Bandipur National Park - बांदीपुर राष्ट्रीय उद्यान
|
 Photo by : sillie_R in flickr More images... |
In Karnataka, the two attractive wildlife parks of Nagarhole and Bandipur, though separate entities, are part of a larger contiguous wildlife reserve that includes the Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the Wynad Reserve in Kerala. Both the parks are easily accessible from Mysore. The 874.20 Sq.km. Bandipur National Park, which is also a Tiger Reserve, with its open grassy woodland, lies to the south of the Kabini River while Nagarhole, 643.39 Sq.km. in area, to the north of the river, has taller and denser forests. A dam on the Kabini and its picturesque reservoir separate the two parks. In the dense moist deciduous forests of this area the upper canopy reaches heights of 30m and valuable hardwoods like teak and rosewood are also to be found here. Bandipur, lying in the shadow of the Western Ghats, is one of the finest habitats of the Asian elephant. Drained by the Moyar River, its open forest makes it easy for visitors to see the elephant and gaur in natural surroundings.
Lies halfway down the Mysore-Ooty highway became one of the first of India's Tiger Reserves and the southernmost of the nine reserves specially established under Project Tiger.
Bandipur National Park is situated on the Mysore-Ooty Highway, at the confluence of Deccan Plateau and Western Ghat Mountains. The wildlife park falls under the Chamarajanagar district of the South-Indian state of Karnataka. Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the first sanctuaries in India to be devoted to 'Project Tiger'. It was established in the 1930s and was declared as a tiger reserve in the year 1973. In 1974, the sanctuary was elevated to the status of a national park.
Bandipur National Park of Karnataka enjoys a pleasant climate and has diverse geographical features. These features have helped it support a wide variety of flora and fauna. The best way to enjoy the amazing flora and fauna of Bandipur is on the back of an elephant. You can even try night vigil in a watchtower or machan, which will provide you with a clear view of the jungle. The facilities provided inside the park include boating and angling.
Main attraction: One among the sanctuaries across India selected for Project Tiger. The Bandipur National Park is one of the most fascinating wild-life centers, established in 1930's by the Mysore Maharajahs. It was once the Mysore Maharaja's private hunting park. Later in 1941, it was expanded to adjoin the Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole)in the northwest and Kerala's Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in the southwest and Tamil Nadu's Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in the south which now together constitute the Niligiri Biosphere Reserve.
Bandipur lies in the southern state of Karnataka. It stretches along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border and lies on the Mysore - Ooty highway and covers a forest area of 874.2 square kilometers and 780-1455 m above sea level. The temperature in Bandipur ranges between 10 degrees and 35 degrees centigrade. The park has an average annual rainfall of 1200mm. In 1973 Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a tiger reserve. It became one of the sanctuaries selected across India for Project Tiger Scheme by the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature. The project is designed to save the tiger and its natural habitat from potential dangers. In 1974, the Bandipur was declared as a National Park under the Wildlife Protection Act.
The Bandipur National Park is covered with a mix of evergreen forests, variety of animal species and rivers. It mainly consists of medium sized hills with gentle slopes and shallow, heavily forested valleys with a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. The forest cover is very dense with vegetation like Teak, Honne, Tadasalu, Mathi, Nandi, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Bamboo, Nelli, Kooli, Kadu Tega, Dindalu, Bende, Randia and Flame of the Forest making up a major portion of the variety.
Some of the main animal species found in the park are Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Gaurs, Sambar, Chital, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Black Napped Hare, Sloth Beer, Wild dog (Dhole), Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Indian Giant Red Squirrel, 4 Horned Antelope (Chausingha), Porcupines, Slender Loris, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Small Indian Civet, Palm Civet, Common Otter, Wild Boar, Jackal, 4 varieties of Mongoose, Flying Squirrels, Pangolin, Giant Fruit Bats and Striped Hyenas.A lot of these species are seen close to the accommodation facilities available in the park. To get a closer view of the animals, one can book a 'Machan' near the watering hole.
