BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK
BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK
Bandipur National Park is a picturesque and well managed park located in the Southern State of India. It was established in 1974 as a Tiger Reserve Project. The national park is located strategically at the juncture of the Deccan Plateau and the Western Ghats, making it a favourable refuge to ubiquitous wildlife. The northern end of the park faces the Kabini River and the Moyar River flows by the south. The Nugu River runs through the park. Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta Hill, houses a Hindu temple at its summit and is the highest point in the park. The temple attracts pilgrims throughout the year. The undulating and diverse landscape of the National Park is covered with dry deciduous, moist deciduous forests and shrub lands. The most predominant trees found here are Teak, Sandalwood, and Indian Laurel etc.
Earlier the Bandipur National Park was a private hunting ground for the Maharajas of the Mysore Kingdom. In order to save the depleting number of animals due to hunting, it was declared as a protected reserve in 1973. Today, along with the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Nagarhole National Park, it forms the biggest biosphere of India known as the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
The Mysore – Ooty Highway crisscrosses through the Bandipur National Park. This has largely increased the connectivity to the park and has made it very popular among the tourists. However on the downside, the speeding vehicles have been a major concern for fatal accidents of innocent animals that cross the highway.
| Location | Mysore District (Karnataka) |
|---|---|
| Nearest Airport | Bengaluru/Bangalore International Airport: 260 km (06 hrs. drive) |
| Coimbatore International Airport: 170 km (04 hrs. drive) | |
| Nearest Railway Station | Mysore Railway Station: 80 km (02 hrs. drive) |
| Key Wildlife Attractions | Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Sambhar, Chital, Mouse Deer, Four-Horned Antelope, Asiatic Wild Dogs or Dhole, Wild Boar, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Panthar, Malabar Squirrel, Porcupines and the Black-Knapped Hare. Over 230 species of birds have been identified here like the Jungle Fowl and Green Pigeon are also found here |
| Total Area Covered | 874 sq. km. |
| Established in Year | 1974 |
| Vegetation | Moist and dry deciduous forests with scrub-lands |
| Best Time to Visit | The best time of the year to visit the Bandipur National Park is between the months of November to May. |
| Climate | March-May: Summer Season. Temperatures during this period may vary between 32-38°C. It is good time to go on game drives to observe the Wildlife in the park. |
| July-September: Monsoon. The park is open for visitors during monsoon and is ideal for those who would like to have a relaxed stay. Wildlife sighting during this period is low. | |
| October-February: Winter Season. Mornings and Evening are misty with temperatures going down to 15°C |
BANDIPUR SAFARI TIMINGS
There are three safari options available at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve: Bus / Jeep / Elephant
| Type of Safari | Timing |
|---|---|
| Bus | Morning: 6:30 – 7:30 am |
| Morning: 7:30 – 8:30 am | |
| Morning: 8:30 – 9:30 am | |
| Evening: 3:30 – 4:30 pm | |
| Evening: 4:30 – 5:30 pm | |
| Evening: 5:30 – 6:30 pm | |
| Jeep | Morning: 6:30 – 8:00 am |
| Morning: 8:30 – 9:30 am | |
| Evening: 3:30 – 5:00 pm | |
| Evening: 5:00 – 6:30 pm |
Elephant Safari is available on request and is arranged by the forest department.
BANDIPUR SAFARI ZONES
There are no zone system at the Bandipur National Park
HOW TO BOOK YOUR SAFARI AT BANDIPUR TIGER RESERVE
To make your Bandipur safari bookings online, do visit the official website. Bookings may be done 30 days in advance or at least a day prior to your visit. Alternatively, you may opt for a Bandipur Safari package through us which includes your accommodation and safari arrangements made by us.
Recommended Tour Packages
Kerala – Karnataka Tour Package
DURATION: 14 Days | PLACES: Bangalore (1 Day), Nagarhole (2), Bandipur (2), Mudumalai (1), Eravikulam (2), Periyar (2), Kumarakom (1), Alleppey (1), Kochi (1)
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