Address
Bandipur National Park
Hangala Village, Gundlupet Taluk,
Bandipur, Karnataka 571126
Directions: Google Maps
Support
Phone: 08229-236043/44 (tiger reserve)
Email: nil
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About Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park is South India’s biggest forest reserve, for the endangered Asiatic Elephants and Tigers, located in the state of Karnataka in India. Trailing along the Western Ghats, the Park spreads over 874 sq.km, and is one of the biggest biosphere reserves of Nilgri, along with other National Parks at Mudumalai, Wayanad, and Nagarhole.
Established in 1932, by the King of Mysore, the forest reserve of 90 sq.km experienced a steady expansion, with the addition of 800 sq.km, to form the Bandipur National Park. The Park became a Tiger Reserve in 1973, and remains jointly managed by the Government of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and named as Mudumalai National Park in the Tamil Nadu side.
Bandipur is one among the 15 Tiger Reserves in the country, under Project Tiger, and has the highest count of Asiatic Elephants in South Asia. The Park is one of the largest protected areas in South India, forming the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Wildlife Attractions: Abundant with over 100 mammals, the Park is popular for spotting Asiatic elephants, tigers, Nilgri tahr, four-horned antelope, giant flying squirrel, jungle cat, striped hyena, and many others.
Bird watching is a major activity at the park, and with over 200 species of birds, Bandipur Park is famous for kites, vultures, kingfishers, hawk eagles, peafowl, jungle fowl, and many others. The park also has a considerable size of reptiles, butterflies, and beetles, and is home to the marsh crocodiles, flying lizards, turtles, and many others.
Attractions at Bandipur National Park worthy of visit are the Gopalaswamy Betta hills, Biligirirangan hills, BRT wildlife sanctuary, Mudumalai National Park, and the Malai Mahadeshwara hills. Best to visit the park, from October –May, and in the hotter months of April and March, to spot tigers and elephants. The monsoons are perfect for tourists, to experience the picturesque green landscape of the Park, and the winter season is best to spot migratory birds.
Bus safari rides are ideal for large groups, with 14 window seats, for 45 mins, and Gypsy safari rides are available during peak season, and seat 25 people for a ride. Elephant safari rides, are for 20 mins to 1-hour, and ideal for spotting tigers. Jeep safari is ideal for smaller groups of 6 people for 3 hours, and is best for taking photographic shots and filming animals.
Bandipur National Park is open all round the year, and remains closed during monsoons. Pre-booking is highly recommended, a Jeep ride costs INR 2,600 for Indians, and INR 5,500 for Foreigners, and a Gypsy ride costs INR 4,000 for Indians, and INR 6,500 for Foreigners, and Boat rides cost INR 2000 for Indians, Bus rides cost INR 350, and Elephant rides cost 150. Bus safari timings are 6:30am-9:00am and 3:30am-5:30pm. Night safari rides are illegal, and all safari rides close by 6:00pm.
The nearest international airport at Bangalore is 225 km from Bandipur, and the domestic airport at Coimbatore is 84 kms away. The nearest railway station at Mysore is 80 km away from the Park, and connects Bandipur with other metro stations of major Indian cities. Road connectivity is via the Mysore-Ooty highway, and the best road route is the Mysore 6-lane bypass road, and the Mandya and Ramnagar 4-lane road for private vehicles. For complaints or queries on safari, timings, tickets, lodging, or others, reach the Bandipur National Park support.
