Bandipur National Park | Wild Safaris India

Bandipur National Park– A Comprehensive Guide

About - Bandipur National Park

Located in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, Bandipur National Park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected area in Southern India. Spanning over 874 sq. km, this park is renowned for its tiger and elephant populations, as well as its scenic landscapes of deciduous forests, grassy woodlands, and rolling hills.

Established in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, Bandipur is one of the best-managed parks in India and a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Geographical Details

Altitude: 680m to 1,454m above sea level
Coordinates: 11°39’ N to 11°57’ N
Rainfall: 1,000 mm annually
Temperature:
- Winter: 10°C (Min)
- Summer: 38°C (Max)

How to Reach Bandipur National Park

By Flight

The nearest airport is Mysore Airport (80 km). Other nearby airports include:

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru: 220 km (5-hour drive).
Coimbatore International Airport: 84 km (2.5-hour drive).

By Train

The nearest railway station is Mysore Railway Station (80 km), which is well-connected to major cities in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

By Road

Bandipur is accessible via road:

Mysore: 80 km (2-hour drive)
Bangalore: 220 km (5-hour drive)
Ooty: 50 km (1.5-hour drive)

Best Time to Visit Bandipur National Park

Winter (October – February): Ideal for safaris and birdwatching, with cool and pleasant weather.
Summer (March – June): Best time for spotting tigers and elephants near water bodies.
Monsoon (July – September): The park remains lush and green but wildlife sightings are less frequent.

Wildlife at Bandipur National Park

Bandipur is home to a variety of wildlife species, including:

Royal Bengal Tiger: The park has a healthy tiger population.
Asian Elephant: Frequently seen in herds.
Leopard: Found in the rocky terrains of the park.
Sloth Bear: Often sighted searching for food in the forest.
Indian Gaur: The largest wild cattle species.

Bird species include:

Indian Roller
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Crested Hawk-Eagle

Reptiles include monitor lizards, pythons, and king cobras.

Best Places to Visit Inside and Near Bandipur National Park

Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta
- A hilltop temple offering panoramic views of the park.
Moyar River
- A picturesque river that forms the park’s northern boundary.
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (20 km)
- A nearby sanctuary forming part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Nagarhole National Park (80 km)
- Another tiger reserve known for its dense forests.
Ooty (50 km)
- A popular hill station offering cool weather and scenic landscapes.
Mysore (80 km)
- Explore the city’s palaces, gardens, and cultural heritage.

Types of Safaris in Bandipur National Park

Jeep Safari
- Description: Private or shared Jeep Safaris for close encounters with wildlife.
- Timings:
  - Morning: 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM
  - Evening: 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
- Capacity: 6 visitors per Jeep.
Canter Safari
- Description: Group safaris in larger open vehicles.
- Capacity: 15–20 visitors.
Walking Safari
- Description: Guided nature walks in the buffer zones.