BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK Location : Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka Famous For : Asian Elephants Distance : 220 kms from Bangalore Best Time to Visit : March to August

Bandipur National Park – Home of the Asian Elephants

Halfway down from Mysore to Ooty is the famous Bandipur National Park of Karnataka Located at a distance of 220 kms from Bangalore and 80 kms from Mysore, Bandipur wildlife sanctuary is one of the best preserved wildlife park in India. Having a large variety of wildlife, this famous tiger reserve was created in the year 1930 and was further expanded in 1941. with temperatures ranging from 4 to 28°C, except for the brief winter that lasts from October to January when the temperature remains static around 19°C. In the year 1973, Bandipur became one of the first Tiger Reserves in India and also the southernmost of the nine reserves specially established under Project Tiger. In 1974, it was declared under the Wildlife Protection Act ans was notified as a National Park.

Flora and Fauna – Natives of Bandipur Wildlife Park

Bandipur national sanctuary is famous for homing the giant Asian elephants. Under the camouflage of fragrant sandalwood and rosewood trees tourists can enjoy seeing spotted deer and sambar, gaur and flying squirrel, four horned antelope, Nilgiri langur and sloth bear. Other wildlife population includes hole Smooth-coated Otter, Common Palm Civet Stripe-necked Mongoose, Jungle Cat, Tiger Wild Boar, Chital Gaur, Indian Palm Squirrel, Grizzled Indian Squirrel, Liontail Macaque, Golden Jackal, Sloth Bear, Indian Grey Mongoose, Striped Hyaena, Rusty-spotted Cat, Ratel Indian Spotted Chevrotain, Sambar Nilgiri Tahr (adjoining areas) and Indian Porcupine.

March to August is the best time to visit Bandipur park as after this heavy monsoons bars the tourists to go inside. Forest Lodges, Cottages, Forest Rest Houses are available for all those who want to stay and feel the wilderness in the natural surrounding.

Safari in the Bandipur National Sanctuary

In Karnataka, Bandipur national park is the only place where tourists can enjoy elephant as well as jeep safaris. This is the best way to get one on one with the most ferocious beings among all the wildlife of Karnataka. Tourists can also avail open vans with guides. Though jeep safaris are convenient and time effective, but the joy of riding in the jungle like a king can only be enjoyed on the back of an elephant. Elephant safari in Bandipur National park is much sought after.

How to Reach – Getting There to the Home of the Wilds

Bandipur National park is conveniently located halfway between Mysore and Ooty thus making it easily accessible from both the cities. The nearest railhead is at Bangalore (220 kms) away. Regular flights of Indian and Jet Airways connect Bangalore to the main centres of the country as well as the world.
The nearest railhead is at Mysore (80 kms). Another railway station is at Nanjangud, 55 kms away. Tourists can hire a taxi or catch a bus or train from Mysore to Bandipur National Park.
The Bandipur National Park is 220 kms from Bangalore, 80 kms from Mysore and 80 kms from Ooty. The Gundulpet town is 20 kms away from Bandipur and is also the nearest head point in Bandipur. The national park is well connected through road with every big or small town of Karnataka.