Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of MP, India. This park is one the best sights to trail the majestic Bengal tiger in their natural habitat. The core area of the park is spread over 100 km² and is home to more than 50 tigers.
The park has a large breeding population of leopards, wild dogs, Nilgai, Wild Boars, Indian Bison, and various species of deer.
Bandhavgarh Jungle Safaris
In Bandhavgarh, tourists are allowed into the park twice each day for 3-hour Jeep safaris, once at dawn, and again in late afternoon. There are no premium zones and the National Park has been divided into three main safari zones, namely – Tala Zone, Magadhi Zone and Khitauli Zone. Tala Zone is the oldest and richest zone in terms of biodiversity, mainly tigers.
Jeep Safari
Open 4WD Gypsies are normally used as safari vehicle. The Jeeps stick to well-worn tracks but the Park covers a large area and you’ll often end up on your own. Maximum 06 members are allowed to sit in a jeep and you cannot visit the Park without a Jeep and a guide.
Elephant Safari
Not operating these days.
Bandhavgarh Safari Timings 2026
Bandhavgarh National Park usually operates morning and afternoon jeep safaris. Exact reporting and exit times may change according to the season, daylight hours and forest department rules.
| Travel Period | Morning Safari | Afternoon Safari |
|---|---|---|
| 1 October – 31 December | 6:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| 1 January – 31 March | 6:30 AM – 11:30 AM | 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
| 1 April – 30 June | 6:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Important: Please arrive at the safari gate before the reporting time mentioned on your permit. Timings can be revised by the forest department due to weather, park management decisions or seasonal conditions.
Bandhavgarh Safari Cost & Permits
There is a park permit charge on top of the price of hiring a jeep, and any elephant rides are extra. Any safari organised with your lodge normally includes all the jeep and park fees although elephant rides are still extra. You don’t have to pay in the jungle but normally pay at your lodge later, although taking a little cash to tip the elephant rider is a good idea.
Tala, Khitauli & Maghadi are core zones . Beside this Panpatha & Dhamokhar buffer zones are highly recommened as per last season sightings. There is a Tigress with 04 cubs who bought Panpatha zone into limelight. Buffer zone safaris are cheaper than Core zone safaris. !
Park Entry Fees
Maghadhi, Tala and Khitauli Safari Zones Entry Fees:
The entrance fee for Indians: 2450/-INR for week days (Monday to Friday) & 3350/-INR for Saturday, Sunday & Holidays.
The entrance fee for Foriegners: 5350/-INR for week days (Monday to Friday) & 6650/-INR for Saturday, Sunday & Holidays.
Night Safari : Banned since Dec, 2025.
Guide fees: 1000/- per safari.
Professional Guide ( other than other guide allotted by the department). If you take professional guide then same guide will accompny you in all safaris. The cost of this guide is 3000/-INR per safari.
Advance Quota:- Normal Safari generally opens in month of August ( 120 days) prior to visit date. These safaris are cheaper.
Tatkal quota:- Opens 08 days prior to visit date at 11:00 am. Here only those permits open which were booked in Normal quota but get cancelled due to cancellation.
Current Quota:- This quota opens one day prior to visit date every day at 02:00 pm.
There are 02 Canters ( 18 seater Opne Bus) in Maghadi & Khituali zones. Canters Tickets also open in Current quota i.e 02:00 pm, one day prior to the visit dates.
Note: All above safari are booked via department site.
Looking for an exciting safari experience in Bandhavgarh? We offer convenient and reliable Bandhavgarh Safari Booking services to ensure you have the best wildlife adventure. With our experienced guides, comfortable vehicles, and affordable prices, we make it easy to explore all that this beautiful region has to offer.
Note: The Department reserves right to change zone of safari on last moment due local problems realated to park safety . How ever safaris are done as per departments rules.
Jeep Safari Charges
This cost is per trip entry fees for one jeep for 6 persons.
- Generally, the jeep fare is between 3500 to 4500/-INR per safari. Pick up & drop charges from your hotel are extra depending on the distance.
- For Buffer zones, it could be from 4000 to 5000/-INR.
