Bandipur
National Park
 About
Bandipur National Park
Halfway down the Mysore-Ooty highway, the
Deccan Plateau rises to meet the wrinkled folds of the
Western Ghat mountains. Here lies one of India's
best-known wildlife reserves - Bandipur National Park.
It is situated within Chamarajanagar district in the
southern Indian state of Karnataka, and abuts the states
of Tamil Nadu & Kerala. Endowed with a moderate
climate and diverse geographical features, the park
supports a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, making
it a veritable paradise for wildlife.
In 1973, Bandipur became one of the first of India's
Tiger Reserves and the southernmost of the nine reserves
specially established under Project Tiger. In 1974,
intention was declared under the Wildlife Protection Act
to notify it as a National Park.
Flora & Fauna in Bandipur
National Park
The scrub jungles towards the eastern limits of the park
consist of stunted trees, interspersed with bushes and
open grassy patches. Towards its northwestern fringes,
there is a gradual shift in the vegetation from open dry
deciduous forests to tropical mixed deciduous forests.
These diverse habitats support an enormous diversity of
animal life.
With the onset of pre-monsoon showers in April, Bandipur
begins to unfold in all its glory. The resident birds
commence their breeding activities. The air is filled
with their melodious calls. Sprouting grass in the
meadows and view lines attract elephants and the
majestic gaur in large numbers. For the tourist who
comes to watch the larger mammals in their natural
surroundings, Bandipur is a paradise from April to
October. Even before this, during summer, when dryness
prevails over most parts of Bandipur, the backwaters of
the Kabini Reservoir in the northwestern portion of the
park host huge congregations of large mammals,
especially the elephant and the gaur. This unique
feature makes a breathtaking spectacle, and is almost
the only one of its kind in Asia.
Best Time to Visit Bandipur
National Park
The ideal time to visit the Bandipur National Park is
between the months of April and October.
How to Get there
Air: The nearest airport is at Bangalore
which is 220 km from Bandipur.
Rail: Mysore is nearest railhead, at a distance
of 80-kms.
Road: 220 km from Bangalore; 80 km from Mysore;
80 km from Ooty.
Accommodation options in
Bandipur:
Bandipur
Safari Lodge Bandipur
Bushbetta
Bandipur
Kabini
River Lodge Bandipur
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