What to Wear in Bandhavgarh
What you wear in Bandhavgarh is mostly decided by the safari. Drives start around sunrise in open jeeps, so you feel the full cold of a winter dawn or the heat and dust of a summer afternoon.
The easiest plan is layers in muted, natural colours. Olive, khaki, brown and beige blend into the forest and hide the dust from the tracks. Save brighter colours and dressier outfits for photos around your lodge or in Tala village.
Trending wear
Modern, Instagram-friendly looks
Traditional wear
Local cultural outfits
What to Wear in Bandhavgarh During Winter
Winter (October to March) is the most comfortable season, with warm afternoons but cold mornings. In December and January, dawn temperatures in the forest can drop close to freezing, and the wind in an open jeep makes it feel colder still.
Best Winter Outfits for Bandhavgarh
- Thermal innerwear for the morning drive
- A fleece or woollen sweater
- A warm, windproof jacket
- Gloves, a woollen cap and a scarf
- Warm socks and closed shoes
- A light T-shirt underneath for the warmer afternoons
What to Wear in Bandhavgarh During Summer
Summer (April to June) is very hot, with daytime temperatures often around or above 40 °C. The tracks are dusty and the meadows have little shade, so cover up against the sun rather than wearing less.
Best Summer Outfits for Bandhavgarh
- Loose, light cotton shirts with long sleeves
- Light cotton trousers
- A wide-brimmed hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- A cotton scarf or buff to keep the dust off your face
- Sunscreen for your face and hands
What to Wear in Bandhavgarh During the Monsoon
The core zones close from July to September, but the buffer zones stay open. It is warm and humid, and heavy rain can turn the tracks muddy.
- A waterproof jacket or poncho
- Quick-drying trousers and tops
- Waterproof shoes with a good grip
- Insect repellent for the evenings
Best Colours to Wear in Bandhavgarh
On safari, stick to olive, khaki, brown, beige and grey-green. These colours blend into the forest and do not show the dust. Avoid bright red, orange and neon shades, and skip white, which gets dirty fast.
For photos around your lodge or in Tala village, rust, mustard and maroon stand out well against the green sal forest. For a traditional look, Madhya Pradesh's handloom Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees work well, though both are woven in other parts of the state.
Footwear Tips for Bandhavgarh
You spend most of your time sitting in a jeep, so comfortable closed shoes or light trail shoes are enough. They keep your feet warm on winter mornings and free of dust in summer. Sandals are fine around the lodge and the village, and waterproof shoes help in the monsoon. Check the Bandhavgarh packing list before you go.
Questions
Bandhavgarh — FAQ
What should I wear on a safari in Bandhavgarh?
Wear comfortable layers in muted colours such as olive, khaki, brown or beige, with closed shoes. Add a warm jacket, gloves and a cap for winter mornings, and a hat, sunglasses and a scarf against the dust in summer.
How cold are morning safaris in Bandhavgarh?
In December and January, early mornings can drop close to freezing, and the open jeep adds a cold wind. Wear thermals, a warm jacket, gloves and a woollen cap, and take layers off as the day warms up.
Why should I avoid bright colours on a safari?
Muted colours such as olive, khaki and brown blend into the forest, so you are less likely to distract animals, and they hide the dust from the tracks. Save bright colours for photos at your lodge.
What shoes are best for Bandhavgarh?
Comfortable closed shoes or light trail shoes are best for safaris, as they keep your feet warm on winter mornings and free of dust in summer. Sandals are fine around the lodge and Tala village.
What should I wear for photos in Bandhavgarh?
On safari, olive, khaki and brown look natural against the forest. For photos at your lodge or in Tala village, rust, mustard or maroon stand out against the green, and a Chanderi or Maheshwari saree gives a traditional Madhya Pradesh look.