Dhamokhar Jeep Safari, Bandhavgarh National Park - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 18 km from Tala Bus Stop, Dhamokhar Buffer area is an extension of the Maghadhi Core area of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. This buffer zone is entered from Parasi Village.

Three buffer zones were added to the Bandhavgarh National Park in 2015, with the aim of reducing tourism in the core zones and providing an opportunity for people who cannot afford to visit the core zones to experience the park. The buffer zones are spread over Umaria and Katni districts. Dhamokhar zone is one of them.

The forest and the partial plains of Dhamokhar Zone are famous for Leopard and Sloth bear sightings. The entry point of Dhamokhar buffer area is Parasi and the route for this area starts from Parasi to Badawar and it covers Jamunia, Jhaanjh, Mudgudi, Kehrawah, Kadewaha, Kudarmada, Sahu, Taal, Sehimaada, Madehavah, Kalwahdhaar and Badawar. Also, the area of Dhamokhar is densely populated with Deer, Sambar, Chital, wild boar and is home to plentiful species of the birds.

Opens throughout the year, Dhamokhar Zone can be explored by Jeep safaris. There are two shifts in a day, one starting in the morning and the other late in the afternoon. Maximum 20 jeeps are allowed on both the shifts every day, but it is closed for tourists on every Wednesday evening and on Holi. The Jungle Safari is done only with vehicles registered with the park administration as private vehicles are not allowed inside the park. Each jeep can take up to 6 travelers other than a driver and one naturalist. The safari entry and exit timings change according to the season.

For Jeep Safari, one can book online at www.mponline.gov.in. It is recommended to book safaris early (up to 120 days in advance) because the number of safaris in each zone is limited at a time. The guide fee and vehicle hire fee are to be paid separately at the park before undertaking the safari and will be distributed equally between the tourists in the vehicle. Safari tickets are non-transferable. Visitors need to carry identification proof. The only identification proof that is accepted for foreigners is the passport number with nationality. For Indian nationals any photo identification proof that is issued by Government of India.

Safari Timings: 6.30 AM - 11 AM & 2.30 PM - 5.30 PM from Oct - Feb and 6 AM - 10 AM & 3 PM - 6 PM from Mar - June, Closed on every Wednesday evening & on Holi.

Safari Permit Fee: Rs. 250 for Single Seat in Jeep, Rs. 1500 per Whole Jeep (max 6 Persons). Jeep hiring cost & guide cost extra (around 2500 per jeep and 480 per guide).

Note: Safari cost changes frequently