Nestled amidst the breathtaking splendor of the towering Western Ghat Mountains, along the scenic Mysore-Ooty highway in Karnataka, this natural haven spans an expansive 874.2 square kilometers. Its significance is further magnified by its integration with the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and the Nagarhole National Park in the North, collectively forming India's largest biosphere reserve, famously known as the 'Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve'.
Among the carnivores, the elusive panther, the reclusive sloth bear, and the wily jackal roam the verdant terrain. Additionally, the forest is adorned with the presence of the Malabar squirrel, the prickly porcupines, and the fleet-footed black-knapped hare.
Bandipur National Park is home to the second-highest tiger population in India. Situated in the Gundulpet taluk of Chamarajanagar district, the park is a vital component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, making it the largest protected area in Southern India and the primary habitat for wild elephants in South Asia.
Sharing its boundaries with three other national parks—Nagarahole National Park, Wayanad National Park, and Mudumalai National Park—Bandipur National Park enforces a traffic ban from 9 PM to 6 AM, aiming to reduce the mortality rate of wildlife during the critical dusk-to-dawn hours.
Jungle Lodges and Resorts exclusively holds the license for conducting jeep safaris. The Forest Department manages mini-bus safaris, commencing from the range office. The bus safari operates from 6:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again from 2:15 p.m. to 5 p.m., with a fee of 350 INR per person.
For the Jeep safari, the cost is 3000 INR per person, and it is available at four different time slots:
6:15 am to 8 am,
8 am to 9:45 am,
2:30 pm to 4:30 pm,
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
More information can be found at: https://bandipurtigerreserve.org/index.php#
Karnataka
Bandipur National Park boasts abundant wilderness, lush vegetation, dense forests, and diverse wildlife. In Nagarahole, numerous resorts and lodges offer a delightful stay amidst the beauty of the national park. Jungle lodges maintained by the Government of Karnataka are also available for stay. Guests can savor their stay amidst nature and adventure, with various room capacities available to accommodate families and accommodate group bookings as well.
Due to its status as a national park, the area doesn't host an abundance of restaurants. Your dining choices may primarily revolve around the hotels, resorts, and lodges that offer a selection of popular cuisines. It's possible to discover local delicacies such as Dosa, Bisi Bele Bath, Jolada Roti, Idli, Vada, Sambhar, Rasam, Kesari Bath, and Mysore Pak, providing a delightful culinary experience.
Kannada is widely spoken in Karnataka but tourists can communicate with locals in English and Hindi.
Bandipur National Park is ideally explored from October to March, during the winter season. The park's lush greenery is adorned by a myriad of captivating animals and birds. Monsoons (July to September) present a mesmerizing landscape, with abundant rainfall intensifying the park's verdant charm. Summers bring warmer days yet they offer prime opportunities for animal and bird sightings.
