I am Sahil, a proprietor specializing in eco-tourism and taxi services within the central region of India. Presently, we have elected to embark on an exploration of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. This particular locale holds sentimental significance for me as it happens to be my hometown, the very place of my birth and upbringing. Consequently, my deep-rooted connection to the natural world and its diverse wildlife is profoundly ingrained. This article predominantly addresses a ubiquitous subject, one deemed essential for individuals embarking on their inaugural visit to Bandhavgarh or any tiger reserve.
I’ve visited the ticket counter at Bandhavgarh multiple times and noticed that many tourists lack basic knowledge when it comes to getting tickets, hiring a gypsy, or finding a guide. This article aims to address and improve these common gaps in basic knowledge.
In this article, we’ll use the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve as an example, and we’ll follow the same steps in other tiger reserves too. The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve covers around 1450 square kilometers in total. Out of this, the main part is 716 square kilometers, and the rest is the buffer area. Bandhavgarh has a total of six zones. The main areas are Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli, while the surrounding regions are known as the Buffer zone, consisting of Dhamokhar, Panpatha, and Johila. The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is open for visitors for 9 months each year, from October to June.
If you plan to come here, you’ll need to get a ticket or permit. To make a reservation, you can use the official government portal at https://first.mponline.gov.in/. Alternatively, you have the option to book through our agency. The permit cost varies – it’s Rs 2450 on weekdays and Rs 3050 on weekends for Indian visitors. The buffer area rate is consistent at INR 1250 for both weekdays and weekends. This fee covers the entire gypsy, accommodating up to 6 tourists, but you can also book individual seats. For foreigners, the permit rate is double the regular fee.
If you’ve got a reservation, make sure to pick up your safari vehicle and guide on the day of your adventure. Just head to the ticket counter with your permit, and the officer there will check it and assign you a safari vehicle and guide based on your booking order. Next, head to the Gypsy or guide union counter, where you’ll need to shell out Rs 3000 for a Gypsy. Additionally, there are two types of guides available – G1 and G2. If you’re assigned G1, the guide fee is Rs 600, while for G2, it’s Rs 480. Please note that only cash payments are accepted for unlogged transactions. If you need a ride from your place to the Gypsy, there will be an extra cost based on how far you’re going. We arranged everything in advance by booking permits.
If you’re in Bandhavgarh and haven’t secured a safari permit, don’t worry. The government has set aside a special Tatkal quota for this situation. With this, you can get 6 Gypsy vehicles for either morning or evening safaris, or 6 Gypsy vehicles for the buffer period. To go on a morning safari, you can grab the permit at the Tatkal counter starting at 6:30 PM on the first day. In my opinion, showing up at the ticket counter two hours earlier ensures you secure a spot in the main area. If you’re a bit late and end up in the 7th position or behind a tube, you’ll likely end up in the buffer zone instead. Should you desire a Jungle Safari Tatkal ticket for the evening session, the designated counter for such expedited reservations commences operations at 1:30 pm. Kindly undertake the same course of action on behalf of the individual in question. There’s no change in the cost for Tatkal permits. If you’re interested in a night safari, you can simply head to the counter at 7 PM and book your safari directly.
May this article prove instrumental in providing you with valuable insights and enlightenment.