Over 230 species of birds have been identified in the park. Some of the most notable ones are the Serpent Eagles, Shaheen Falcons, Crested Hawk Eagles, Ospreys, Gray Headed Firhings, Honey Buzzards, Malabar Pied Hornbills, Stork, Egret, Kite, Peafowl, Lapwing, Sandpiper, Drongo and the warbler, Hill Mynas, King Vultures, Malabar Trogon, Gray Partridges, Black Woodpeckers, Indian Pittas, Paradise Flycatchers, Cormorants, Teals, Ducks, Herons, Waders, Gray Jungle Fowl, Red Spur Fowl, Blue Bearded Bee-Eaters, Parakeets, Lesser Coucals, Scarlet Minivets, Fairy Blue Birds, Scimitar Babblers, Malabar Whistling Thrushes, Green Imperial Pigeons, Nightjars and Owls. The Reptile family is represented by marsh Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Rock Pythons, Russel's Vipers, Cobras, Rat Snakes, Wolf Snakes, Indian python, Vine Snakes, Common Kraits, Green Keelbacks, Bamboo Pit Vipers, Turtles, Flying Lizards and many other varieties of snakes.
Besides the animals, the park provides other interesting tourist places such as the Gopalaswami Betta and the Rolling Rocks the highest peak in the Bandipur range. Gopalaswami Betta provides a view of the Mysore plateau and its adjoining hills. The Rolling Rocks, to the south of the forest, offer views of the 260-meter-deep Mysore Ditch and the entire Moyar gorge. The entire park is well irrigated by four rivers, which are Kabini, Nagu, Mule-hole and Moyar. Kabini dam separates Bandipur from the Nagarhole reserve where as The Moyar River acts as a boundary between the park and the Madhumalai Sanctuary.
Bandipur is one of the best game sanctuaries in India to observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity. All visitors to Bandipur have to get entry permits at the entrance to the park. These cost about Rs 150 (for foreigners) and considerably less for Indians. Additional charges are levied for cameras, vehicles, and elephant or jeep rides. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the park. The only means of transportation inside the park are open van and jeep run by park authorities. These vehicle carries its own experienced guide in spotting and identifying wildlife. The Forest Department also organizes elephant rides of about an hour (or more) each, which take you deeper into the forest. All these rides move into the park twice a day, early morning and towards afternoon. Human movement in the park is not allowed after dark. Forest Rest house for accommodation should be reserved in advance at the Forest Office in Bangalore or Mysore.
Bandipur National Park is one place in India, which provides tranquil and serene atmosphere to its visitors. Nestled here are some very rare animals and birds you would like to have a rendezvous with. The Bandipur National Park is one of the most fascinating wild-life centers. Established in 1931 by the Mysore Maharajhas, this park is nestled in the foothills of the Nilgiris.
As you invade deep into the forest through the well defined paths, you can almost here the animals passing by the bushes & trees. The flora and fauna existing here are in perfect harmony. And, this was one reason that this region was chosen as the centre for the Project Tiger. In 1973, Bandipur National Park In Karnataka became one of the first of India's Tiger Reserves and the southernmost of the nine reserves specially formed under Project Tiger. In the year 1974, the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a National Park.
Bandipur National Park has deciduous, evergreen and scrubland vegetation. The major flora found in bandipur national park is chloroxylon swetenia, acacia catechu, schleichera trijuga, cassia fistula, shorea talura, randia uliginosa. teak (tectona grandis), dalbergia latifolia, pterocarpus marsupium, terminalia tomentosa, anogeissus latifolia, adina cordifolia, grewia tiliaefolia, odina wodiar, butea monosperma, emblica officinalis, lagerstroemia lanceolata, terminalia chebula, dendrocalamus strictus, and bambusa arundinacea.
The flora ranges from dry and tropical deciduous and evergreen forests to open grassy woodlands. The eastern boundary of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve of India is composed of stunted trees, sprinkled with bushes and open grassy patches. To the northwest of the park are forests, ranging from dry deciduous ones to tropical mixed deciduous ones. One can also come across precious hardwoods, like rosewood and teak, while roaming in the jungles.
