Tiger safari in Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh jeep safari

Your tiger safari, booked by our team

A jeep safari through the forests of Bandhavgarh National Park is the heart of any stay with us, and your best chance to see the royal Bengal tiger in the wild.

The park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, from spotted deer and langurs to leopards and tigers. We make the safari simple and organised: our team books your permit, arranges a registered Gypsy and park guide, and makes sure you reach the gate on time.

  • Safari: Open Gypsy with a park guide
  • Zones: 3 core and 3 buffer zones
  • Drives: Morning and afternoon
  • Seats: Up to 6 guests per Gypsy
  • Season: Mid-October to June in the core zones
Safari Gypsies stopped on a forest road as a tiger crosses in Bandhavgarh

Safari zones

Core and buffer zones we book

Bandhavgarh is divided into three core zones and three buffer zones, each with its own gate and permits. Tala, the best known, starts right here in our village.

Core zones

  • Tala

    Gate 1

    The most visited core zone, right beside Village Tala and the resort.

  • Magadhi

    Gate 2

    A popular core zone and a strong alternative when Tala is full.

  • Khitauli

    Gate 3

    A quieter core zone with fewer vehicles, good for slower drives.

Buffer zones

  • Panpatha

    Pachpedi gate
  • Johila

    Chechpur gate
  • Dhamokhar

    Parasi gate

Buffer zones see fewer vehicles and are easier to book at short notice, and tigers are seen here more and more.

Safari timings

Two drives a day, at dawn and dusk

Gates open around sunrise for the morning drive and again in the afternoon. Times shift with the season, so we confirm the exact gate time with your permit.

Drive Winter Mid-October to February Summer March to June
Morning drive About 6:30 to 10:00 am About 5:30 to 9:00 am
Afternoon drive About 3:00 to 6:00 pm About 4:00 to 7:00 pm

Monsoon closure: the core zones close every year from July and reopen in mid-October. Approximate times shown; the forest department sets the final schedule.

Safari booking

How we book your safari

Four simple steps from your first message to the forest gate. Permits are issued per person, so we need a few details from every guest.

  1. Choose your dates & zone

    Tell us when you are coming, how many guests, and your preferred zone.

  2. Share guest ID details

    Each guest’s name, age, gender, nationality and photo ID number.

  3. We book your permit

    We book on the official portal as soon as slots open and send the confirmation on WhatsApp.

  4. Ride out from the resort

    A registered Gypsy and park guide pick you up before gate time.

Safari checklist

What to carry on your safari

A little preparation makes a long drive in an open Gypsy far more comfortable, and helps you make the most of every sighting.

  • Original photo ID

    The same ID used for your permit; it is checked at the gate.

  • Warm layers in winter

    Mornings in an open Gypsy are cold from December to February.

  • Earthy, neutral clothes

    Greens, browns and khaki blend in better than bright colours.

  • Binoculars and camera

    Keep the flash off and your lens ready; sightings can be quick.

  • Water, hat and sunscreen

    Summer drives get hot; carry water and cover up.

  • Quiet voices

    Stay in the vehicle, keep noise low and follow your guide.

Safari FAQs

Questions guests ask us

Can’t find your answer? Message us on WhatsApp and our team will reply.

How early should I book my Bandhavgarh safari?

As early as you can. Core zone permits, especially for Tala, sell out quickly on weekends, holidays and through the peak season from mid-October to June. Send us your dates as soon as they are fixed and we will book the moment slots open.

What details do you need to book a safari?

Each guest’s full name, age, gender, nationality and the number of a government photo ID: Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN or driving licence, or a passport for foreign guests. Please carry the same original ID on the safari.

Which zone is best for tiger sightings?

Tigers live across the park and no sighting is ever guaranteed. Tala is the most visited core zone, Magadhi and Khitauli are popular alternatives, and the buffer zones are easier to book at short notice. We will suggest the best option for your dates.

How many people fit in one Gypsy?

Up to six guests, plus the driver and the park guide.

When is the park closed?

The core zones close every year for the monsoon, from July until the season reopens in mid-October. Exact dates are set by the forest department, so ask us before planning a monsoon trip.

Do you arrange the jeep and the guide?

Yes. Along with the permit, we arrange a registered Gypsy and a park guide, who pick you up from the resort before gate time.

Is an elephant safari available?

Not at present. All safaris in Bandhavgarh are by open jeep (Gypsy).

Book your safari

Ready for the land of the tiger?

Send your dates, number of guests and preferred zone on WhatsApp. We’ll check permit availability and confirm your safari.