It was after savouring the erotic sculpture of Khajuraho that I decided to visit the Bandhavgarh National Park, which is one of the prime habitats of the Indian Tiger. From Khajuraho it is only 237 kms; I hired a tourist cab and zoomed off to destination Bandhavgarh.

By the time I reached the park it was already dusk and I was quite exhausted- I went straight to the guest house maintained by the forest department. After supper I tossed and turned on my bed, eagerly waiting for the morning. I don’t know when sleep overwhelmed my weary eyes- a knock at the door woke me up early in the morning- it was the waiter who came with my breakfast. Soon I was ready for the adventure.

The guide came and accompanied me into the deeper reaches of the park which is inhabited by the elusive tigers. As the jeep safari gained momentum through the sal trees and stretches of bamboo and grassland, I came to witness an immensely wide variety of wild species like jackals, bears, mongoose, hyenas, jungle cats and leopards. The grassy meadow patches were occupied by wild pigs, spotted deers, sambhars, dholes and the small Indian civets. I saw many a palm squirrel running about around the road fringed by forests. Along the streams and marshes I saw numerous species of birds- both local as well migratory. But the most prized vision was none other than the majestic Tiger, the first glimpse of which took my breath away.

During my conversation with the guide I came to know that Bandhavgarh sustains 22 varieties of mammals and some 250 odd varieties of birds. Among the reptiles, cobras, kraits, vipers, rat snakes, pythons, turtles and lizards are commonly found. It has one of the highest density of tiger population in India. Tigers once roamed freely here but due to extensive hunting the number came down drastically. It is the place where the famous white tigers of Rewa were discovered.

I could not resist the temptation of going to the fascinating fort that lies within the park. The fort is atleast 2000 years old and now lie in a state of ruins. From the top of the fort I had a bird’s eye view of the entire park. I found that the fort has its inmates too- it provides safe shelter to a small group of black bucks.