Wildlife Attractions: Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopards, Dholes, Gaur
The rest houses comprises of Deluxe bungalows as well as dorms. The rooms at the deluxe bungalow cost between Rs 300 and 400 a night and the dorms much less. Luxury Resorts around Bandipur National Park are more expensive. A double room at one of the resorts may range from 2000-3000 Rs per night, which will usually include meals, wildlife safaris, and fees for cameras, vehicles and entry.
Since the area is close to many cities of Karnataka, you may find good number of hotels here. The accommodations ranges here are from luxurious to budget class. Besides, there are Forest Lodges, Cottages, Forest Rest Houses if you want spend your days amidst natural surroundings. Bush Betta Holiday Wildlife
Adventure Resort
Mangala Village,
Gundulpet Taluk,
Chamarajanagar – 571 126
Tel: 080-2243274, 4795
Email - Contact Us
Web site: www.bushbetta.com
Tariff: Rs. 1990/-
Tusker Trails
Mangala Village,
Gundulpet Taluk,
Chamarajanagar – 571 126
Tel: 0821-636055
Email- Contact Us
Tariff range: Rs. 1700/- to
Rs. 1900/-
KSTDC Mayura Prakruti
Hangala Post,
Melkamanahalli,
Near Bandipur,
Gundulpet Taluk,
Chamarajanagar – 571 126
Tel: 95821-633001
Tariff range: Rs. 300/- to Rs. 400/-
Forest Department Cottages
Bandipur National Park,
Tiger Division, Bandipur,
Gundulpet Taluk,
Chamarajanagar – 571 111
Tel: 0821-636043, 025
Fax: 0821-636044
For reservations contact
Office of the Field Director,
Project Tiger, Aranya Bhavan,
Ashokpuram,
Mysore - 570 008
Phone : 0821-2480901
Mysore – 570 008
TeleFax: 0821-480901
The Chief Wildlife Warden,
Aranya Bhavan,
18th Cross, Bangalore
Phone: 23341993
State : Karantaka, in the southern part of India.
Coverage Area: Approximately 875 Sq km
Established: Bandipur, 1931 as a sanctuary, 1941 as a national park, 1973 as a tiger reserve.
Tiger Reserve: 1973
National Park: 1974
Nearest town : Gundulpet (20 km) Bandipur National Park
Nearest Access : Mysore & Ooty (80-kms)
Main Wildlife Found : Asian Elephants and Gaurs
Best time to visit : The ideal time to visit the Bandipur National Park is between the months of April and October.
Climate (Bandipur National Park): The region is warm and comfortable for most parts of the year with temperatures ranging from 24 to 28 degC, except for the brief winter that lasts from October to January when the temperature hovers around the 19 degC mark. Monsoon is erratic, but it generally rains from June to September. Blessed with a temperate climate and diverse geographical features, the park supports an outstanding variety of flora and fauna, making it an authentic paradise for wildlife. Temperature is 30 degree in summers and 18 degree in winters. Average Rainfall is 1000 mm.
Accommodation : Forest Lodges, Cottages, Forest Rest Houses.
Nearest towns : Gundulpet (20 km)
How to get there : Rail-Mysore (65 km),Air Bangalore (190 km)
Main Attractions: Asian Elephants and Tigers
Travel Tips : Consult the doctor before you start your trip. Get enough information on the Park and its nearby areas.
Lies halfway down the Mysore-Ooty highway became one of the first of India's Tiger Reserves and the southernmost of the nine reserves specially established under Project Tiger.
Bandipur National Park is situated on the Mysore-Ooty Highway, at the confluence of Deccan Plateau and Western Ghat Mountains. The wildlife park falls under the Chamarajanagar district of the South-Indian state of Karnataka. Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the first sanctuaries in India to be devoted to 'Project Tiger'. It was established in the 1930s and was declared as a tiger reserve in the year 1973. In 1974, the sanctuary was elevated to the status of a national park.
Bandipur National Park of Karnataka enjoys a pleasant climate and has diverse geographical features. These features have helped it support a wide variety of flora and fauna. The best way to enjoy the amazing flora and fauna of Bandipur is on the back of an elephant. You can even try night vigil in a watchtower or machan, which will provide you with a clear view of the jungle. The facilities provided inside the park include boating and angling.
