Ryan, Noah & Teresa Biller, three US citizens, selected Bandhavgarh to see tigers in the month of June 2024. At the planning level, Ryan asked for the best place to see tigers, but after some research, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve was finalized.

Report By: Mr. Sudhir Sharma

Journey to Bandhavgarh

• Date: 06th June 2024
• We took an overnight train from Agra.
• As the train was booked late, we got on the Second AC sleeper class coach.
• We recommend First AC Sleeper Class for overnight journeys, though some Second AC sleeper coaches are good enough.
• On 07th June, we arrived at Katni Station at 05:30 am.
• We then drove to Bandhavgarh and reached our resort, The Bandhavgarh Meadows, around 08:00 am.

07 June 2024 – Afternoon Safari

• Zone: Khitauli

Our first safari began after lunch in the Khitauli Zone, which is one of the best zones after Tala. As we entered the park, Noah asked if there was a chance to see tigers. I said we would try our best, but nature is beyond control.

After checking a few water holes, we found several jeeps waiting near a big water hole. Guides had heard Sambhar deer’s warning calls, so we decided to wait. After a few minutes, a huge male tiger, Chota Bheem, appeared from the bushes and sat in the water hole.

He drank water and lay down as other animals approached cautiously. Two jackals managed to drink water from the pond, which was about 20 x 20 meters in size.

Two male Sambhar deer slowly approached, checking carefully. Tigers often ambush here since deer come down from the back toward the open side of the check dam-like water body. One of the deer, being alert, noticed Chota Bheem and made a warning call.

We spent around 2 hours 25 minutes watching Chota Bheem patiently wait. Tigers never chase their prey; their wild success rate is only 5%, depending on ambush techniques.

08 June 2024 – Morning Safari

• Zone: Tala

This was our second safari. Tala has always been a great zone, though sightings have reduced in recent years due to fewer tigresses with cubs. Here, the dominant male tiger is Bajrang.

We started our safari with a packed breakfast and moved to the Chakradhara grassland area, where warning calls from monkeys and deer were heard.

After 20 minutes, we spotted two cubs (subadults) of a Chakradhara female. Lighting was perfect for photography. Soon, loud calls nearby indicated Bajrang, the father of the cubs, was approaching. He passed behind our vehicle — a total of three tigers that morning, all males.

Later, we headed to Centre Point (15 km from Chakradhara) for breakfast. On the way, we saw a huge sloth bear enjoying his morning walk — a rare daytime sighting where tigers dominate as top predators.

08 June 2024 – Afternoon Safari

• Zone: Khitauli

As we had already seen Chota Bheem, we decided to look for other tigers in Khitauli Zone, guided by Ayodhya. After driving 40 minutes in 48°C heat, we reached a water hole and waited. Soon, a female tigress, Raa, appeared from a nearby stream and sat in the water.

Later, we moved about 20 km to another water hole and spotted D1 male tiger enjoying a natural swimming pool. Sudden strong winds and thunderstorms struck, followed by heavy rain. We took shelter near a forest guard check post.

After the rain stopped, we saw Chota Bheem again, walking on the main road. We also spotted a huge sloth bear and a jackal carrying a monitor lizard in its mouth. As it was getting dark, no pictures were taken.

• Total tigers spotted this safari: 3

Bandhavgarh often surprises with tiger sightings even after rain — especially in Khitauli Zone — likely due to its soil texture that quickly absorbs water without sticking to tigers’ paws.

09 June 2024 – Morning Safari

• Zone: Tala

Our last safari brought another thrilling moment. Within 20 minutes of entering the Chakradhara area, we saw Bajrang and two cubs of the Chakradhara female feeding on a Sambhar deer kill made early that morning or the previous night. The kill was mostly finished when safari jeeps arrived.

Nearby, the Chakradhara female tigress appeared, trying to call her cubs away from the kill, but they ignored her. Eventually, she walked off — perhaps the calmest tigress in this zone.

Wildlife Sightings Summary

Safari Highlights

• Tigers Seen: Chota Bheem, Bajrang, Chakradhara Cubs, Tigress Raa, D1 Male.
• Other Wildlife: Sloth Bear, Jackal, Sambhar Deer, and Monitor Lizard.
• Weather: 48°C heat followed by a thunderstorm and heavy rain.
• Special Moments: Post-rain sightings and an extended observation of tiger hunting behavior.