BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK

Take a trip down to this Wild Life Sanctuary in the state of Karnataka. It was established in 1974 as a tiger reserve under project Tiger. Once a private hunting area for the Maharaja of the kingdom of Mysore, it spreads over approximately 874.2Sqkms . It is 250 Km from Bengaluru, 70 Km from Ooty and 80 Km from Mysore on the main highway from Mysore to Ooty, making it open to a lot of tourists to have a breathtaking view of the enchanting mist covered peaks of the Nilgiris and plush moist deciduous, semi evergreens and dry deciduous vegetation.

Bandipur National Park is famous for a large variety of animals such as Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Sambars, Spotted deers, Asiatic wild dogs amongst many others.

Over 230 species of birds have been spotted around the national park. To name a few such as Open billed Stork, painted stork, Egrets, Kites, different Eagles, Falcon, Pea fowl, lapwing and the rare to spot vultures. Species of snakes common to the region are Russell’s Viper, Indian python, Cobra, viper and the flying snake may also be sighted.

Bandipur forms a part of India’s largest biosphere reserve , the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Bandipur national park is important in the scheme of India’s effort towards nature conservation.  It’s a Home to around 70 tigers and over 3000 Asian Elephants as well as other animals like Dhole, Gaur, Sloth bears etc. Gopal Swami Betta is the highest peak in Bandipur range. The best time to visit Bandipur is from March to October. However the park is open throughout the year. The forest receives medium to heavy rainfall in the monsoon months depending on the location.

 
Getting There –
Bandipur National park is easily accessible by Air, Rail and Road.
Nearest Airport is in Mysore (70 Km) and Bengaluru International Airport (260 Kms).
The nearest Railway Station is Mysore City Railway Station (80 Km).
Buses and taxis can be hired from any nearby city or town. All Buses halt at Bandipur Campus.
DISTANCES And Route FROM NEARBY CITIES –
Mysore  –   80 Km (Mysore – Najangud – Gundelpet – Bandipur)
Calicut –  140 Km (Calicut -Nilambur -Valikadavu – Nadugani – Gudalur -Mudumalai – Bandipur ) or 168 km ( Calicut – Kalpetta – Sulthan Bathery -Gundelpet -Bandipur)
Coorg  –     200 Km (Madikeri – Ammathi – Gonikoppal -Kutta – Kattikulam – Mananthavady – Sulthan bathery – Gundelpet – Bandipur) or (Madikeri -Kushalnagar -Piryapatna -Hunsur -HD Kote – Handpost – Begur – Gundelpet – Bandipur)
Kabini    –   94 Km (Handpost – Sargur – Begur – Gundelpet – Bandipur)
Wayanad   –   80Km (Sulthan Bathery – Muthunga – Gundelpet – Bandipur) or (Sulthan Bathery – Gudalur – Mudumalai – Bandipur)
Ooty   –    80km (ooty – Gudalur – Mudumalai – Bandipur)
Bangalore    –     230Km (Bangalore – Mysore – Najangud – Gundelpet – Bandipur) or  (Bangalore Kanakapura – Kollegal – Chamrajnagar – Gundelpet – Bandipur)
Route Map –   Click to see bigger picture
Accommodation –
Accommodation at Bandipur National park can be availed over a wide ranging variety of cottages, resorts and guest houses close to the national park. The government of Karnataka provides spacious and comfortable accommodation at Bandipur national Park at reasonable rates. These often remain booked in advance but there are many resorts available at a relatively higher price. To name a few resorts such as Jungle Lodges and Resorts, The Cicada, The Serai,  Dholes Den, and in nearby Mudumalai Deep Jungle Home, a budget resort and campsite suitable for families and friends.
Booking For Accommodation –
Visitors can book accommodation at Bandipur online. This is to offer hassle free entry to the visitors.

Bandipur Safari And Sight Seeing –

Tiger during Bandipur Jeep Safari

The exciting event of the Bandipur national park is the safari inside the forest in forest department vans and open jeeps. Bandipur forest department runs one diesel jeep (Rs. 2000 per jeep safari) and one petrol gypsy (Rs. 3000 per gypsy safari). They do 2 trips each in the morning and evening. Mini buses safari is also a good option. Bandipur Van safari cost of which is Rs.300 per head. Park safari ticket issue timings are 6.30am to 8.30 am and then 3.30pm to 5.30 pm. There is no advance booking for the safari. Bandipur safari tickets are issued on a first come first serve basis

Elephant Bathing during Bandipur safari

Bandipur Van Safari

Bandipur Jeep Safari