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

At a distance of 12 km from Tala Bus Stop, the Maghadhi zone is the core zone forest area of Bandhavgarh tiger reserve. It is just adjoining to Tala zone in the south-east forest of the tiger reserve area. The entry gate of the zone is Magadhi Gate, located near Eco Lodge, Bandhavgarh.

Also referred as Gate No. 2, Maghadhi zone was opened after many years of Tala zone opening for tourists to share the tourism burden of Tala zone and also to offer new forest area exposure to wildlife lovers, visiting Bandhavgarh. Magadhi Zone is a large area with beautiful grasslands and dense forest cover. Just like Tala zone, this is also a popular core zone area as it has some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Bandhavgarh after Tala zone. Famous Charger point of Bandhavgarh is also located in this zone. It is closed during the monsoon period.

The best way to explore the flora and fauna of the national park is to travel through jeep safari and canter safari. Maghadhi is a good zone for tiger, sambar and spotted deer sighting. Accompanied by a trained guide, the jeep safari takes you into the heart of the national park on fixed routes at fixed timings in the mornings and afternoons. The Jungle Safari is done only with vehicles registered with the park administration as private vehicles are not allowed inside the park. 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 20 in the morning and 20 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.

Being very popular for tiger sightings, Bandhavgarh is always busy with wildlife tourists. It is recommended to book your Jeep safari online at www.mponline.gov.in as about 70% of vehicles are booked online. Only a few vehicles are booked at the current ticket counter while few vehicles are under park management. Single seat bookings are only offered online for core zones. 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. Besides, Luxury properties conduct private safaris in their own vehicles, using their own guides and naturalists.

All the visitors are required to carry their original identity document during safari drives as it is verified at the entrance gate. Safari tickets are non-transferable. During safari drive, guide service is compulsory on each safari vehicle.
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