Planning your journey to Bandhavgarh National Park is so easy, thanks to its excellent connectivity from major Indian cities. Whether you prefer flying, taking the train, or enjoying a scenic road trip, multiple routes lead to this tiger-rich wilderness in Madhya Pradesh's Umaria district. Choose the option that best suits your schedule, budget, and travel preferences.
The railway network provides comfortable and economical access to Bandhavgarh from across India. The closest major railway station to Bandhavgarh is Umaria Railway Station, situated approximately 32.5 km from the national park, with the drive typically taking around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Umaria is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata through a network of trains.
It is best to take overnight trains to reach Umaria in the morning so that you can get full day ahead for your tourism activities. Another nearby railway station is Katni, about 100 km away, which is well connected to major Indian cities. Katni serves as a major junction with more frequent train services, though it requires a longer 2-hour drive to reach the park.
Jabalpur Junction, approximately 160-200 km away, serves as another alternative for travelers who prefer staying overnight in a larger city before proceeding to Bandhavgarh.
The nearest airport to Bandhavgarh National Park is Jabalpur Airport, located approximately 184 km away from the park, with a driving time of around 4 to 5 hours. Jabalpur Airport is well-connected to major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Airlines like Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo operate regular flights to Jabalpur, making it the most practical choice for air travelers.
The alternate option to reach Bandhavgarh by air is Khajuraho Airport, located about 225-237 km away. While it required about a 5-hour drive, Khajuraho offers the added advantage of visiting the world-famous UNESCO heritage temples. For international travelers, the nearest international airport is in Varanasi, located 355 km away from Bandhavgarh.
From any of these airports, pre-arranged taxi services or rental cars are readily available to complete your journey to Bandhavgarh. Most resorts and safari booking services offer complimentary pick-up and drop facilities, ensuring hassle-free transfers.
Bandhavgarh National Park is accessible via a network of well-maintained roads, with visitors able to drive from nearby cities such as Jabalpur, Khajuraho, and Satna. The park is connected by state highways and national highways, making road travel a convenient option.
Road distances from major cities include: Jabalpur (190-200 km, 4-5 hours), Khajuraho (230-250 km, 5-6 hours via Satna), Katni (95-100 km, 2 hours), and Satna (112 km, 2.5 hours). Self-drive enthusiasts will enjoy picturesque routes passing through rural Madhya Pradesh's farmlands, tribal villages, and gradually thickening forests as you approach tiger territory.
State transport buses operate between major towns, though they're cheap but less frequent and comfortable than private taxis or hired vehicles. Most travelers prefer booking cabs from nearby cities or arranging resort transfers for convenience. The journey itself becomes part of your adventure, offering glimpses of authentic rural India before you enter the wilderness.
| City | Distance to Bhandhavgarh | Approx. Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Nagpur | 120 km | 2 hr 40 min |
| Chandrapur | 45 km | 1 hr |
| Hyderabad | 407 km | 8 hr 15 min |
| Nagpur | 120 km | 2 hr 40 min |
| Raipur | 319 km | 5 hr 30 min |
| Jabalpur | 444 km | 8 hr 30 min |
| Pune | 778 km | 12 hr 30 min |
| Mumbai | 787 km | 12 hr 15 min |
| Bhopal | 456 km | 8 hr 25 min |
| Nashik | 641 km | 9 hr 10 min |
| Thane | 770 km | 11 hr 45 min |
| Bengaluru | 1002 km | 17 hr 30 min |
You can find various cabs, buses, one-way taxis, and other vehicles to Tadoba National Park from Nagpur. If you don’t feel like driving or don’t want to take a train or a plane, then first make a booking for a bus from your city to Nagour, and then you can find local transport to reach the park. Also, self-driven cars are available from Nagpur, so you can take them to reach Tadoba.