Khitauli Jeep Safari, Bandhavgarh National Park - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit
Distance (From Tala Bus Station): 5 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 4 Hours/Half Day
Transportation Options: Cab
Travel Tips: Being the core area of Bandhavgarh National Park, Khitauli Zone remains closed from 1st July to 15th October every year.
At a distance of 5 km from Tala village, Khitauli is one of the three core zones of Bandhavgarh National Park. Popularly called Gate no.3, it is the forest area of the Western part of tiger reserve situated just opposite to Maghadhi Zone. The Khitauli entry gate is located near the Tiger Valley Resort.
Came into existence in 2010, Khitauli zone is more plane with no hilly terrains but the forest is beautiful and dense than Tala Zone. It is well known for Birding and herbivores animals sighting where one can spot the mammal species such as Leopard, Nilgai, Sloth Bears, Spotted Deer, Wild Dog (Dholes). During peak summers, probability of tiger sighting increases. Charki Dongri, Kumbhi Kachhar, Garhpuri Dam and Nigahi Nala are located in this zone.
Visitors can explore Khitauli Zone by Jeep and canter safari. There are two safaris in a day from October to June, one starting in the morning and the other late in the afternoon. The tour lasts for 3 to 4 hours by jeep or canter (open top roof bus). The Jungle Safari is done only with vehicles registered with the park administration as private vehicles are not allowed inside the park. For Jeep Safari, one can book online at www.mponline.gov.in. Single seat bookings are only offered online for core zones. 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 number of vehicles allowed to enter into this zone of Bandhavgarh is 16 in the morning and 15 in the evening. 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. Afternoon shift is typically closed on Wednesdays and on Holi.
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 & during monsoon months.
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
