Bedaghat || Bandhavgarh National Park || Kanha National Park
After the whole 2 years of covid, we wanted to celebrate the new year somewhere. Though we needed to figure out where to go, it would be crowded everywhere. Most people would like to go out and celebrate. Therefore we wanted a place that would be less crowded, and we thought of going to the Jungle.
Usually, resorts in Jungle have limited people staying, and you get the jeep exclusively for safari. You do not have to share it with anyone. Hence we decided to go to Bandhavgarh and Kanha National park in Madhya Pradesh.
Madhya Pradesh is known for its wildlife and national parks. It has 5 big tiger reserves, including Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Satpura, and Pench Tiger Reserves.
Bedaghat
Dhuandhar Waterfalls in Bhedaghat is also called The Grand Canyon of India.
Dhuan means smoke, and dhar means to flow. The mist created by water falling on hard rock creates visuals of smoke emanating from the river bed. Hence it is called Dhuandhar.
Day 1
We reached Jabalpur early in the morning. So we decided to explore some tourist places in Jabalpur.
Our first stop was the coffee house, as we were starving. It was just outside the Zoo. Post our breakfast; we went to see the famous Dhuadhar Waterfalls.
There are two sides from where you can see the falls. You can reach one side by walking. And to see the waterfalls from the other side, you have to sit on a gondola ride.
The cable car side of the waterfalls is better. The fall looks more beautiful from here and is also less crowded.
The outstanding beauty of marble rocks on both sides and the graceful Narmada river, which flows through the gorge, is a treat to watch. Simply gorgeous.
It started drizzling and got a little windy. Hot maggie and tea are a deadly combination in this weather. It felt like heaven.
Technically (in many to-do lists on the internet), this place covers 4 tourist spots – Dhuadhar Waterfalls, Marble Rocks, Cable Car Ride at Dhuadhar, and a Boat ride at Dhuadhar.
After some amazing time here, our next stop was Chausatyogini temple. Also known as Golaki Math, it is one of the best yogini temples. It has 81 shrines (instead of 64) and is located on the hilltop above the Narmada river.
We further proceeded to Kanha. It takes around 3-4 hours for Bedaghat to reach Kanha. We check in at our hotel, MPTDC, by late evening.
It started raining again in the evening, so we decided to have an early dinner and went to sleep.
Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is India’s largest national park and the only one in India with a mascot Barasingha. The reason Barasingha was preserved by Kanha as the species was on the verge of extinction.
The forest is full of huge meadows and tall Sal forests. It offers a wide range of wild creatures like tigers, jackals, barasingha, and countless species of plants, birds, reptiles, and insects.
There are three entry gates to Kanha – Khatia (Kisli), Mukki, and Sarhi. Mukki is one of the best gates for sighting big cats. We booked 3 safari’s in Kanha.
Day 2
During our first safari, we spotted all 4 types of deer found in Kanha, including Barasingha, Spotted, Barking, and Sambar. Barasingas were adorning their horns to attract female deer. They were looking so adorable by hanging grass on their horns.
Barasingha is found only in Kanha National Park. But now they have moved some of them to other national parks in Madhya Pradesh due to the rise in their population.
On our second safari in the afternoon, we spotted 3 wild Jackals. One of them was trying to hide the kill, while the 2 others charged him and snatched his kill. It was a treat to watch this whole incident. They look small but are super deadly.
Our evening was free, so we decided to explore the property. The MPTDC resort is actually beautiful. There is a canopy and a tower on the trekking trail inside the resort. And there is this lovely river hidden behind the trekking path.
Sitting near the river was so serene and refreshing. There was no one around, and it felt like we had a private river for us.
Day 3
During our 3rd Safari the following day, we saw various species of birds and tried to chase the call made by the deer for Tiger. But no Tiger.
Though we didn’t spot the big cat in any of our Safari, I cherished the other wild animals I saw. And the jungle of Kanha is quite beautiful.
Tip:
- Book at least 1 safari via Mukki gate. The chances of Tiger sightings are high.
Later in the afternoon, we proceeded to Bandhavgarh National Park. It takes around 4 hours from Kanha.
Bandhavgarh National Park
We reached Bandhavgarh by evening and were amazed by the whole arrangement and atmosphere. There was a personalized bonfire outside each room. It was pretty cold; hence, we sat outside our room and enjoyed the bonfire dinner.
We had booked two Safaris here.
Day 4
We got ready early in the morning for the Safari. During our first Safari, we saw a massive group of Wild boars. I have never seen so many boars together. We also spotted different species of birds.
Post lunch went for our second safari. This was quite an interesting one. We followed the deer’s calling to alert everyone of the tiger. The deer calling was quite intense and continuous. So we stopped our gypsy and waited for almost an hour; we knew the tiger was somewhere nearby walking.
We were eagerly waiting for the tiger to come out on the track. But unfortunately, the safety timing got over, and we had to leave the jungle.
The entire calling and chasing event was so interesting. I truly enjoyed this Safari. It would have been great if we could have seen the tiger as well after all that chase.
Later in the evening, we celebrated new year’s eve by enjoying the beautiful cultural folk dance arranged by the hotel, followed by a barbeque counter and born fire.
We also had cake cutting ceremony to welcome the new year.
Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Park are MP’s two most loved national parks. Overall it was a nice trip. There were fewer people around. Therefore, the mind was also a little relaxed. After almost 2 years, we could celebrate the new year.
Suggested Itinerary (4N 5D)
Day 1 – Reach Jabalpur and proceed to Bedaghat. Overnight in Kanha.
Day 2 – Kanha National Park. You can book a morning-evening safari.
Day 3 – You can take one more morning safari. Later in the afternoon, proceed to Bandhavgarh.
Day 4 – Bandhavgarh National Park. Book morning-evening safari.
Day 5 – Check out