Abode for Tigers, Asian Elephants and Deer
The Bandipur National Park is located on the Mysore-Ooty road in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which also includes Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), Mudumalai National Park (Tamil Nadu), and Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka). Established in 1974 as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger (1973), it is the largest biosphere reserve in India, promoting eco-conservation.
Originally a personal wildlife reserve of the Maharaja of Mysore, the park was once called Venugopala Wildlife Sanctuary. It is flanked by the Moyar and Kabini rivers, with the Nugu River crossing through. Bandipur protects around 100 mammal species, including tigers, leopards, elephants, Indian bison, langurs, and sambar deer.
Main Tourist Attractions of Bandipur National Park:
Flora: The park is covered with grassy woodlands, scrub jungles, evergreen forests, and dry deciduous trees. Scrub jungles dominate the eastern part, while tropical mixed deciduous forests are found in the northwest. Meadows attract gaurs and elephants, supporting biodiversity. Common trees include Bamboo, Mathi, Honne, Gulmohar, Banyan, Mango, and Jamun, with valuable teak and rosewood also present.
Fauna: Bandipur is home to over 70 Bengal tigers, making it a prime wildlife destination in southern India. Other notable species include elephants, jackals, barking deer, four-horned antelopes, langurs, and smooth-coated otters. More than 200 bird species inhabit the park, such as peafowl, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Red-headed Vulture, Brown Hawk, Honey Buzzard, Malabar Trogon, and Little Spider Hunter. Waterfowl like waders, teals, ducks, and herons are spotted in the Kabini backwaters.
Visitors enjoy Jeep and Elephant safaris twice daily, with birdwatchers preferring elephant rides for better viewing.
Excursions from Bandipur National Park:
Nearby destinations include Gundlupet (20 km), Nanjangud (55 km), Ooty (80 km), Mysore (80 km), and Bangalore (220 km). Key attractions:
Gopalswamy Betta: The highest peak in Bandipur offers breathtaking views of Karnataka and attracts tourists from around the world.
Wildlife enthusiasts can also visit:
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary: Located 8 km from Bandipur, it is known for tigers, deer, sloth bears, and raptors.
Nagarhole National Park: About 123 km away, it features tigers, elephants, and Indian bison.
When to Reach:
The best time to visit is May to March for wildlife viewing. The rainy months (June–September) are ideal for spotting Asian elephants. The park may close occasionally in March–April due to forest fire risks.
How to Reach:
Air: Nearest airport is Bangalore Airport, approximately 220 km away.
Rail: Mysore Railway Station is 80 km from the park.
Road: Bandipur is well connected by roads to major cities in Karnataka. State buses operate from Mysore and Bangalore.
