Connections from Varanasi to Bandhavgarh

ottobotte · Nov 21st, 2004, 15:21

Hi all,

I'm planning a trip for this Dec. What is the best way of combining Varanasi and Bandhavgarh? I've heard there's a train (Kamayani Express?) that connects Katni and Varanasi (takes nine hours!), but I wanted to know if there is a better way.

Thanks very much!

SHIMLA · Nov 21st, 2004, 16:18

You may take a train form Varanasi to Umaria (12 hours). From Umaria its just 35 kms. by road to Bandhavgarh.

Matty Gee · Nov 21st, 2004, 16:29

While at the park you will have to stay in TALA, take some munchies from your last place, Tala doesn't have much of a food thing going on. I have done the Varanasi trip, the train gets into UMERIA really late at night, in total darkness. The Rickshaw (only one when I was there) has you by the 'short n curlies' really on where they take you in Tala and how much they charge you.
Umeria seemed to have two hotels, maybe it would have been better to have stayed there, and gone to Tala in the morning.
After Bandhavgargh I went onto PURI from UMERIA, that train left very early, so I recommend you book your taxi in advance when leaving Tala. Also there is NO money change in Tala, but there is a BEER SHOP.
The tigers are dead cool, you will only see them in the morning. The Evening trip in a jeep, is only going to yield Deer and Wild Pigs.

SHIMLA · Nov 21st, 2004, 16:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matty Gee

I have done the Varanasi trip, the train gets into UMERIA really late at night, in total darkness.

There's a bi-weekly Express ex- Gorakhpur, which leaves Varanasi at 19=00 and reaches Umaria at 07=00 the next morning.

Matty Gee · Nov 21st, 2004, 17:08

I can't have taken that one, still be prepared for a Biggish Rickshaw bill to Tala.

Ezra · Nov 5th, 2005, 18:12

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum. Hopefully I'll get some good feedback and should be able to help y'all out too, cause this is my 3rd time in India, have done a lot of research in my time, and I'm learning the ropes...

I'm writing a PhD concerning the history of hunting (shikar) and am interested in some of the erstwhile princely states of Rewa and Sarguja in what's now Madhya Pradesh and am trying to figure out how to get in contact with the old ruling family or Rewa. Any suggestions how? I understand that to visit the old fort in Bandhavgarh you have to get permission from the raja anyway. And that one of the hotels in the park is the old hunting lodge of the family. Is there much of historical (hunting) interest around there? Is there perhaps an archive? What about the museum in the palace at Rewa? I understand they have a stuffed white tiger. Anything more?

For a shorter trip just to scout out the area I was thinking of heading out from Allahabad to Satna and seeing the city of Rewa. Then to Bandhavgarh. How much time do you think I need to budget for this?

What about places to stay? Is trekking at all a possibility in these areas? Can I organize a guide perhaps from some village? Personally I'd want to stay in a tent camp at the park too, does anybody have any recommendations for that? How much in Rs, etc.

I am particularly interested in the tribal communities in these areas. Are there Gonds and Kols? Are there Baigas in Rewa? Is it possible to meet some of these folks? See some dances? Talk abou the history of hunting? Do they speak Hindi? Are they friendly?

Also I am thinking of traveling quite extensively around rural Madhya Pradesh this winter. Does anybody know anything about long term car or motorcycle rentals (perhaps from Bhopal)? What about buying then selling? Is it at all dangerous to travel in these areas alone? I know in areas bording Chattisgarh/Bihar it can be. What about Naxalites? Goondas? I also understand that the areas north of Gwalior and towards Rajasthan are full of bandits. Where else?

What about good maps? I went to the Government Maps Office in Delhi the other day and they wouldnt sell me any because I'm a foreigner. If I have an Indian friend get me district planning maps can I get in trouble?

I know that there are alot of questions here and that some of these questions are perhaps over specific for this 'travel' forum, but I am really stretching to find anyone who I can talk to about this stuff.

Hope to hear back from some people. Best wishes in all your adventures,

Ezra

Nov 21st, 2004, 15:21	#1
ottobotte Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New York Posts: 1	Connections from Varanasi to Bandhavgarh Hi all, I'm planning a trip for this Dec. What is the best way of combining Varanasi and Bandhavgarh? I've heard there's a train (Kamayani Express?) that connects Katni and Varanasi (takes nine hours!), but I wanted to know if there is a better way. Thanks very much!

