Bandhavgarh National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and tiger sightings. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, serves as a major eastern hub, making this route popular among wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers planning a memorable safari experience.

This guide covers all practical ways to travel from Kolkata to Bandhavgarh National Park, including trains, buses, flights, and self-drive options. You’ll find detailed tips on routes, timings, and local transport to help you plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Kolkata to Bandhavgarh National Park – Main Options

By Train

Train travel is a popular and economical way to reach Bandhavgarh from Kolkata, offering several options with varying travel times. The nearest major railway station to Bandhavgarh is Umaria, about 35 km away from the park.

• Key stations:

  Board trains from Kolkata Railway Station (Howrah or Sealdah) to Umaria or Katni stations. Umaria is preferred as it is closer to the park entrance.

• Distance and duration:

  The rail distance is approximately 1,100 km, with journey times ranging from 18 to 24 hours depending on the train and route chosen.

• Ticket costs and classes:

  Train fares vary from INR 500 for sleeper class to INR 2,000+ for AC classes. Booking via IRCTC well in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Frequency and comfort:

  Several weekly trains run on this route, including the Amarkantak Express and Shaktipunj Express. AC coaches provide comfortable overnight travel, while sleeper class is budget-friendly.

• Local transport from station:

  From Umaria station, taxis and shared jeeps are available to Bandhavgarh park gates. Prepaid taxis at the station are advisable to avoid overcharging.

• Travel tips:

  Trains can be delayed during monsoon months due to track maintenance. Booking lower berth tickets and carrying light snacks is helpful for the long journey.

By Bus

Bus travel from Kolkata to Bandhavgarh is less common due to the long distance but possible for budget travelers willing to break the journey into segments. Direct buses are rare, so plan for transfers.

• Route options:

  Take a bus from Kolkata to Jabalpur or Umaria via state transport or private operators, then switch to local transport to Bandhavgarh.

• Duration and cost:

  The bus journey can take over 24 hours, costing between INR 800 to 1,500 depending on the operator and class.

• Comfort and frequency:

  Overnight Volvo or deluxe buses run on Kolkata to Jabalpur routes, but onward connections to Bandhavgarh are limited and less comfortable.

• Booking tips:

  Use MSRTC or private bus booking platforms and confirm schedules as services may vary seasonally.

• Challenges:

  Long bus rides can be tiring; breaks are limited, and road conditions vary, especially during monsoon.

By Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Bandhavgarh offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes, but it is a long journey of over 1,100 km requiring careful planning.

• Route details:

  The most common route is via NH19, NH44, and NH30 passing through Asansol, Varanasi, and Jabalpur before reaching Bandhavgarh.

• Distance and time:

  The drive covers approximately 1,150 km and takes around 20 to 22 hours, best split over two days.

• Road conditions:

  National highways are mostly in good condition, with tolls at multiple points. Avoid night driving in forested or rural stretches for safety.

• Rest stops and fuel:

  Major towns like Varanasi and Jabalpur have good fuel stations, eateries, and lodging options for breaks.

• Permits and local rules:

  Carry valid driving license, vehicle documents, and check for any forest entry permits if driving inside park zones.

• Seasonal advice:

  Avoid monsoon months (July-September) due to slippery roads and possible delays.

By Flight

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach near Bandhavgarh from Kolkata, with the closest airport being Jabalpur Airport, about 160 km from the park.

• Flight options:

  Direct flights from Kolkata to Jabalpur are limited; most routes involve a stopover in Delhi or Mumbai. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India operate on these routes.

• Duration and cost:

  Flight time is around 3 to 5 hours including layovers, with fares ranging from INR 3,000 to 7,000 depending on booking time.

• From Jabalpur to Bandhavgarh:

  Hire a taxi or use private cabs from Jabalpur airport to Bandhavgarh, which takes about 4 to 5 hours by road.

• Booking tips:

  Book flights early, especially in winter and holiday seasons, to get better fares and availability.

• Advantages:

  Saves significant travel time and reduces fatigue compared to train or road travel.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary helps first-time travelers from Kolkata to Bandhavgarh National Park plan their journey efficiently and comfortably.

• Book your train or flight tickets early:

  Use IRCTC for trains or airline websites/apps for flights, ideally 30 days in advance to secure preferred dates and classes.

• Pack light and prepare for the journey:

  Carry essential documents, snacks, water, and a power bank. For train travel, bring a blanket and earplugs for overnight comfort.

• Reach the departure point early:

  Arrive at Howrah or Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport at least 1.5 hours before departure to avoid last-minute rush.

• Arrange local transport in Bandhavgarh:

  Pre-book a taxi from Umaria station or Jabalpur airport to your resort or park gate to avoid delays and inflated fares.

• Check park entry timings and permits:

  Confirm safari timings and book permits online or through your lodge to ensure smooth entry to the park.

• Plan your return journey:

  Keep buffer time for travel back to Kolkata, considering possible delays on trains or roads.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety on trains:

  Always book confirmed tickets and prefer AC coaches for comfort. Keep valuables secure and avoid traveling alone at night if possible.

• Food and water:

  Carry bottled water and light snacks, especially when traveling by train or bus. Avoid street food near stations to prevent stomach issues.

• Booking strategy:

  Use IRCTC for train tickets and official airline apps for flights. For local taxis, use Ola or Uber where available, or prepaid counters at stations.

• Local commute in Bandhavgarh:

  Use authorized safari vehicles for park entry. Avoid unauthorized guides or vehicles to ensure safety and compliance.

• Luggage advice:

  Pack light, breathable clothing and sturdy shoes for jungle safaris. Carry insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Seasonal travel warnings:

  Avoid monsoon months due to heavy rains affecting road and rail services. Winter months are best for wildlife sightings but book early.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Bandhavgarh is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather and optimal wildlife viewing conditions.

Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (July to September) as heavy rains can disrupt train schedules and road conditions, making travel uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe.

• Avoid peak traffic hours in Kolkata when heading to the station or airport, typically early mornings and evenings.

• Travel early morning or late evening on highways to avoid daytime heat and traffic congestion.

• Plan train journeys avoiding weekends and festival periods to secure confirmed tickets and avoid overcrowding.

• Check weather forecasts before departure to anticipate any delays due to fog or rain, especially in winter and monsoon seasons.

Arrival at Bandhavgarh National Park & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Umaria station or Jabalpur airport, travelers will find several transport options to reach Bandhavgarh National Park. Prepaid taxis and shared jeeps are commonly available, but pre-booking is recommended for convenience.

The park area offers a range of accommodation from budget lodges to luxury resorts near Tala and Magadhi gates. Local guides and safari operators provide expert services for jungle safaris. Expect basic amenities in forest zones and plan accordingly.

Conclusion

Among all options, traveling by train to Umaria station combined with a taxi transfer to Bandhavgarh is the most balanced choice for comfort, cost, and convenience. It allows wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy a relaxed journey without the fatigue of long road travel.

With proper planning and advance bookings, you can confidently embark on this exciting journey from Kolkata to Bandhavgarh National Park. Prepare well, and get ready for an unforgettable wildlife adventure in one of India’s premier tiger reserves.