Bandipur National Park was founded in 1974 as a tiger reserve. This national park in Karnataka used to be the private hunting reserve for the Maharaja of Mysore during ancient times. However, later it was given the title of Bandipur Tiger Reserve for the protection of wildlife.
Sprawling over an area of 874 square kilometres, Bandipur National Park along with Mudumalai National Park, Wayanad National Park and Nagarhole National Park is known as the Nilgiri biosphere reserve. This remains the largest protected area in South India with highest density of wild elephants in the region. The park looks beautiful with ample of nature. The east region of the national park comprises forest area and scrub jungle. This is perhaps the best place to enjoy bird watching and for spotting carnivorous animals. The Central region of the park has Nugu River where numerous animals come to drink water. This highest summit of Bandipur National Park is popular among trekkers who trek to the peak to enjoy bird’s eye views of the surrounding region. If you reach the North West region of the park, you will spot the very famous Kabini reservoir. Here numerous animals can be spotted during summer months that flock here to satisfy their thirst. During monsoon months, the area blooms with flourishing facades of nature. Moyar River flows in the Southern region of Bandipur National Park where animals like Deers, elephants, bison, squirrels, jungle cat, etc. can be spotted. Also, North region is known for very beautiful backwater of Kabini. Boating and bird watching are common activities here.
Flora of Bandipur National Park includes sandalwood, Indian kino tree, teak, rosewood, Indian laurel, clumping bamboo and huge clumping bamboo. The Park is famous for spotting elephants and tigers apart from other animals like bonner macaque, dhole, civet, jungle cat, Indian palm, etc. The park is a paradise for bird watchers who can spot over 200 bird species here, including flowerpeckers, Indian rollers, creasted serpent eagles, bee-eaters, hawk eagles, etc.
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Bus Safari Timing: 6:30 am and 9:00 am and between 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Elephant Safari Timing: Between 10 am and 11 am
Jeep safari Timing: From 6:00 am to 9:00am and from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Air: The nearest international airport is located in Bangalore, 255 km from here.
Rail: Nearest railway station is in Mysore, just 80 km away from the city.
