Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve

Bandipur National Park is one of the popular wildlife reserves in Karnataka. Given its setting among the beautiful green lands of the lofty Western Ghat Mountains on the Mysore-Ooty highway in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, it is regarded as one of the ‘most beautiful national parks of India’.

This national park is spread across 874 sq km making it the ‘largest national park in the state of Karnataka’. The national park was once the private hunting ground of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore. It was declared as a tiger reserve in 1973 and today it is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the 12 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in India. The national park shares its borders with Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. This renders Bandipur one of the ‘largest and most diverse conservation areas in India’.

Flora & Fauna at Bandipur Tiger Reserve:

Bandipur National Park is not just a tourist destination, it also occupies a special place in India’s efforts towards Eco-conservation. The national park supports a rich biodiversity and is a perfect place to interact with the animals and birds in their natural habitat.

It is home to several rare and endangered wildlife species including sloth bears, gaurs (Indian bison), Indian rock pythons, dhole (wild dog), jackals, chitals (spotted deer), muggers, sambhar, four-horned antelopes, and the black-knapped hare. The park also boasts a remarkable population of tigers, leopards and Asiatic wild elephants.

Did you know? – Bandipur National Park is the largest habitat of wild elephants in South Asia and has the second-highest Tiger population in India.

This lovely forest also inhabits over 200 species of birds including Indian rollers, Malabar trogons, jungle fowls, green pigeons, drongos, crows, changeable hawk-eagles, crested serpent eagles, brown fish owls, hoopoes, honey buzzards, and Indian vultures, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

The national park is surrounded by foliage and lush greenery. You can spot several timber trees such as teak, sandalwood, rosewood, Indian kino tree, Indian laurel, giant clumping bamboo and Grewia tibiae folia. Additionally, numerous flowering and fruit-bearing trees, like the flame of the forest, golden shower tree, Indian gooseberry, and black cutch are also present.

To further add to the beauty and charm, Bandipur is flanked by the Kabini, Moyar and Nugu Rivers and several seasonal streams flowing through the area.

Things to do in Bandipur National Park & Tiger Reserve:

With a diverse flora and fauna, Bandipur National Park offers a variety of activities for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts, promising a memorable experience.

• Safari Adventure – Explore the wilderness through an open jeep or canter safari and enjoy an up-close encounter with the magnificent animals in their natural habitat. 

• Bird Watching – Spot a wide variety of local and migratory bird species chirping in the solitary environment of the reserve area. 

• Nature Walks – Get a deeper understanding of the ecosystem and appreciate the beauty of the landscapes up close on a guided nature walk. 

• Trekking – Enjoy a leisurely trek along the park’s diverse terrain and sight glistering waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, meandering streams and lush green forests along the trail.

 Some of the popular treks at the park are: 

• • Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta trail takes you to the highest peak in the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
  • Bandipur – Devarakadu trail takes you through dense forests and grassy meadows and offers a bird’s-eye view of the park from its watchtower.

• Photography Delight – Get excellent opportunities for capturing some stunning snapshots amidst the diverse landscapes and charismatic wildlife of Bandipur National Park. 

• Camping – Enjoy the bonfire at one of the many campsites around Bandipur National Park. You can even take a guided camping tour. However, you need to seek permission from the Forest Department beforehand.

• Elephant Safari – Go deeper into the jungles and explore the lush forests and bountiful natural beauty on the back of an elephant. Timings for elephant rides are 10 am to 11 am.

How to Reach:

By Air:

The nearest airport is the Mysore Airport just 63 km away from the Bandipur National Park. From the airport, you can take a private car or taxi to reach Bandipur.

By Train:

The nearest major railway station is Mysore Junction (MYS) just 73 km away and is well-connected to several major cities in India. Trains like Shatabdi Express, Mysore Express, and Chamundi Express connect Mysore to major cities and railway stations in India. From the railway station, you can take a private car or bus to reach Bandipur National Park (2 hours drive).

By Road:

Bandipur is well-connected to other cities by road. You can drive via the National Highway to Bandipur from Mysore (73 km), Coimbatore (148 km), Bangalore (218 km), Kochi (266 km), Mangalore (366 km), and Chennai (552 km). Several private as well as Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus services are also available from Bangalore, Mysore and other nearby cities and towns to Bandipur.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Bandipur National Park is considered to be during the pre-monsoon and winter season from October to March when wildlife sightings are more common. People Also choose to visit during the monsoon season between July and September when the park is enveloped in lush greenery and looks delightful.

The temperate at Bandipur National Park remains moderate throughout the year ranging between 11°C and 40°C.

Bandipur National Park Safari Timings:

The safari is available in two slots – morning and late afternoon.

The safari ride is available on a first come first serve basis. The safari rides are subject to cancellation due to bad weather conditions, heavy rains, or other issues. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the Forest Department before planning your trip.

Note: You must carry your identity proof at the time of entry into the park.

Bandipur National Park Entry Fee and Safari Charges:

Entry Fee: The Bandipur National Park charges an entry fee of Rs. 250 for adults and Rs. 125 for children. Camcorders can also be carried at an additional cost of Rs. 200.

Safari Charges: You have to park your private vehicle outside the national park. To tour inside the park, you can opt for a Bus Safari, Gypsy ride, Jeep ride, Camper ride or Elephant Safari.

• Bus Safari costs Rs. 350 per person
• Gypsy Safari (6-seater) costs Rs. 3000
• Jeep Safari (4-seater) costs Rs. 4000
• Camper (9-seater) costs Rs. 4500
• Elephant Safari costs Rs. 50 per person

Must Know Information:

There are accommodation options inside the national park so you can opt to stay amidst nature’s pristine beauty.

Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve is truly a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, photographers, adventure seekers, and anyone in search of a retreat into the unspoiled splendor of the Indian wilderness.