Bandhavgarh means ‘fort of the brother’ and is believed to have been gifted by Lord Ram to his brother Lakshman. In the 12th century. An elephant safari is also possible with separate permission and payment, though not guaranteed. A visit to the hilltop fortress in the Tala zone is a treat, stop by at some of the remarkable handmade caves and visit an imposing 10 mtr long statue of Lord Vishnu, carved in the tenth century. In Magdhi stop and enjoy the scenic meadow. This is not simply a reserve with a high density of tigers and cubs. Keep an eye out for long billed vultures that circle around the hill fort, chital herds around the pools, sloth bears and the Malabar pied hornbills whose shriek is instantly recognizable