Main attraction: One among the sanctuaries across India selected for Project Tiger. The Bandipur National Park is one of the most fascinating wild-life centers, established in 1930's by the Mysore Maharajahs. It was once the Mysore Maharaja's private hunting park. Later in 1941, it was expanded to adjoin the Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole)in the northwest and Kerala's Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in the southwest and Tamil Nadu's Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in the south which now together constitute the Niligiri Biosphere Reserve.
Bandipur lies in the southern state of Karnataka. It stretches along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border and lies on the Mysore - Ooty highway and covers a forest area of 874.2 square kilometers and 780-1455 m above sea level. The temperature in Bandipur ranges between 10 degrees and 35 degrees centigrade. The park has an average annual rainfall of 1200mm. In 1973 Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a tiger reserve. It became one of the sanctuaries selected across India for Project Tiger Scheme by the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature. The project is designed to save the tiger and its natural habitat from potential dangers. In 1974, the Bandipur was declared as a National Park under the Wildlife Protection Act.
The Bandipur National Park is covered with a mix of evergreen forests, variety of animal species and rivers. It mainly consists of medium sized hills with gentle slopes and shallow, heavily forested valleys with a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. The forest cover is very dense with vegetation like Teak, Honne, Tadasalu, Mathi, Nandi, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Bamboo, Nelli, Kooli, Kadu Tega, Dindalu, Bende, Randia and Flame of the Forest making up a major portion of the variety.
Some of the main animal species found in the park are Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Gaurs, Sambar, Chital, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Black Napped Hare, Sloth Beer, Wild dog (Dhole), Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Indian Giant Red Squirrel, 4 Horned Antelope (Chausingha), Porcupines, Slender Loris, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Small Indian Civet, Palm Civet, Common Otter, Wild Boar, Jackal, 4 varieties of Mongoose, Flying Squirrels, Pangolin, Giant Fruit Bats and Striped Hyenas.A lot of these species are seen close to the accommodation facilities available in the park. To get a closer view of the animals, one can book a 'Machan' near the watering hole.
Over 230 species of birds have been identified in the park. Some of the most notable ones are the Serpent Eagles, Shaheen Falcons, Crested Hawk Eagles, Ospreys, Gray Headed Firhings, Honey Buzzards, Malabar Pied Hornbills, Stork, Egret, Kite, Peafowl, Lapwing, Sandpiper, Drongo and the warbler, Hill Mynas, King Vultures, Malabar Trogon, Gray Partridges, Black Woodpeckers, Indian Pittas, Paradise Flycatchers, Cormorants, Teals, Ducks, Herons, Waders, Gray Jungle Fowl, Red Spur Fowl, Blue Bearded Bee-Eaters, Parakeets, Lesser Coucals, Scarlet Minivets, Fairy Blue Birds, Scimitar Babblers, Malabar Whistling Thrushes, Green Imperial Pigeons, Nightjars and Owls. The Reptile family is represented by marsh Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Rock Pythons, Russel's Vipers, Cobras, Rat Snakes, Wolf Snakes, Indian python, Vine Snakes, Common Kraits, Green Keelbacks, Bamboo Pit Vipers, Turtles, Flying Lizards and many other varieties of snakes.
Besides the animals, the park provides other interesting tourist places such as the Gopalaswami Betta and the Rolling Rocks the highest peak in the Bandipur range. Gopalaswami Betta provides a view of the Mysore plateau and its adjoining hills. The Rolling Rocks, to the south of the forest, offer views of the 260-meter-deep Mysore Ditch and the entire Moyar gorge. The entire park is well irrigated by four rivers, which are Kabini, Nagu, Mule-hole and Moyar. Kabini dam separates Bandipur from the Nagarhole reserve where as The Moyar River acts as a boundary between the park and the Madhumalai Sanctuary.
