Bandipur National Park And Tiger Reserve – History & Travel Tips!

Posted on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 by Sakshi Goyal

Everything About Bandipur National Park India

Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve is a step towards Project Tiger in Karnataka. One of the best-managed parks, it is famous for its wildlife species. The park is not only home to various endangered species like elephants but also restricts the overuse of sandalwood trees in the reserve area. The flora is very diverse ranging from teak to Indian Gooseberry. So, if you are a nature lover, then this place is a must-visit!

Brief overview of the Bandipur National Park historical and cultural significance–

Aspect	Details
Name	Bandipur National Park
Location	Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, India
Year of Establishment	1974 (as a tiger reserve), later declared a national park
Area	Approximately 874 square kilometers
Elevation	Ranges from 680 to 1,454 meters above sea level
Biome	Part of the Western Ghats classified as a dry deciduous forest and shrubland
Biodiversity	Rich biodiversity, including various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians
Notable Species	Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, Indian leopard, gaur, and sloth bear
Vegetation	Mixed deciduous forest with teak, sandalwood, rosewood, and bamboo
Rivers	Kabini, Moyar, and Nugu
Climate	Tropical monsoon climate, with hot summers and moderate winters
Activities	Safari drives, nature walks, birdwatching, and wildlife photography
Timings	Safari timings vary by season; typically from 6:30 am to 9:30 am and 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Entry Fee	Varies for Indian and foreign nationals; additional charges for safaris and guided tours
Facilities	Visitor center, interpretation center, accommodations, and dining options available nearby
Nearby Attractions	Mudumalai National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Ooty hill station

Bandipur National Park India – Historical Overview

Bandipur National Park was created by Maharaja of the Kingdom Of Mysore in 1931. Initially, it was named “Venugopala Wildlife Park” covering an area of 90sq.Km. However, in 1973, the name was changed to Bandipur National Park under the Tiger Project covering an area of more than 800 sq Km. At present, Bandipur National Park wildlife species include Jungle Cats, Sloth Bears, Ruddy, Mongoose, and many more.

How to Visit Bandipur National Park Karnataka?

By Bus (You can reach Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park by bus either via The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation or private bus within 2-3 hours).
By Flight ( How to reach Bandipur National Park from Bangalore? Well, by simply booking a Flight to Bangalore from the USA, you can reach Kempgowda International Airport and then travel via road to make your Bandipur National Park trip from Bangalore a success!)
By Train ( The nearest railway station to visit Bandipur National Park in Karnataka is Mysore Junction. You can cover the distance from Mysore too Bandipur National Park in 2-3 hours.)

Bandipur National Park Map –

Your route to Bandipur National Park on map –

What Is The Best Time To Visit Bandipur National Park?

If you are planning on visiting Bandipur National Park, then the best months are from October to February. The temperature during this time is comparatively low (between 10 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius). Hence, the pleasant weather makes it an ideal time for both humans and animals. However, it’s the peak tourist season so you can expect a good crowd. Try not to visit the park between March and May as the Bandipur National Park temperature is high during those months. The park remains closed in monsoons.

Bandipur National Park Tourism: Famous Attractions

Bandipur National Park India is famous for –

Tiger Reserve: The Bandipur National Park tiger count is huge, making it a popular tourist destination for tiger sightseeing.
Biodiversity: Not only Bandipur National Park animals but also its rich diversity of flora and fauna make it a perfect place for nature lovers to explore.
Elephants- The population of elephants here is remarkable with ample space & water resources for the animals to survive.
Birds – With more than 200 species of birds, it is the most ideal place for birdwatching and making the most of your Bandipur National Park trip.
Scenic Beauty- Blessed with beautiful landscapes, dense forests, and amazing wildlife the natural scenic beauty of this place cannot be described in words.

Bandipur National Park Stay Options-

Wondering, where to stay in Bandipur National Park?

Here are the best places to stay near Bandipur National Park –

Name	Distance
Bandipur Heritage Village Resort	14.4 Km from Bandipur National Park
Vividearth Hotels, Resorts & Suites	8 Km from Bandipur National Park
The Windflower Jungle Resorts & Spa	3.2 Km from Bandipur National Park
Hotel Vana Vihar	4.5 Km from Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park Tour – Special Services

Safe car parking– At the Bandipur National Park location, paid car parking is available both at the camp office and the cottage.
Photography – If you have permission, you are allowed to take photographs during the Bandipur National Park safari after paying charges for them.
Guide Services– As a part of your Bandipur National Park tour packages, guides are available throughout to help you explore the place.

