Blog

January 05, 2025

Imagine stepping into a world where lush green forests meet the mighty mountains, and the air is filled with the sounds of wildlife in their natural habitat. Welcome to Bandipur National Park, a hidden gem tucked away in the southern part of India Karnataka. Famous for its captivating landscapes and abundant wildlife, this sanctuary offers an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Whether you're on a thrilling jeep safari through dense forests in search of the elusive tiger, or simply soaking in the stunning views of rolling hills and tranquil lakes, Bandipur invites you to reconnect with nature in the most extraordinary way. Get ready to immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of one of India’s most revered national parks.

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BEST TIME TO VISIT

October to February: This is considered the best time to visit Bandipur National Park as the weather is pleasant, and there are higher chances of spotting wildlife. The temperature during this period ranges from 10 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable for both humans and animals. This is also the peak tourist season, so be prepared for crowds.

 

GETTING TO BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK

AIR

The nearest airports are:

• Mysore Airport (75 km)
• Coimbatore International Airport (165 km)

Both airports have regular flights from major Indian cities. From here, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to the park.

RAIL

The closest railway stations are:

• Mysore Junction (80 km)
• Nanjangud Railway Station (55 km)

ROAD

Bandipur is well-connected by road:

• Bangalore: 220 km (approx. 5 hours by car)
• Mysore: 80 km (approx. 2 hours by car)
• Ooty: 80 km (approx. 2.5 hours by car)

TOP SAFARI ZONES IN BANDIPUR

Mysore Safari Zone

The Mysore Safari Zone is one of the most popular safari zones in Bandipur. It is located on the eastern side of the park and covers an area of 20 square kilometers. This zone is known for its incredible diversity of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, gaurs, and sloth bears. Visitors can opt for a jeep safari or an elephant safari to explore the zone.

Gopalaswamy Betta Safari Zone

The Gopalaswamy Betta Safari Zone is located on the northern side of the park and is known for its stunning vistas and panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The zone is named after the Gopalaswamy Betta temple that is located within its boundaries. Visitors can go on a jeep safari to explore the zone and spot wildlife such as leopards, elephants, and deer.

Nugu Safari Zone

The Nugu Safari Zone is located on the southern side of the park and is one of the lesser-known safari zones in Bandipur. However, it is a great place to spot wildlife such as tigers, leopards, and sloth bears. The zone is also known for its beautiful landscapes and scenic beauty. Visitors can go on a jeep safari to explore the zone.

Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta Safari Zone

The Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta Safari Zone is located on the western side of the park and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The zone is named after the Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta temple that is located within its boundaries. Visitors can go on a jeep safari to explore the zone and spot wildlife such as leopards, and elephants.

Kalkere Safari Zone

The Kalkere Safari Zone is located on the eastern side of the park and is known for its high density of wildlife. Visitors can go on a jeep safari to explore the zone and spot animals such as tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer. The zone is also known for its beautiful landscapes and scenic beauty.

Moyar Safari Zone

The Moyar Safari Zone is one of the best safari zones in Bandipur. It is located in the Moyar Valley and is known for its diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and wild boars. The safari zone is also known for its scenic beauty, with the Moyar River flowing through it.

Begur Safari Zone

The Begur Safari Zone is located on the outskirts of Bandipur and is known for its dense forests and grasslands. The safari zone is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards and elephants.

Melukamanahalli Safari Zone

The Melukamanahalli Safari Zone is located in the eastern part of Bandipur and is known for its scenic beauty. The safari zone is located on a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The safari zone is home to a variety of wildlife.

THINGS TO DO IN BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK

1) Wildlife Safari

Embark on a thrilling jeep or bus safari through the park to spot the majestic Bengal tiger, Indian elephants, leopards, and an array of deer species.