- Professional drivers cost with same jeep 8000/-INR per safari.
Note: All above charges are without service charges & GST tax.
Want to plan your Bandhavgarh tiger safari?
Tell us your travel dates, preferred safari zone, number of travellers and hotel location. We will help you arrange permits, jeep safaris, guides and comfortable transfers for a smooth wildlife experience.
Elephant Safari:
Now a days Elephants safaris have changed. Previuosly they were many categories like Full day elephant safari, 03 hours elephant safaris.
Now generally Joy ride is available for half an hour (30 minutes). It comes around 1500/-INR per person. For this you have advance permit & need to inform the park athuority one day prior to the visit. These Joy rides are subject to availabilty of elephants of Department.
Beside this, 03 hrs long elephant ride is available if some one go for Full Day safaris ( zone free safaris). The approximate cost of this elephant safari is 28,000/-INR.
Note: These rates are basic rates & doesnot include service charges & Taxes. For more details pls write to us at [email protected]
Bandhavgarh Safari FAQs
What are the Bandhavgarh safari timings?
Bandhavgarh normally operates two jeep safaris each day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Timings change with the season and daylight hours. From October to December, morning safaris generally begin around 6:00 AM and afternoon safaris around 3:00 PM. Always reconfirm the exact reporting time with your lodge or safari operator before departure.
Which are the main safari zones in Bandhavgarh National Park?
The main core safari zones are Tala, Magadhi and Khitauli. Tala is the oldest and is widely known for its rich forest habitat and wildlife diversity. Panpatha and Dhamokhar are buffer zones that can also be considered for safari, depending on permit availability, current wildlife movement and your travel dates.
Is a tiger sighting guaranteed in Bandhavgarh?
No. Bandhavgarh is one of India’s well-known tiger landscapes, but tiger sightings can never be guaranteed because animals move freely in a natural forest. Your chances may improve with multiple safaris, experienced naturalists and flexible zone planning, but every safari should be enjoyed for the complete wildlife experience.
How much does a Bandhavgarh jeep safari cost?
The total cost depends on the safari zone, weekday or weekend date, visitor category, permit type, jeep, guide and hotel pickup distance. The page lists core-zone entry fees separately from jeep charges and guide fees. As a general guide, jeep hire is commonly quoted per vehicle, while permits and guides may be additional. Ask for a complete written quote before booking.
How many people can travel in one safari jeep?
Bandhavgarh jeep safaris use open 4WD Gypsies. A maximum of six visitors can usually travel in one jeep, along with the required driver and forest guide. If you prefer more space or are travelling for photography, you may wish to reserve the full jeep for your group.
Do I need a guide for a Bandhavgarh safari?
Yes. Visitors enter the park in an authorised safari vehicle with a guide, according to forest-department rules. You can also arrange a professional naturalist for a more detailed wildlife and photography-focused experience, subject to availability and additional charges.
What is the difference between core and buffer zone safaris in Bandhavgarh?
Core zones such as Tala, Magadhi and Khitauli are the main protected safari areas. Buffer zones such as Panpatha and Dhamokhar lie around the core area and can offer different forest landscapes, fewer vehicles and worthwhile wildlife sightings. Buffer safaris are often priced differently, and the best choice depends on current conditions and permit availability.
When should I book a Bandhavgarh safari permit?
Book as early as possible, especially for weekends, holidays and the popular wildlife season. The page notes that normal advance safari permits may open months before travel, while Tatkal and current quotas open closer to the safari date. Availability and booking windows can change, so early planning is the safest option.
Are elephant safaris or night safaris available in Bandhavgarh?
Safari rules can change. The page states that night safaris have been banned since December 2025. It also notes that elephant activities are limited and may be subject to advance permission, departmental availability and changing park regulations. Confirm the latest rules before making travel plans.
What is the best way to book a Bandhavgarh safari?
Share your travel dates, number of guests, nationality, preferred safari zones, hotel location and wildlife interests. A safari plan can then be prepared with permits, jeep arrangements, guides and transfers, subject to the forest department’s availability and rules.
