Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, is divided into different safari routes, characterized by a mix of hilly terrain, grasslands, and forests. The zones are home to variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, sambhar deer, spotted deer, barking deer, and wild boars and bird species, including eagles, vultures, owls, and parakeets.
CORE ZONES : There are three Core safari zones in Bandhavgarh National Park, namely Tala Zone (540 Sq kms), Magadhi Zone (400 Sq kms), and Khitauli Zone (400 Sq Kms).
Tala : the oldest zone of Bandhavgarh National park, is characterized by Sal forests, hillocks, and grasslands that offer scenic views and exceptional sightings.
Khitauli Zone : Khitauli zone turn up as a hot spot for Tiger sightings in last few years. The forest is more dry & deciduous. Khitauli zone is also good for sighting neelgai, four-horned antelope, and chinkara.
BUFFER ZONES : Dhamokhar Buffer Zone, Johila Buffer Zone, and Panpatha Buffer Zone. These buffer zones cover an area of approximately 820 square kilometers, providing a natural extension to the core zone and allowing for the free movement of wildlife. Buffer zones refer to the areas that surround the core zone or the park’s main area where wildlife is conserved, protecting the wildlife and their habitat from human disturbances, poaching, and encroachment.