Nov 21st, 2004, 16:18	#2
SHIMLA Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Yangon, MYANMAR Posts: 4,129	You may take a train form Varanasi to Umaria (12 hours). From Umaria its just 35 kms. by road to Bandhavgarh. __________________ Whoever said money can't buy happiness didn't know where to shop !

Nov 21st, 2004, 16:29	#3
Matty Gee What's wrong with curry for breakfast? I love it! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 212	While at the park you will have to stay in TALA, take some munchies from your last place, Tala doesn't have much of a food thing going on. I have done the Varanasi trip, the train gets into UMERIA really late at night, in total darkness. The Rickshaw (only one when I was there) has you by the 'short n curlies' really on where they take you in Tala and how much they charge you. Umeria seemed to have two hotels, maybe it would have been better to have stayed there, and gone to Tala in the morning. After Bandhavgargh I went onto PURI from UMERIA, that train left very early, so I recommend you book your taxi in advance when leaving Tala. Also there is NO money change in Tala, but there is a BEER SHOP. The tigers are dead cool, you will only see them in the morning. The Evening trip in a jeep, is only going to yield Deer and Wild Pigs. __________________ Check my gallery out : http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser =3636

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Internet connections???	andygoodyear	Electronics in India	7	Jul 20th, 2005 15:27
the french connections	sadhuji	India Travel News and Commentary	5	May 19th, 2005 03:42
Flights connections Varanasi & Shimla	Murray	Domestic India Flights	1	Feb 16th, 2005 06:31
Help!!! Train / bus connections...3 weeks to go	Juliana	Indian Railways	1	Aug 11th, 2004 18:26
Be Aware of British Airways LHR-LGW connections	achal75070	Domestic India Flights	1	Oct 14th, 2003 21:32

Nov 21st, 2004, 17:08	#5
Matty Gee What's wrong with curry for breakfast? I love it! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 212	I can't have taken that one, still be prepared for a Biggish Rickshaw bill to Tala.

Nov 5th, 2005, 18:12	#6
Ezra Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Delhi Posts: 2	Hi all, I'm new to this forum. Hopefully I'll get some good feedback and should be able to help y'all out too, cause this is my 3rd time in India, have done a lot of research in my time, and I'm learning the ropes... I'm writing a PhD concerning the history of hunting (shikar) and am interested in some of the erstwhile princely states of Rewa and Sarguja in what's now Madhya Pradesh and am trying to figure out how to get in contact with the old ruling family or Rewa. Any suggestions how? I understand that to visit the old fort in Bandhavgarh you have to get permission from the raja anyway. And that one of the hotels in the park is the old hunting lodge of the family. Is there much of historical (hunting) interest around there? Is there perhaps an archive? What about the museum in the palace at Rewa? I understand they have a stuffed white tiger. Anything more? For a shorter trip just to scout out the area I was thinking of heading out from Allahabad to Satna and seeing the city of Rewa. Then to Bandhavgarh. How much time do you think I need to budget for this? What about places to stay? Is trekking at all a possibility in these areas? Can I organize a guide perhaps from some village? Personally I'd want to stay in a tent camp at the park too, does anybody have any recommendations for that? How much in Rs, etc. I am particularly interested in the tribal communities in these areas. Are there Gonds and Kols? Are there Baigas in Rewa? Is it possible to meet some of these folks? See some dances? Talk abou the history of hunting? Do they speak Hindi? Are they friendly? Also I am thinking of traveling quite extensively around rural Madhya Pradesh this winter. Does anybody know anything about long term car or motorcycle rentals (perhaps from Bhopal)? What about buying then selling? Is it at all dangerous to travel in these areas alone? I know in areas bording Chattisgarh/Bihar it can be. What about Naxalites? Goondas? I also understand that the areas north of Gwalior and towards Rajasthan are full of bandits. Where else? What about good maps? I went to the Government Maps Office in Delhi the other day and they wouldnt sell me any because I'm a foreigner. If I have an Indian friend get me district planning maps can I get in trouble? I know that there are alot of questions here and that some of these questions are perhaps over specific for this 'travel' forum, but I am really stretching to find anyone who I can talk to about this stuff. Hope to hear back from some people. Best wishes in all your adventures, Ezra

User Name		Remember Me?
Password