Bandipur National Park is one of India's best known sanctuaries, and is an important Project Tiger reserve. This Park is about 80 km from Mysore city and is contiguous with the Mudumalai National Park in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu, the Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and the Nagarahole National Park to the northwest.

It is home to around seventy tigers and over three thousand Asian elephants, along with leopards, dholes, gaur and sloth bears. Bandipur is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000+ km²), including all of Bandipur National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

Bandipur Wildlife sanctuary forms the connecting link between the Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary in Tamilnadu and the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and thus, is a long beautiful stretch that you would fall in love with.

 

There are three beautiful rivers that flow through the Bandipur sanctuary namely the Moyar river, the Kabini river and the Nagur river. The weather is ideally suited for a great vacation amidst nature. Bandipur is a lovely destination that can be visited all year round. The summer months from March to May would be a great time to watch the animals at the watering holes. However, the period between June to October (during the monsoons) is when Bandipur comes alive with greenery all over.

 

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

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.

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.

Accomodation

Accommodation of different types is available at Bandipur to suit the preferences and pocket of the individual traveler. There are forest guest houses, rest houses and resorts that make your stay here absolutely enjoyable. It would be best to make your bookings in advance to ensure a good accommodation that would let you enjoy your lovely holiday.

Some of the premium luxury hotels and resorts that ensure a stay that is both comfortable and enjoyable.

• Jungle Home Guest House, Mudumalai: A lovely resort located close to the Mudumalai and Bandipur National Park that lets you enjoy the beauty of nature in absolute comfort and luxury.
• Forest guest House, Bandipur
• Tiger Ranch, Mangala
• Jungle Lodges, Bandipur
• Tusker Trails, Mangala
• MC Resorts, Hangala
• Country Club, Bush Betta, Mangala
• Nilgiris Resort, Hangala.

Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit the Bandipur National Park is between the months of June 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.

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