A Memorable Trip to Bandhavgarh

It was generosity of erstwhile Maharani of Rewa that we discovered Bandhavgarh. Our guests were slated to stay at Kanha Rest House but the booking was abruptly canceled. Maharani Sahiba was a visitor to our old house and she obliged by offering the keys to her Kothi at Bandhavgarh.  

Jeep Ride at Bandhavgarh

The discovery was amazing for the reserve as we discovered was home to tigers and some were often seen. 

Tiger at Bandhavgarh

We would visit the park many times a year one group or other. The desolate forest rest house was our shelter before White Tiger Lodge of MPTDC  was established. With hardly any tourists we had fun time and could well relate with the staff of the National Park. 

On Elephant Back

Machaan

Getting reservation was easy and all we had to do was to drive to Umaria on the way and contact the Field Directors Office for reservation which was happily granted. Then in the nineties popularity of the park became overwhelming and tourism flooded. Then all visits were formal but we continued our forays in the wild and still do. 

Machaan

Now I freelance as Naturalist and Birder with visits to tiger reserves being very frequent. The earlier visits that laid a foundation for my career today. The initiation was begun by my father's Bidi manufacturing business and we would look forward to tendu patta collection in the forest during the summers. 

Forest Rest House Bandhavgarh

In the seventies the destinations Bandhavgarh and Kanha were less developed and one had to carry rations and other belongings with us. Ha! It was truly wild then.   

Tiger sightings took place on elephant back and rarely on open jeeps. It was all economy in those days with few rupees as entrance fee and a room for Rs.60 at White Tiger Lodge. We could learn a lot from the mahouts and guides and occasional visiting photographers and were introduced to birds and animals in the parks. My cousins could photograph using simple cameras. 

Howdah

What more can be desired for our memory bank. Travels in older times!