Bandhavgarh Fort

The Bandhavgarh fort, enclosing an area of 560 acres, is an awesome sight. Its stands at a height of 800 meters, 300 meters higher than the surrounding area. A visit to this fort is very highly recommended. There are two means of getting to it's entrance. The first is a jeep track and the second is a footpath. The steep rocky jeep track is not recommended for the faint hearted. The footpath, which also rises at quite a sharp gradient, is the preferred alternative by most visitors. This footpath begins from the left of a spot known as "Shesh Saya".

There is adequate area allocated here for parking of vehicles. At this spot lies the unique reclining, 11 meters long, statue of the Hindu God, Vishnu. In front of this statue is located a pool of spring water. This is said to be the source of the stream known as Charan Ganga, which is one of the three perennial streams flowing through the park. Due to this round the year availability of water at this pool, it is also well frequented by animals, including tigers. As you begin your walk up to the fort, keep a look out for inscriptions on the rocks you pass.

"Charger" stands gaurd as his family (Sita and her three cubs) drink water at the "Shesh Saya"

One of the many lakes within the Bandhavgarh Fort

You can also check the path for tiger pug marks, as this path is frequented a lot by them during the night. You will come across many other temples on your way up. Most of them depicting the various reincarnations of Lord Vishnu. Some of these reincarnations are in the form of a boar, a fish and a tortoise. One of the most overwhelming sights is the 7 meter high statue of Narasimha, the reincarnation in the form of half human, half lion. All these temples and statues date back to around the 10th century. One of these temples also has the carvings of Lord Ganesha, which were done at a later time.

There are three other temples, which belong to the 12th century. Kabir Das, the famous saint, also lived here in the 16th century. Once inside the fort, you will be amazed at the vastness of the grasslands within. The many "lakes", which are large reservoirs of turtle filled waters, are dotted all over the fort. The guide who will take you up to and around the fort will tell you of many experiences with tigers within the fort walls. If he is the guide who lives in and also guards the fort, these tales will be plentiful and extremely enthralling. Don't be fooled by his old age and frail looks. He'll give you a run for your money if you try and race him to the entrance. This walk up to the fort will take you around an hour and a half. It can be done faster but only if you don't spend any time along the way to gaze at the beautiful carvings and craftsmanship.Once inside the fort, do keep a look out for the small population of black buck. The view, from the fort, of the surrounding area can only be described as breathtaking.

It's not an easy task keeping up with the
elderly fort guide during the steep climb up

The breathtaking view from the Bandhavgarh Fort

You are at eye level with soaring eagles and vultures. There could be very few people who would have come away from there without wishing they could fly like the birds. The best bit about this walk is the absolute harmony with nature of all that you come across, including the temples and statues. A walk to each of the numerous lakes within the fort boundaries is a possibility but it must be kept in mind that your exit is still dependant on the park timings. Once within the fort confines, it is fascinating just following the numerous tracks leading through tall grass, over rocky boulders, around lakes and ponds. For those interested in archaelogy and other related subjects, this is heaven on earth. Even for the religious minded, the number of temples in the fort comes as a very pleasant surprise. All in all, the fort is a "must visit" place for people of any interest.