Morning and evening safari times for every month.
In Bandhavgarh, the time of your safari matters a lot. Tigers move most when it is cool, in the early morning and late evening.
There are two safaris every day, one in the morning and one in the evening. The exact time changes every month with the sunrise and sunset. Here is the full list in simple words.
Bandhavgarh Safari Timings: Short Answer
| Safari | Timing | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Morning safari | Sunrise (about 5:30 to 6:45 AM) to about 11:30 AM | About 5 hours |
| Evening safari | About 3:00 to 4:00 PM to sunset (about 5:30 to 7:00 PM) | About 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Closed | Wednesday evening, Holi, Diwali | |
| Core zones open | 1 October to 30 June |
Note: These are approximate times. The exact entry time for your safari is printed on your permit. Always follow your permit.
Bandhavgarh Safari Timings Month by Month
October
Morning6:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Evening3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
November
Morning6:15 AM to 11:30 AM
Evening3:00 PM to 5:45 PM
December
Morning6:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Evening3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
January
Morning6:45 AM to 11:30 AM
Evening3:00 PM to 5:45 PM
February
Morning6:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Evening3:00 PM to 6:15 PM
March
Morning5:45 AM to 11:30 AM
Evening4:00 PM to 6:45 PM
April
Morning5:45 AM to 11:30 AM
Evening4:00 PM to 6:45 PM
May
Morning5:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Evening4:00 PM to 6:45 PM
June (till 30th)
Morning5:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Evening4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
July to September
Core zones closed
See the pattern? In winter the morning safari starts late, because the sun comes up late. In summer the evening safari starts late, because the afternoons are very hot.
Days When There Is No Safari
- Wednesday evening: there is no evening safari on Wednesday. The morning safari runs as normal.
- Holi and Diwali: the park is closed on these festival days.
- July to September: the core zones (Tala, Magadhi, Khitauli) are closed for the monsoon. Some buffer zones may run in this time. Ask before you plan a monsoon trip.
Morning or Evening Safari: Which Is Better?
| Morning Safari | Evening Safari | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Longer (about 5 hours) | Shorter (about 3 hours) |
| Weather | Cool, cold in winter | Warm, hot in summer |
| Light for photos | Soft light and mist at sunrise | Golden light before sunset |
| Tigers | Very active in the cool hours | Active again as it gets cooler |
Our advice: If you can do only one safari, pick the morning. It is longer, so you get more time in the forest. If you can do more, do both. Each safari is a new chance to see a tiger.
What Time Should You Reach the Gate?
- Reach the gate 30 to 45 minutes before the safari start time.
- The staff check your permit and ID before you go in.
- Most hotels in Tala village are just a few minutes from the Tala and Magadhi gates.
- If your safari is in Khitauli or a buffer zone, leave earlier. These gates can be farther from your hotel.
Winter tip: The open jeep is very cold at 6 AM in December and January. Carry a jacket, cap, gloves and a blanket.
A Simple Safari Day Plan
| Time | What to do |
|---|---|
| 5:00 to 5:30 AM | Wake up, have tea, wear warm clothes |
| 5:30 to 6:30 AM | Reach the gate and check in |
| 6:00 to 11:30 AM | Morning safari |
| 12:00 to 2:30 PM | Lunch and rest at the hotel |
| 2:30 to 3:30 PM | Go to the gate for the evening safari |
| 3:00 to 6:30 PM | Evening safari |
| Evening | Dinner and early sleep |
Best Months for Safari
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| October to November | Fresh green forest and nice weather. |
| December to February | Cold mornings and mist. Great for photos. |
| March to June | Hot days, but the best time to see tigers. |
Tips for a Good Safari
- Book early. Morning safaris in Tala and Magadhi fill up first. Read our Bandhavgarh safari booking guide.
- Do 3 to 4 safaris. More safaris give you more chances.
- Be on time. If you are late, you may not be allowed in.
- Carry water. Summer safaris get very hot by 10 AM.
- Stay quiet. Animals stay calm when the jeep is quiet.
Want to know more about the park? Read our Bandhavgarh National Park guide. For a ready plan with hotel and safaris, see our Bandhavgarh tour packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the morning safari timing in Bandhavgarh?
The morning safari starts at sunrise, about 5:30 to 6:45 AM, and ends at about 11:30 AM. It starts later in winter and earlier in summer.
What is the evening safari timing in Bandhavgarh?
The evening safari starts at about 3:00 PM in winter and 4:00 PM in summer. It ends at sunset, about 5:30 to 7:00 PM.
Is the Bandhavgarh safari closed on Wednesday?
Only the evening safari is closed on Wednesday. The morning safari runs as normal.
How long is a Bandhavgarh jeep safari?
The morning safari is about 5 hours. The evening safari is about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Which safari is best for seeing a tiger in Bandhavgarh?
Both can be good. The morning safari is longer, so many people like it more. Doing both morning and evening safaris gives you the best chance.
Is Bandhavgarh open in the monsoon?
The core zones are closed from July to September. Some buffer zones may run in the monsoon, so ask before you plan.
What time should I reach the gate for a Bandhavgarh safari?
Reach 30 to 45 minutes before the start time. The staff need time to check your permit and ID.
