Johila Jeep Safari, Bandhavgarh National Park - Timings, Entry Fee, History & Artifacts

At a distance of 40 km from Tala Bus Stop, Johila Zone is one of the buffer zones of Bandhavgarh National Park. Sharing the boundary with Core zone of Tala, the entry to this zone is from Chechpur 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. Panpatha zone is one of them while the other two are Dhamokhar and Johila.

Johila Zone boasts of dense forest cover, river, rivulets, waterfalls, and natural scenic spots, etc., which has a great potential for attracting tourists. The two waterfalls namely Johila Falls & Kuthulia Falls in this zone helps in maintaining the water level of the forest during the summers and also takes care of the thirst of wildlife. This is birdwatchers paradise, presence of migratory and residential birds are witnessed all-round the year due to the availability of the water and the flora of the forest. The route for this area starts from Chechpur and ends at Gajwahi.

Visitors can explore Johila Zone by Jeep safari where the tour lasts for 3 to 4 hours. There are two safaris in a day from October to June, 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 safari and on Holi. For Jeep Safari, one can book online on the MP Forest Department website. Visitors need to carry identification proof. The only identification proof that is accepted for foreigners is the passport number with nationality. For Indian national any photo identification proof that is issued by Government of India.

Opens throughout the year, Johila 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 national 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