Bandipur National Park

History

Bandipur National Park is one of the more prominent and well-managed National Parks in India, in the state of Karnataka. Its location is in the Western Ghats, along the highway from Mysore to Ooty, to be specific. The region of the Park was used as a private hunting ground of the Royals, several years ago. 

The Maharaja of the Mysore Kingdom once ruled the area. After India became independent in 1947, the monarchy was gradually abolished in various parts of the country. The authority of the Bandipur forests was passed on to the Government of India. Due to the dwindling number of tigers in the country, the Indian Government launched Project Tiger in the year 1973. Project Tiger aimed to preserve the natural habitats of tigers to increase their number in the wild. Soon after its launch, Bandipur came under the umbrella of the Project, and the region was awarded the status of a National Park in 1974. 

Useful Information

• Total area – 874.2 sq km
• Core area – 523 sq km
• Elevation range – 680 meters to 1454 meters
• Latitude – 11° 35' 34" N to 11° 57' 02" N
• Longitude – 75° 12' 17" E to 76° 51' 32" E
• Nearest river – Kabini, Moyar, Nugu   
• Nearby hills – Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta  
• Avg. annual rainfall

Flora

The nature of forests in Bandipur National Park can be segregated into two broad categories – dry deciduous and evergreen. There are plenty of scrubs spread across the region, especially the eastern bounds of the Park, which you would certainly witness when availing the Bandipur weekend tour packages. Also, the Park has open woodlands that are grassy and have lesser plants. When you gradually move towards the northern fringes the region’s territory, you would witness a change in the variety of flora. The deciduous jungles change into mixed deciduous of tropical nature. 

The Park boasts of plenty of Teak and Rosewood trees, considered to two of the most valuable Indian trees. Moreover, there are Mango, Banyan, Pipal, Jamun, Gulmohar, Bamboo and many other varieties of trees in the forest cover. 

Fauna 

As one of the most coveted Tiger Reserves of the country, the principal attraction in Bandipur National Park is the regal beast – The Bengal Tiger, in any of the Bandipur tour packages. Besides being captivated by the magnetic beauty of the tiger, you would also be fascinated with other several varieties of fauna in the Park while availing Bandipur Safari tours. There could be multiple encounters with Chital when you explore the jungles. There are princely leopards and restless langurs. The Park is also home to the rare Indian Giant Squirrels and Gaur. 

Here, you would get an opportunity to see the Sambar Deer. Seeing Indian elephants is a common phenomenon in Bandipur wildlife packages. There are numerous species of birds in Bandipur National Park, too. You can spot honey buzzards and unique red-headed vultures. 

Climate 

All throughout the year, the Bandipur National Park has a fairly moderate climate. The temperature in the daytime is in the high twenties on average. At nights, the temperature is around 17-18 degrees Celsius. In the winter months, from November to February, the temperature ranges from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius at night. The days are cool. 

Unlike many other National Parks, the Bandipur National Park remains open even during monsoon. As an enthusiastic tourist, you get a scope to witness the flawless greenery of the region, just after showers. 

Best Time to Visit 

One of the important things to decide while planning a tour to a National Park is the exact time of buying Bandipur adventure packages and visiting the Park. The advantage of Bandipur Tiger Reserve is you can visit the place anytime during the year. But, the best time would arguably between mid-April to late-October. The weather is more or less breezy and cool, although days could be quite warm at times. 

It is advised to carry light cotton clothes when you visit the Park in summer months when you avail Bandipur holiday packages. When you are traveling in monsoon, a raincoat is highly recommended, as the region receives significant rainfall, erratically. 

How to Reach 

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Bandipur National Park is Mysore. The distance is approximately 75 km. The station is connected to major Indian cities through major sleeper class trains. You would face no problem in reaching the station. You can hire a private taxi from Mysore station to go to the Park. There are also a few public Buses. The drive on a private car takes about 2 hours. 

By Road: The Bandipur National Park is located alongside the highway that connects Mysore and the hill station of Ooty. You can easily avail a state transport bus from either Mysore or Ooty. By bus, it takes about two and a half hours to reach the place, from Mysore. If you are traveling from Ooty, it would take around three hours. 

By Air: The nearest International Airport is Bangalore Airport. It is located approximately 200 km away from the Park. You can reach Bangalore from any major Indian airport. After reaching, you can either hire a private car or travel by a state-transport bus to the Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

Connectivity

• Distance from entry gate: 31 meters (only!) 
• Railway station: Mysore 
• Bus Stand: Mysore Bus Stand 
• Airport: Bangalore
• Nearest city/town: Ooty 

Nearest All Attractions 

There are some wonderful tourist spots around Bandipur National Park that you can explore, as per the flexibility of your tour plan. More value would be added to your travel experience in Bandipur National Park itinerary, for sure.

Biligirirangan Hills – These hills are also called BR Hills, in short. They are located in south-eastern Karnataka. The lush greenery of the hills is genuinely mesmerizing. The BR Hills are only 67 km from the Bandipur National Park.

Mudumalai National Park – The Mudumalai National Park is located at the border of Bandipur, in the state of Tamil Nadu, where you can visit on a weekend getaway tour. Mudumalai is also known for its tigers, Gaur, elephants and Indian leopards. Through NH67, it is merely 7 km from Bandipur.

Mysore – Most of the times, one visits the Park traveling from Mysore, availing Bandipur sightseeing packages. But if you travel the Tiger Reserve from Bangalore or Ooty, you have a wonderful opportunity to visit Mysore, the Garden City, only 75 km away from the Park’s location.  

Sulthan Bathery – It is located in Kerala’s Wayanad district. You can get engrossed in the historic and natural beauty of the place, where you would have the opportunity to explore ancient caves, forest trails, and a ruined fort built by Tipu Sultan, on a weekend trip. 

Gopalaswamy Hills – Standard Bandipur family packages give your lots of scope to explore around the region. The beautiful Gopalaswamy Hills are located merely 17 km from Bandipur National Park. You can visit these hills, to experience nature from a different angle, soothing your soul. 

Ooty – The lovely hill station of Ooty is one of the main attractions around Bandipur National Park. You can go there after your expedition in Bandipur affordable packages. It is only 41 km away from the Park.