, which is an extension of the Magadhi core zone is about 14 kilometers from the Tala zone. The major attraction includes sambhar, deers, wild boar, and chital sightings. Where Mahaman village is the entrance of this zone, Parasi village is the exit. The Mudgudi dam and the caves near it are the major tourist attractions of the place.

Extra Tips:

• If your aim is to spot the dense wildlife then it is recommended to go to Kadewaha grassland.

Johila Buffer Safari Zone

Johila zone is an extension of the Tala zone. The entrance to this buffer zone lies near Chechpur village and is 35 kilometers from Tala village. The major attraction is the Johila waterfalls which originate from Amarkantak and converge into the Son River. There are many exotic destinations here that you will get to enjoy on your safari ride, some of them are Kuthulia waterfall, Badia Ghaat, Zurnar Ghaat, and Chindia.

Extra Tips:

• Because of the limited number of safaris in every zone, it is recommended to book safaris early.

Note- Despite the park's division into various zones, the area is one large forest. Because of this, it is impossible to predict which zone can offer you the experience of tiger sightings. Before making your safari reservation, it is crucial to review the recent sighting index for the area in order to improve your chances. Additionally, going on multiple safaris boosts your chances of seeing animals, particularly tigers.