Are you exploring places in Karnataka? If so, you should not forget a visit to Bandipur National Park. It is located in the picturesque western ghats and it spans the lush landscapes of the state of Karnataka. It holds the pride of being one of the most iconic wildlife sanctuaries in India. It is popular for its rich biodiversity. When you are here, you can witness huge and ferocious animals like leopards, elephants and tigers. Most importantly, you can get a glimpse of these animals in their natural habitat.
From scenic trekking trails to jungle safaris, I should say that Bandipur is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. In this Bandipur Guide, I have shared everything you should know about this national park before you plan your visit.
Bandipur National Park – Introduction
Biogeographically, Bandipur Tiger Reserve is in one of the richest biodiversity regions of India. It represents the 5B Western Ghats Mountains Biogeography Zone. It is surrounded by Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in the South West and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in the South. On the North West Side, the Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserve separates the Kabini Reservoir. The northern part of the tiger reserve is surrounded by human-dominated landscapes with agricultural lands and villages.
Bandipur’s varied flora and fauna, dense forests, and scenic beauty make it an exceptional destination for adventurers and nature lovers. Apart from its prominent tiger population, Bandipur is home to deer, Indian gaurs, leopards, elephants, and different bird species. So, it is the best spot for wildlife safaris.
How to Reach?
Bandipur National Park is the former name of this destination. Presently, it is called Bandipur Tiger Reserve. It was established in the 1970s and changed its name in 2007. The national park gets its name from the village of Bandipur. The administrative unit of the tiger reserve is located in this village.
The Tiger Reserve is located in the contagious landscape spread across a couple of revenue districts of the Karnataka State. They are Chamarajanagar or Gundlupet Taluk and H.D. Kote & Nanjagud Taluks. The unique landmass of this national park located at the tri-junction region makes it a popular getaway for people from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Bandipur National Park is part of the Western Ghats Tiger Landscape that encompasses Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
An easy and convenient approach to the National Park exists via the NH 67 route. It stands midway on NH 67 around 80 km away from Nilgiri Hill Station Ooty and Mysore. Here are the different modes of reaching this national park:
By Bus
If you would like to travel by public transportation, thankfully regular state transport buses are operated from different parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala States. The nearest towns to this national park are Karnataka’s Gundlupet, Tamil Nadu’s Gudalur and Masinagudi and Kerala’s Sulthan Bathery. You can find a lot of civic amenities in these towns. Also, buses are operated from these places in large numbers to take tourists to Bandipur National Park.
By Flight
The nearest airports to Bandipur National Park are Coimbatore and Mysore airports which are located around 80 km distance. The Bengaluru Airport is located around 230 km away from the national park. You have the option to travel by cab from these airports to reach the national park. Otherwise, you can also travel by public transportation buses.
By Train
If you prefer train travel from your hometown, you can book trains to Mysore Junction. This is the nearest railway station to Bandipur National Park. The railway station is located around 80 km away from the national park. You can hire a taxi or travel by bus to reach the national park from this railway station. The journey will take around 2-3 hours. Most importantly, this journey will be enjoyable and will take you through the Western Ghats.
By Car
Indeed, you can take your vehicle and drive yourself. If you are travelling from Tamil Nadu, you will cross through Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. This route will be very scenic with a lot of opportunities for elephant and spotted deer spotting. Make sure that you drive slowly so that you do not miss out on wildlife spotting. With the help of Google Maps, you can choose a fitting route.
Key Attractions & Things to Do
Before you visit Bandipur National Park, you will be interested in knowing about the key attractions and things to do. Here are certain things to do and important attractions in Bandipur:
Things to Do In Bandipur
Safari Trips
The Government of Karnataka’s Bandipur Forest Department handles the bus and jeep safaris. The bus safari begins every day at 6.15 am and closes at 9.30 am. Again, safari trips begin at 2.30 pm and close at 5.30 pm. The mini-bus safaris begin at the range office and last for 45 minutes. The ticket counter opens half an hour before the trips begin. The tickets are issued on a first-come-first-serve basis. So, it is better to arrive early.
In addition to minibus safari, you also have the option to choose a jeep, camper or canter safari. Thankfully, you can also book safari trips online via the official website of Bandipur National Park Online Portal.
Camping & Photography Tour
Near Bandipur National Park, you can find a lot of camping sites. When you choose to stay at these sites, you can enjoy a bonfire with your loved ones. Nevertheless, to camp, you will have to get prior permission.
Bandipur is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is a densely forested vast area, where may sight herds of birds, bison, dholes, elephants and deer. So, during your stay, keep your camera ready. However, you will need a lot of patience to spot animals.
Trekking
Trekking is one of the best experiences to get in Bandipur. The reserve areas are categorized into different parts. When you trek, you will get a chance to see lush green forests, waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. You are likely to spot elephants and monkeys.
When you are there, Gopalaswamy Hills Trekking is one of the most breathtaking hilly treks in this region. You can also visit the Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple in this region. By obtaining permission from the Forest Department, you can camp in the middle. Then, you can continue to trek to Brahmagiri.
Birdwatching
Bandipur is the home to more than 200 species of birds. You have the chance to spot a wide range of migratory and local birds. It will be a delight for birdwatchers. The chirping of birds will take you to a different world for sure.