Best Places to Visit Near Bandipur National Park

There are various places near Bandipur National Park worth visiting. From cultural heritage, flora and fauna to wildlife, and natural beauty, places like Mudumalai National Park, famous for its wildlife species and Ooty, a perfect hill station are worth exploring.

Here are some places to visit during your stay in Bandipur National Park-

Mudumalai National Park – Home to wildlife like gaurs and dholes, the Bandipur National Park to Mudumalai National Park distance is 20 Km.
Wildlife Sanctuary – Located at 45 Km, the wildlife sanctuary is full of various species of flora and fauna.
Nagarhole National Park – A wildlife reserve, Nagarhole National Park is located at 80 km and full of ecotourism activities.
Masinagudi – Located at a distance of 25 km, Masinagudi reflects the local culture and traditions of the Nilgiri region.
Ooty – You can explore Ooty famous for its pleasant weather and clean environment after travelling 60 km from Bandipur National Park to Ooty.
Kabini River – A significant waterway located at 60 Km, Kabini River is famous for eco-tourism and outdoor recreation.
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – Located at 50 Km, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve has several reserve forests, national parks, and sanctuaries.
Gopalaswamy Betta – Known for its beautiful views of forests and hills, Gopalaswamy Betta is located 35 Km from Bandipur.
Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta Wildlife Sanctuary – Tree species like teak and bamboo are found at Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta Wildlife Sanctuary located at 40 Km.
Moyar River – A famous spot among nature enthusiasts, Moyar River is situated at a distance of 20 Km.

Things To Keep In Mind – Visitor Guidelines

Here are some visitor guidelines for you to keep in mind while exploring wildlife in Bandipur National Park-

Do not get out of your vehicle during the Bandipur National Park tiger safari.
Carry water bottles with you to avoid dehydration.
Avoid making loud noises while exploring the place. Noise can disturb the animals and infuriate them.
Carry a medical kit with you for emergencies, especially during Bandipur National Park camping.
Wear thick shoes even if you are planning to not get out of your vehicle.
Do not feed the animals.
Stick to the guidelines provided by the Bandipur National Park accommodation forest department.

Other Activities To Do in Bangalore

Bangalore is full of fun activities and amazing places worth exploring. From iconic landmarks such as the Bangalore Palace to Cubbon Park which feels no less than heaven, the experiences here are never-ending.

Here is a list of the most famous places to visit in Bangalore once you are done with your Bandipur National Park activities–

Cubbon Park

Jog Falls

Durga Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this temple is visited by devotees, especially during Navaratri, Durga Puja, and Vijayadashmi.
Jog Falls: Famous for its spectacular waterfalls, Jog Falls has breathtaking beauty offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
Hampi Temple: Known for their architectural beauty, Hampi temples are dedicated to Hindu deities like Lord Vishnu & Lord Shiva.
Kukke Subramanya Temple: This temple is one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Subramanya and holds immense spiritual significance.
Sharadamba Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, this temple is an architectural marvel with intricate carvings depicting mythological scenes.
Bangalore Palace: The royal touch of Bangalore Palace, its lavish halls, and regal furniture are worth seeing.
Someshwara Temple: A symbol of faith, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built by the Chola Dynasty.
Sringeri Temple: It is a Hindu temple where Goddess Saraswati is worshipped as Sharada Devi, the goddess of wisdom and learning.
Virupaksha Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple has a Dravidian style architecture and intricate carvings.
Maravanthe Beach: This beach is famous for its scenic beauty, water sports such as snorkeling and golden sands.
Cubbon Park: Full of native plant species like flowering plants and shrubs, Cubbon Park is your gateway to nature.
Nandi Hills: The rolling hills of Nandi Hills along with the spectacular sunset make it a perfect place to visit.

Other Popular Parks in India

Bandipur National Park is situated in Karnataka, but that’s not the only park India has!

Marine National Park – A protected area to conserve marine biodiversity.
Cubbon Park – Full of scenic landscapes and species of flora and fauna.
Sundarbans National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest mangrove forest.
Gulf Of Mannar Marine National Park – Known for its coral reefs and marine life.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park – Known for its ancient caves and natural beauty.
Tadoba National Park – Known for its population of Bengal Tigers and wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there any entry fee for Bandipur National Park?

A: Yes, the entry fee for the park is INR 250. The fee for safari differs for different modes of transport.

Q: What are the best activities to do in Bandipur National Park?

A: Consider engaging in birdwatching, nature walks, safaris, and photography while you explore the diverse ecosystem of this park.

Q: Is Bandipur National Park child-friendly?

A: Yes, as long as you follow the guidelines, there is no harm. However, parents nd elders should never leave kids unattended while exploring the park.

Other Popular Attractions In India

Here are some other popular attractions for tourism in India-