2) Riverside Exploration

The east-flowing Moyar stream, a branch of the Cauvery, travels past Mudumalai, Bandipur Park’s southern edge, and Wayanad, passing through the wood, latex, and oak forests. On the northern border, the Kabini streams through Bandipur Park. Enjoy beautiful dawn and dusk along the banks of the Moyar or Kabini streams, which elephants and other small rodents visit during the summertime.

3) Trekking

Apart from excursions, a leisurely wander through the forest for your leisure is sure to be quite enjoyable. With the help of a Forest Service ranger, you can walk across Bandipur Park. Along the paths, anti-poaching tents can also be used as a rest stop for hikers.

4) Moyar Canyon

Near Bandipur National Park, the Moyar Canyon, also known as the Moyar River Gorge, is a popular tourist destination. The Gorge separates Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary from Bandipur on its southern border. The calm waters of the Moyar River drop 20 km into the canyon below. The Moyar Gorge can be reached via bus or safaris.

5) Nature Walks

Join guided walks to explore the park’s rich biodiversity up close. Expert naturalists will help you discover the flora and fauna hidden in the forest.

6) Bird Watching

Bandipur is a bird-watcher’s haven. Look out for the Malabar pied hornbill, Indian roller, and crested serpent eagle, among others.

7) Cycling

For adventure lovers, cycling trails routes offer a unique way to explore the surroundings.

8) Nearby Attractions

• Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple: A serene hilltop shrine offering panoramic views of the park.
• Mudumalai National Park: Located just across the Tamil Nadu border.
• Pykara Dam and Boating: Enjoy tranquil boating amidst picturesque landscapes.

9) Boating

Visit the Pykara Dam for a serene boat ride. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy scenic beauty of the hills and wilderness, and also spot a variety of birds.

10) Bandipur Souvenir Shop

There is a wildlife souvenir shop located within the safari campus and one shop located half km before the bandipur tiger reserve entrance opposite to jungle lodges resort in bandipur. Shop for pepper honey, Coasters, mugs and t-shirts with beautiful wildlife prints.

You will also find some lovely pen stands, key holders, coffee trays, book bins and tea tables made of lantana which is considered as a forest weed and there are NGOs working on eradiating the weed. JungleScapes is working on lantana eradiation and making of furniture from Lantana. You can contact them on http://www.junglescapes.org/ for ordering furniture.  Find the products on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Temple-Tree-Designs-A-Wildlife-Souvenir-Shop/100444326773686

FLORA AND FAUNA AT BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK

Flora

Bandipur’s forests are dominated by dry deciduous and tropical mixed vegetation. Key species include:

• Teak, Rosewood, and Sandalwood
• Indian Gooseberry and Crape-myrtle
• Bamboo Groves

Fauna

The park is renowned for its diversity of wildlife:

• Mammals: Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, gaur, sloth bear, and langur monkeys.
• Birds: Over 200 species, including peafowls, vultures, and flycatchers.
• Reptiles: Indian rock pythons, vipers, and flying lizards.

ACCOMMODATION

Luxury

1. The Serai Bandipur

2. Dhole’s Den Bandipur

Mid-Luxury

1. Jungle Hut

2. Bandipur Safari Lodge

Budget

1. MC Resort

2. The Country Club Wildlife Resort

WHAT TO PACK

• Lightweight, breathable clothing (preferably neutral colors).
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Binoculars and a high-zoom camera.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Medications and a first-aid kit.

BANDIPUR PLACES TO VISIT

• Bandipur National Park
• Gopalaswamy Betta (Hills with a panoramic view)
• Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple
• Moyar River
• Bandipur Tiger Reserve Interpretation Center
• BRT Wildlife Sanctuary (Biligirirangan Hills)
• Mudumalai National Park
• Theppakadu Elephant Camp
• Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary

TRAVEL TIPS

• The park is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you’re going during the summer, try to avoid visiting in the afternoon. The ideal time to go is early in the morning, when you may see a lot of animals.
• This park is home to a large number of monkeys. To avoid any dangerous acts by monkeys, it is best to keep your windows closed when travelling. As a result, stay a safe distance from them and avoid eating while on safari.
• Almost the entire year is hot and humid. The temperature may decrease in the evenings or early mornings if you arrive between October and January. So, dress appropriately.
• Monsoon season should always be avoided. From June through September, it rains. There are fewer animals during the monsoon season, and the area is more difficult to navigate.
• Private vehicles are not permitted inside the park. As a result, be ready to switch to the park’s automobile, driven by a guard.
• Going on safari by bus may be less expensive, but it will transport roughly 20 people in one trip and may be overcrowded.
• With permission from the department, you can camp inside the park.
• If you’re staying inside the park, lock the windows at all times and properly dispose of food waste to keep monkeys out.
• It is forbidden to go through the jungle. You can take a jeep or a vehicle or take public transit such as the bus. Children can ride elephants, but they are not included in the safari.
• Every safari lasts 45 minutes. If you’re carrying a newborn, ensure you have enough water and nourishment.

 

 

 

 

BANDIPUR SAFARI TIME

Bandipur Morning Safari Timings: 6:10 AM to 9.45 Am

Bandipur Evening Safari Timings: 2:30 PM to 6.30 pm

Issue of safari tickets will be stopped half an hour before the above mentioned timing. So please make sure to go 30 mins early.

BANDIPUR SAFARI COSTING

• Van Safari Indian Adult – Rs. 600
• Van Safari Indian Child – Rs. 450
• Van Safari Foreign Citizen – Rs. 1200
• Van Safari Foreign Child – Rs. 800
• Inter changeable Lens / DSLR Camera Charges up to 70mm – Rs. 400 per camera per trip
• Inter changeable Lens / DSLR Camera Charges for lens between 70mm to 200mm – Rs. 800 per camera per trip
• Camera Charges above 200mm lens – Rs. 1000 per camera per trip
• Advance booking of Bandipur Jeep safari can be done on Bandipur Tiger Reserve website.
• You can go directly to the safari office and buy the tickets. Tickets are offered on a first come first serve basis.

Costing | Jeep Safari

To increase your chances of availing a Jeep or Gupsy safari in bandipur make sure to reach the safari office well in advance at least by 2pm for afternoon safari, as there are limited number of jeeps available it might not be possible for everyone to get a jeep safari. But Van safari is as good as keep safari in Bandipur.

The petrol gypsy is suitable for upto 5 people – Rs. 4500 plus entry fee of Rs. 200 per person. There are campers – Rs. 7500 also available.

• Gypsy Safari 5 seater – Rs. 4000
• Camper Safari (8 seater) – Rs. 6500
• Tata Safari (4 seater) – Rs. 5500

DIFFERENT SAFARIS AT BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK

A) Exclusive Jeep Safari: An open bolero which can accommodate up to 6 passengers (no sharing). An expert Tiger tracker will be assigned to the customer who prefers to choose this option.

B) Shared Jeep Safari: An open gypsy which can accommodate to 6 passengers, however, it will be shared among other tourists. There would be no expert tiger tracker, instead a guide shall be assigned by the forest department.

C) Center Safari: The cater can accommodate up to 20 tourists. There would be no expert tiger tracker, instead a guide shall be assigned by the forest department. Accommodation needs to be booked at Bandipur Safari Lodge in order to get the permit for safari.

CONCLUSION

Bandipur National Park is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, offering a harmonious blend of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant biodiversity, and serene tranquility. Whether you seek thrilling safari adventures, peaceful nature trails, or an escape into the heart of Karnataka's wilderness, Bandipur is the ultimate destination, to make your journey seamless and memorable, let Travel Design Pvt. Ltd. craft the perfect itinerary tailored to your preferences, with our expertise in curating bespoke travel experiences, you can explore Bandipur and beyond with ease and comfort. Choose Travel Design Pvt. Ltd. and step into a world where every journey is an adventure, and every moment is extraordinary.