Tribal Market in Bandhavgarh
Tribal Haat (Weekly Market) near Bandhavgarh National Park
The tribal haats around Bandhavgarh National Park offer a vibrant and authentic window into the daily lives of the Baiga and Gond communities. These weekly markets are full of color, music, and traditional energy, where villagers gather to trade forest produce, handmade crafts, and homegrown essentials.
As you walk through the haat, you’ll find stalls selling bamboo items, bead jewelry, herbal products, seasonal forest fruits, and clay pottery. The atmosphere is lively, with local snacks sizzling on roadside stoves, folk tunes in the background, and the warm chatter of villagers catching up after a week of work.
Visiting a haat in Bandhavgarh is not just a shopping stop, it’s a cultural experience that brings you closer to the forest people who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries. It’s a perfect add-on to your safari experience, especially during mornings or late afternoons.
What You’ll Find
Local tribal haats offer a wide variety of handmade and natural products such as:
- Bamboo baskets, trays, and household items
- Beaded necklaces and traditional Baiga/Gond jewelry
- Wild forest honey, medicinal herbs, and natural oils
- Clay pots, terracotta figures, and tribal kitchenware
- Fresh vegetables, grains, spices, and seasonal forest produce
Every item you buy directly supports local artisans and helps preserve Bandhavgarh’s cultural heritage.
Best Time to Visit
Haats around Bandhavgarh are held once a week in nearby villages such as Tala, Manpur, and Bijhariya.
- Most markets start around 8:00 AM and continue till 11:00 AM
- Early morning is ideal for visiting when stalls are full and crowds are lively
- The best season is October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the village surroundings look beautiful after the monsoon
How to Reach
Most tribal haats are located near the main zones and villages around Bandhavgarh:
- Tala Haat – approx. 3 km from Tala Zone; small but culturally rich
- Manpur Haat – around 12 km away; a popular market with more variety
- Bijhariya Haat – about 8 km from the reserve; great for bamboo crafts and forest products
We organize guided haat visits with local experts who help you interact with artisans, discover rare forest produce, and taste traditional snacks. It’s a wonderful cultural extension to your Bandhavgarh safari.