Bandipur is one of the best game sanctuaries in India to observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity. All visitors to Bandipur have to get entry permits at the entrance to the park. These cost about Rs 150 (for foreigners) and considerably less for Indians. Additional charges are levied for cameras, vehicles, and elephant or jeep rides. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the park. The only means of transportation inside the park are open van and jeep run by park authorities. These vehicle carries its own experienced guide in spotting and identifying wildlife. The Forest Department also organizes elephant rides of about an hour (or more) each, which take you deeper into the forest. All these rides move into the park twice a day, early morning and towards afternoon. Human movement in the park is not allowed after dark. Forest Rest house for accommodation should be reserved in advance at the Forest Office in Bangalore or Mysore.
Bandipur National Park is one place in India, which provides tranquil and serene atmosphere to its visitors. Nestled here are some very rare animals and birds you would like to have a rendezvous with. The Bandipur National Park is one of the most fascinating wild-life centers. Established in 1931 by the Mysore Maharajhas, this park is nestled in the foothills of the Nilgiris.
As you invade deep into the forest through the well defined paths, you can almost here the animals passing by the bushes & trees. The flora and fauna existing here are in perfect harmony. And, this was one reason that this region was chosen as the centre for the Project Tiger. In 1973, Bandipur National Park In Karnataka became one of the first of India's Tiger Reserves and the southernmost of the nine reserves specially formed under Project Tiger. In the year 1974, the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a 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.Bandipur National Park has deciduous, evergreen and scrubland vegetation. The major flora found in bandipur national park is chloroxylon swetenia, acacia catechu, schleichera trijuga, cassia fistula, shorea talura, randia uliginosa. teak (tectona grandis), dalbergia latifolia, pterocarpus marsupium, terminalia tomentosa, anogeissus latifolia, adina cordifolia, grewia tiliaefolia, odina wodiar, butea monosperma, emblica officinalis, lagerstroemia lanceolata, terminalia chebula, dendrocalamus strictus, and bambusa arundinacea.
Fauna
Bandipur National Park starts blooming with the arrival of pre-monsoon showers in the month of April. The resident birds starts their breeding activities. The elephants and the majestic gaurs wander freely in the grassland areas. Bandipur most fascinating between April to October, for the tourist pouring in to watch the larger mammals in their natural routines. During the summer season, when dryness exists over most parts of Bandipur, the backwaters of the Kabini Reservoir in the northwestern part of the park entertains huge gathering of large mammals, especially the elephant and the gaur. This rare character of Bandipur National Park makes an awesome view, and is almost the only one of its kind in Asia.The flora ranges from dry and tropical deciduous and evergreen forests to open grassy woodlands. The eastern boundary of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve of India is composed of stunted trees, sprinkled with bushes and open grassy patches. To the northwest of the park are forests, ranging from dry deciduous ones to tropical mixed deciduous ones. One can also come across precious hardwoods, like rosewood and teak, while roaming in the jungles.
Wildlife
One of the major wildlife attractions of the Bandipur National Park comprises of its significant population of Asiatic Elephants. The best time to spot this regal animal is during the wet season. If lucky, you may also spot a tiger while on a tour of the sanctuary. Other animals that can be seen include Gaur (a type of bull), Sambhar, Chital, Mouse Deer, Four-Horned Antelope, Barking Deer, Sloth Bear, Panther, Malabar Squirrel, Red-Giant Squirrel, Porcupines, Black-naped Hare, etc.Bird Species
The avian population of Bandipur National Park is a treasure for the bird watchers. One can find a wide variety of bird species here, including Shaheen Falcon, Honey Buzzard, King Vulture, Peafowl, Red and Grey Jungle Fowl, Grey Partridge, etc. The backwaters of Kabini and larger tanks serve as home to cormorants, ducks, herons, teals and waders. Not to be missed are the woodland birds, namely Crested Hawk Eagle, Serpent Eagle, Collared Scops Owl, Yellow-Legged Green Pigeon, Parakeet, Woodpecker, Barbet, Hornbill, Scarlet Minivet, Hill Myna, Racket-Tailed Drongo, etc.Wildlife in Bandipur National park
Bandipur National park contains a huge variety of animals, birds and reptiles within it. Primarlily the population consists of... Mammals: : Tiger, leopard, elephant, sloth bear, gaur, sambar (deer), asiatic wild dog, striped hyena, chital, mouse deer, wild boar, barking deer, four horned antelope, hyena, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, mongoose and the slender loris. Reptiles: King cobra, common cobra, rat snake, water snake, marsh crocodile, russell's viper, lizard, chameleon, monitor lizard, frog, common krait, indian python, flying snake, tree frog, toad and tortoise.Birds
