Nestled in the heart of India, Bandhavgarh in the state of Madhya Pradesh is emblematic of a species that is the face of wildlife conservation in the country – the Royal Bengal Tiger.

An old fort, which is considered to be about 2000 years old, stands tall in the middle of the park. The name Bandhavgarh comes from Bandho-Garh, which loosely translates to brother’s fort, which is why It is believed the fort was a gift by Lord Ram to his brother Lakshman. Regional folklore also suggests that the Bandhavgarh Fort was constructed by rulers of the Gond empire. The fort is embraced by 32 hills and hillocks that rise and fall into sloping valleys, making up the rest of the park’s landscape. From vast grasslands to bamboo clusters and thick stands of Sal trees, Bandhavgarh supports a large variety of faunal and floral life.

The park is home to 34 species of mammals, 260 species of birds and more than 500 plant species. The legacy of fabled tigers like Charger, B2, Bamera and Sita is carried forward by young blood, who make Bandhavgarh the epitome of desire for big cat lovers.

Bandhavgarh changes colour with every season and allows you to experience the dynamic cycle of life that plays out with unfailing honesty, along with a chance to witness the best of wildlife India has to offer. Browse through some of my favourite images for a glimpse into the wonders of Bandhavgarh National Park.

Agd nif dsc - Bandhavgarh Through A Lens | Nature inFocus
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Tigers rule the heartland of the Indian subcontinent. Photographed here are the daughters of the tigress Spotty as they enjoy a late evening siesta beside a waterbody. At the time, this was one of the most photographed tiger families in Bandhavgarh.
Agd nif dsc - Bandhavgarh Through A Lens | Nature inFocus
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Photographed here is a young male from the litter of a tigress called Dotty. The tigers here exhibit a boldness which results in intimate shots that have made Bandhavgarh synonymous with one of the best places in the world to see and photograph these big cats.
Agd nif dsc - Bandhavgarh Through A Lens | Nature inFocus
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One fine summer evening, we found the Banbehi family on a kill. The way the mother orchestrated the meal was fascinating to watch. As she had her fill, she growled often to keep her rather enthusiastic litter in check. And once the cubs moved in, the hierarchy was clearly visible as the male cub dominated over his other siblings. Here is the male cub gorging on the kill.
Sal trees and tiger in Bandhavgarh National Park
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The towering Sal trees and meandering grasslands are the defining elements of the Bandhavgarh landscape. The summer is when Sal trees blossom, turning the park into a canvas of yellow and red.
Indian Gaur in Bandhavgarh National Park
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In 1995, due to an epidemic outbreak, the Indian Gaur became locally extinct in Bandhavgarh. In the year 2012, a few individuals were re-introduced from Kanha National Park, and today the park boasts more than 50 individuals who inhabit its grassy meadows.
Nilgai or blue bull in Bandhavgarh National Park
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The Nilgai, the largest Asian antelope, is seen mostly in Khitouli and parts of Magadhi, however, aberrations do occur. We found this solitary bull while tracking a tiger. The sudden dash of blue in the golden milieu put a halt to our mission as we paused briefly to photograph this beauty.
Sloth Bear in Bandhavgarh National Park
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The best thing about nature is it throws surprises when you least expect them. Not a common sight, the Sloth Bears here are shy and tend to quickly dash for cover. One can be more hopeful during dawn and twilight hours, however, sightings like this are truly a matter of chance.
Grey Langur at Bandhavgarh National Park
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Every creature, big or small, stripes or hooves, matters! Langurs are considered commoners of the forest. Always around, they provide some fantastic opportunities to experiment and bring out striking frames. Here, I spent some time with a langur troop and was able to capture a lovely portrait of the forest commoner.
Leopard in Bandhavgarh National Park
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A leopard sighting in Bandhavgarh is an unexpected rendezvous that will have your heart skip a beat. We found this male while en route to Magdahi gate. The cat was devouring prey while staying hidden inside the thick bamboo clusters.
Lesser Adjutant Stork in Bandhavgarh National Park
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The Lesser Adjutant Stork is a relatively common sight in Bandhavgarh, often seen around waterbodies in the meadows. They are fun to observe and photograph as they are never short of character and colour, especially when shot in the right light.
Spotted Owlet in Bandhavgarh National Park
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The forest has eyes and who better establishes that than a Spotted Owlet, expertly camouflaged against a crevice or hollow of a tree.
Indian Pitta at Bandhavgarh National Park
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The Indian Pitta, also called naurangi, is known to have nine different colours, making it a special bird for avian aficionados. Summer is the time they migrate to Bandhavgarh for nesting. Found in the rather woody corners of the forest, the bird truly enchants with the colours it holds in its feathers.
Indian Roller at Bandhavgarh National Park
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Indian Rollers are a riot of colours. Your breath is bound to catch in your throat when they fly past, but be sure to compose yourself and attempt to freeze these beautiful avians mid-flight.