Stay in Comfy Lodges and Resorts
Close to Bandipur National Park, you will get to see a lot of resorts and lodges. You also have the option to stay at the Bandipur Safari Lodge operated by the Government of Karnataka. This lodge arranges bird-watching expeditions, nature walks and safaris. It also arranges guided trips to these spots.
Try South Indian Food
You will come across different eateries and restaurants near the Bandipur National Park. Also, the lodges, guest houses and resorts close to the national park serve South Indian meals. You can also try South Indian snacks and other food items.
Key Attractions
Moyar, Kabini & Nugu Riverside
One of the key attractions in Bandipur is the Moyar River that flows through Mudumalai and forested areas with teak, eucalyptus and rubber trees. The river and its Gorge are a tributary to the river Cauvery. The river is located in the southern boundary of Bandipur Wild Life Sanctuary separating it from Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
River Kabini flows on the northern boundary of the Bandipur National Park. Nugu River is the tributary of the Kabini River. You can explore this river along with the Nugu Dam.
Hill Station
One of the important hill stations you can cover during your Bandipur Visit is Ooty in Tamil Nadu. You can reach this hill station within a 100 km drive from Bandipur. When you are on this hill station, you can explore different attractions. Examples include Pine Forests, Pykara Falls, Tea Factory and Museum, Needle Rock Viewpoint, Doddabetta Peak, Rose Garden and Ooty Lake.
In addition to these places, you can cover other key attractions like:
- Sonapura Katte
- Gaurishwara Temple
- Gurunghe Hill
- Dodda Sampige Mara
- BRT Wildlife Sanctuary
- Temple of Shri Malai Mahadeshwara
- Biligiri Ramaswamy Temple
- Maravankandy Dam
Best Time & Season to Visit
Bandipur National Park experiences a tropical climate. So, the park experiences unique dry and wet seasons. The months between October and March are generally regarded as the best time to visit Bandipur. The reason is that it is the ideal time for a safari adventure. During this season, you can experience relatively mild weather. It is a comfortable season not only for visitors but also for wildlife.
Winter Season Between October and February
During the winter months in Bandipur, you can expect a pleasant drop in the temperature. So, this is an ideal season for wildlife sightings. The vegetation thins out during winter. Also, the water sources get scarce, thereby prompting animals to gather around the available waterholes. When animals gather in a single place, you will have better chances of spotting animals like the majestic Bengal tiger, elephants and leopards.
During the winter months, you can engage in the winter months for an enchanting experience. The rising sun casts a warm glow with cooler temperatures and clear skies. It is the ideal time for photography, thereby permitting visitors to capture the attractiveness of the park.
Spring Season Between March and May
During the spring season, you can experience a combination of colours as the landscape gets lush green with blooming flowers. During this season, the temperatures begin to rise. It is still an ideal time for wildlife enthusiasts. The increased foliage, nevertheless, may make it hard to spot some animals. The reason is that during this season, they find a lot of hiding spots.
Even though the weather is warmer, late afternoon and early morning safaris continue to be a popular choice. So, the chance of encountering wildlife is higher. The dry deciduous forests of Bandipur showcase a unique charm during this season. It provides an ideal backdrop for a safari adventure.
Monsoon Between June and September
The monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rainfall to Bandipur. Indeed, the lush landscape is a sight to behold. Nevertheless, there will not be any safari trips during this season. This is due to the potential impact on trails and roads and safety concerns.
Duration To See
Visitors generally spend about 2-3 hours in Bandipur National Park. Nevertheless, the time you spend in the national park may vary based on the kind of activities you wish to do such as:
- Safaris: Wildlife safaris in Bandipur last for around 45 minutes.
- Overnight stay: You also have the option to stay overnight in Bandipur by choosing a hut or a cottage. Some of them offer wildlife excursions, nature hikes and excursions.
Best Restaurants & Cafes Around Bandipur National Park
- Indian Savours
- Navaruchi
- Khan’s Resort & Gufha Restaurant
- VE Café
- Venus Hotel
- Dream Land Restaurant
- Hindustan Hotel
- Hotel Sri Guru Baghavendra Bhawan
- Windflower Resort and Spa
- The Sanctuary
- Moyar’s Edge
Where To Stay? Best Resorts in Bandipur
- The Wildflower Jungle Resort
- The Serai Bandipur
- Country Club Wildlife Resort
- Vividearth Resort Bandipur
- Bandipur Safari Lodge
- Moons Mirror Resort
- Nijaguna Resort
- Wayanad Fort Resort
- Muthanga Wild Resort
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
The entry fee at Bandipur National Park is INR 250 for adults. Other fees include:
- Safari – Rs.100
- Still Camara – Rs. 100
- Video Camera – Rs.1000
- Van Safari – Rs.600 for Indian adults, Rs. 450 for kids and Rs.1200 for foreign nationals
- Camera charges apply
FAQ
1. Is Photography Permitted in the Bandipur National Park?
Yes, photography is permitted in the park. However, based on the type of camera you carry, charges will be applicable.
2. Can I Carry Food and Water to the Park?
Water is allowed. However, outside food is not allowed to prevent littering.
3. Can I Drive My Vehicle into the Bandipur National Park?
No, private vehicles are not allowed into the core areas of the national park. You will have to take safari trips.