Over 230 species of birds have been identified. Some of the most notable ones are the heron, stork, falcon, sandpiper, woodpecker, drongo grey junglefowl, pompadour green pigeon, honey buzzard, red-headed vulture, egret, kite, grey-headed fish eagle, brown hawk owl, peafowl, lapwing, bay owl, malabar trogon, nilgiri flycatcher, malabar pied hornbill, little spiderhunter, plain flowerpecker and the warbler.Wildlife Attractions: Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopards, Dholes, Gaur
Additional Punch
Go to other parts of Karnataka and add some extra punch to your tour itinerary. After you have finished with the Bandipur National Park, go to the temple city of Mysore and transmit some spiritual atmosphere. Also visit Ooty (297 km), this peaceful destination is the exact place for you to relax. If you keep interest in lazing under the sun, then head towards Malpe or the Karwar Beaches lying on the coasts of Karnataka. Or else you can also visit the historical city of Hassan (187 km) and Hampi (350 km). Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka is another attraction near the Bandipur National Park. NOTE : All the distances are scaled from Bangalore (By road).Extend the Trip
People generally speak their local language, the educated one can speak English. Even Hindi is not so common here. You may face difficulty in finding your kind of food. Except from some luxurious hotels, you may not find your choice of food. NOTE : All the regions are accessible from Bangalore. So, transportation is not a problem here.Few Difficulities
Don't get into any unknown or illegal activity. Do not disturb the local culture and local atmosphere. Try to be well informed about the routes and the place you are going to visit. Contact us when and where needed, while on a wildlife India Tour. If you want more information on Wildlife India Tour then get back to us, whenever needed. Let us know your requirements, so that we can make your trip to India Wildlife completely exceptional and exciting.Venture Into the Bandipur
There is of course a lot to discover. Start on an Elephant's back to discover the endless variety of wildlife flourish here. . This will make your venture into the park memorable. Winding through the teaks, rosewoods, honnes, mathis, bamboos and sandalwoods. The eastern part is dotted by scrubby jungles consisting of stunted trees, intermixed with bushes and open grassy belts. As you move towards northwestern fringes, there is a gradual shift in the vegetation, from open dry deciduous jungles to tropical mixed deciduous jungles.Travel Tips
Light cotton clothing is recommended for summers whereas light woolen garments are recommended for the brief winters. During rainy season, it is advisable to carry raincoats, as the rain is accompanied by a light breeze that renders umbrellas useless. Places Nearby (Bandipur National Park) Nagarhole, Madumulai and Wayanad National parks all lie in the vicinity of Bandipur forest. A reservoir and a dam that separates Bandipur from Nagarhole reserve is an interesting place as well.How to Reach
Bandipur National Park is located on the highway connecting Mysore and the hill station of Ootacamund (Ooty). Reaching Bandipur by bus is very convenient. All regular and express state transport buses plying between Ooty and Mysore pass through the park fringes and the Forest Department Center is a designated bus stop. It takes 2½ hours to reach Bandipur forest from Mysore and about 3 hours from Ooty. The nearest rail junction is Mysore (65 km) and the nearest international airport is the software Mecca of Bangalore (204 km).By Air
The nearest airport is situated at Bangalore and is 220 km from Bandipur.By Rail
The nearest Railway Station to the park is located at Nanjungud 55 kms away followed by the Mysore station at a distance of 80 km.By Road
Bandipur is situated nearly 220 km from Bangalore, 80 km from Mysore and 80 km from Ooty. The park is located on the highway connecting Mysore and Ooty (80 kms). There are regular buses and easily available taxis from all the neighbouring cities, mainly Mysore, 80km away which is 2 -3 hour journey by road and Bangalore which is at a distance of 220 kms from Bandipur.Accommodation facilities
There are Forest Rest Houses KSTDC (Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation), Government and private owned resorts and hotels near the park. The forest rest houses are quite clean and provide food for the tourists. Liquor is permitted here but you will have to carry your own.The rest houses comprises of Deluxe bungalows as well as dorms. The rooms at the deluxe bungalow cost between Rs 300 and 400 a night and the dorms much less. Luxury Resorts around Bandipur National Park are more expensive. A double room at one of the resorts may range from 2000-3000 Rs per night, which will usually include meals, wildlife safaris, and fees for cameras, vehicles and entry.
