Bandipur National Park is regarded as one of the most beautiful and the better-managed national parks of India. Located amidst the picturesque surroundings of the towering Western Ghat Mountains on the Mysore-Ooty highway in Karnataka, Bandipur National Park covers an area of about 874.2 sq km. Together with Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and Nagarhole National Park in the North, it creates the India’s biggest biosphere reserve popularly known as the ‘Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve’.
The Bandipur National Park occupies a special place in India’s efforts towards Eco-conservation.Bandipur also has a sizable number of Tigers.
Other natural inhabitants of this lovely forest are gaur (a type of bull), sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, wild dogs, wild boar, jackal, sloth bear, panther, malabar squirrel, porcupines and the black-knapped hare. Birds like jungle fowl and green pigeon are also found here.
Bandipur Forest Safari:
Jungle Lodges and Resorts alone is now licensed to operate jeep safaris. Mini-bus safaris operated by the Forest Department begin from the range office. The bus safari is conducted between 6:15 am-9 am and 2:15 pm-5 pm. The fee is 350 INR per person. The jeep safari costs 3000 INR pax and is conducted between 6:15am-8am, 8am-9:45am, 2:30pm-4:30pm and 4:30pm-6:30pm. Trekking is now permitted in Bandipur. Elephant safaris have been discontinued.
Best Season To Visit
March – May
Famous For
The Park boasts of Tigers, Indian Elephants, Leopards, Dhole, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Chital and many more animals
Places To Stay
Few resorts are available to stay at Bandipur
How To Reach
Mysuru Domestic Airport ( MYQ ) is the nearest airport ( 73 Kms )
Mysuru Railway Station is the nearest railway station ( 73 Kms )
One can drive from Bengaluru to Bandipur National Park which is 220 Kms