In the lush, dense forests of Madhya Pradesh's Bandhavgarh, an eight-year-old Bengal tiger named Samrat roams with an air of majesty. His name means 'king' in Hindi. Samrat, with his striking presence, moves through the Tala and Khitauli zones of the park, captivating those who are fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of him.
Bandhavgarh became a tiger reserve in 1993 and remains a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The reserve houses over 164 tigers, with 35 of them visible to tourists in both the core and buffer zones. Madhya Pradesh leads India's tiger census, boasting more than 780 tigers across its wildlife reserves.
Tour guide Viswajit Singh Solanki offers insights on Samrat, describing him as both elusive and special. Samrat was the first tiger Viswajit spotted, making their encounters memorable. The core zones of the reserve provide a habitat rich in deer and other prey, while the buffer zones, which include farms and villages, offer easier prey like cattle for younger tigers.
Bandhavgarh's reputation as a prime spot for tiger sightings attracts tourists globally. The 14-hectare Kings Lodge, nestled within a natural forested estate, provides accommodations in 10 cottages and 8 stilt houses. The pressure to see tigers has led tourists to venture into buffer zones more often, a change from previous years.
In the past, 'tiger shows' were a major draw, using elephants to locate tigers for tourists willing to pay extra for a closer view. Those shows have been banned, shifting the focus to responsible tiger tourism, supported by technology and artificial intelligence.
Visitors to the Tala Zone encounter ancient caves, some home to bats, and a fort believed to be over 1,000 years old. Local legend ties the fort to Lord Rama, who, it is said, built it for his brother Lakshman, giving the place its name, 'Bandhavgarh' or 'fort for the brother'.
The park's history is tied to conservation efforts initiated by Maharaja Marthand Singh of Rewa in the 1960s. Today, tourists are encouraged to appreciate the experience rather than focusing on capturing photos and videos, a sentiment echoed by Viswajit. He recalls a time when visitors admired the tiger's beauty and details, such as its stripes and scars, rather than seeking selfies.
Efforts are being made to promote responsible wildlife tourism and reduce stress on animals. The hope is to bring back the days when the emphasis was on observing and appreciating the magnificence of these creatures.
Bandhavgarh's allure extends beyond tigers, showcasing a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the Indian pitta and crested serpent eagle. But the tiger remains the undeniable star, drawing visitors eager for a glimpse of these elusive animals in their natural habitat.