Since the area is close to many cities of Karnataka, you may find good number of hotels here. The accommodations ranges here are from luxurious to budget class. Besides, there are Forest Lodges, Cottages, Forest Rest Houses if you want spend your days amidst natural surroundings. Bush Betta Holiday Wildlife
Adventure Resort
Mangala Village,
Gundulpet Taluk,
Chamarajanagar – 571 126
Tel: 080-2243274, 4795
Email - Contact Us
Web site: www.bushbetta.com
Tariff: Rs. 1990/-
Tusker Trails
Mangala Village,
Gundulpet Taluk,
Chamarajanagar – 571 126
Tel: 0821-636055
Email- Contact Us
Tariff range: Rs. 1700/- to
Rs. 1900/-
KSTDC Mayura Prakruti
Hangala Post,
Melkamanahalli,
Near Bandipur,
Gundulpet Taluk,
Chamarajanagar – 571 126
Tel: 95821-633001
Tariff range: Rs. 300/- to Rs. 400/-
Forest Department Cottages
Bandipur National Park,
Tiger Division, Bandipur,
Gundulpet Taluk,
Chamarajanagar – 571 111
Tel: 0821-636043, 025
Fax: 0821-636044
For reservations contact
Office of the Field Director,
Project Tiger, Aranya Bhavan,
Ashokpuram,
Mysore - 570 008
Phone : 0821-2480901
Mysore – 570 008
TeleFax: 0821-480901
The Chief Wildlife Warden,
Aranya Bhavan,
18th Cross, Bangalore
Phone: 23341993
General Information
Location: Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka, IndiaState : Karantaka, in the southern part of India.
Coverage Area: Approximately 875 Sq km
Established: Bandipur, 1931 as a sanctuary, 1941 as a national park, 1973 as a tiger reserve.
Tiger Reserve: 1973
National Park: 1974
Nearest town : Gundulpet (20 km) Bandipur National Park
Nearest Access : Mysore & Ooty (80-kms)
Main Wildlife Found : Asian Elephants and Gaurs
Best time to visit : The ideal time to visit the Bandipur National Park is between the months of April and October.
Climate (Bandipur National Park): The region is warm and comfortable for most parts of the year with temperatures ranging from 24 to 28 degC, except for the brief winter that lasts from October to January when the temperature hovers around the 19 degC mark. Monsoon is erratic, but it generally rains from June to September. Blessed with a temperate climate and diverse geographical features, the park supports an outstanding variety of flora and fauna, making it an authentic paradise for wildlife. Temperature is 30 degree in summers and 18 degree in winters. Average Rainfall is 1000 mm.
Accommodation : Forest Lodges, Cottages, Forest Rest Houses.
Nearest towns : Gundulpet (20 km)
How to get there : Rail-Mysore (65 km),Air Bangalore (190 km)
Main Attractions: Asian Elephants and Tigers
Travel Tips : Consult the doctor before you start your trip. Get enough information on the Park and its nearby areas.
 Photo by : Swami Stream in flickr |
 Photo by : Swami Stream in flickr |
|
|
|
 Photo by : Uttkarsh in flickr |
 Photo by : Swami Stream in flickr |
|
|
|
 Photo by : nehakhazanchi in webshots |
 Photo by : mansishq in webshots |
|
|
|
 Photo by : stepandviv in webshots |
 Photo by : mattshots in webshots |
|
|
|
 Photo by : Bipul Keshri in panoramio |
 Photo by : Bipul Keshri in panoramio |
|
|
|
 Photo by : androcton in panoramio |
 Photo by : Manu K.P in panoramio |
|
|
|