subject: wildlife Bandipur National Park,Karnataka,india [print this page] wildlife Bandipur National Park,Karnataka,india
Bandipur was once the private game reserve of the Mysore maharajas. In 1931, a sanctuary of 90 sq. km was created in the Bandipur Reserve Forest. Soon, this small area proved to be ineffective in terms of wildlife conservation. Subsequently, a larger area of 800 sq. km named the Venugopala Wildlife
Park after the reigning deity of the area was created here. In 1973, the Bandipur Tiger Reserve was constituted and became part of Project Tiger in India. Today, Bandipur National Park is one of 15 tiger reserves under Project Tiger aimed at safeguarding tigers in India.
Night OutThe resorts and forest guesthouses have restaurants and dining rooms where meals can be ordered.
ActivitiesBandipur has plenty of game for you to do. Take a jeep safari and view the various flora and fauna at this wildlife sanctuary. There is a sizeable population of wild elephant, spotted deer and sambar, gaur and flying squirrel, four horned antelope, Nilgiri langur and sloth bear in this wildlife
sanctuary. The Royal Bengal tiger (75 in the Park) and leopard are a little elusive here than elsewhere because the moister region that they inhabit falls under the protected core area where casual visitors are not allowed. If you are naturalist, you will enjoy the variety of flora in Bandipur National Park. There are plenty of trees along with bushes, grasses and thick undergrowth. Plant species visible here include Bambusa Arundinacea, Tectona Grandis, Pterocarpus Marsupium, Adina Cordifolia, Dalbergia Latifolia, Terminalia Tomentosa, Anogeisus Latifolia, Terminalia Chebula, Randia Uliginosa, and Amblica Officianalis. If bird-watching is your scene, you will not be disappointed. Bandipur National Park offers sightings of birds like the woodpecker, warbler, weaverbird, kingfisher, drongo, fly-catcher, hornbill etc.
SightsBandipur has plenty of game for you to view. There is a sizeable population of wild elephant, spotted deer and sambar, gaur and flying squirrel, four horned antelope, Nilgiri langur and sloth bear in this wildlife sanctuary. The Royal Bengal tiger (75 in the Park) and leopard are a little elusive
here than elsewhere because the moister region that they inhabit falls under the protected core area where casual visitors are not allowed. If you are naturalist, you will enjoy the variety of flora in Bandipur National Park. There are plenty of trees along with bushes, grasses and thick undergrowth. Plant species visible here include Bambusa Arundinacea, Tectona Grandis, Pterocarpus Marsupium, Adina Cordifolia, Dalbergia Latifolia, Terminalia Tomentosa, Anogeisus Latifolia, Terminalia Chebula, Randia Uliginosa, and Amblica Officianalis. If bird-watching is your scene, you will not be disappointed. Bandipur National Park offers sightings of birds like the woodpecker, warbler, weaverbird, kingfisher, drongo, fly-catcher, hornbill etc.
How to get there by AirBandipur is accessible by air from Bangalore (220 km). There are bus services from the airport to Bandipur. Taxis are available for hire too.
How to get there by Rail Bandipur's nearest major railhead is Mysore, 80 km away. Nanjungud railway station which is 5 km away has a few trains servicing it. There are bus and taxi services from the railway stations to the sanctuary.
How to get there by BusBandipur is well connected by roads. You can drive here or take a taxi or bus service from Bangalore (220 km) via Mysore (80 km). If you are driving, from Mysore take the NH-212 towards Gundulpet, the town nearest to Bandipur National Park. Just before you get to Gundulpet, turn off onto the NH-66
towards Bandipur.
Best time to VisitThe best season depends on what you are looking for; if it"s wildlife you seek then the hot months from March to May are when animals flock to the watering holes, (but be aware: droughts push animals into Mudumalai); for cool comfort, the months of November-February are great when the flora is resurging
after the rains; the rainy months of June-September bring the elephants to the fore, bringing the temperatures down and the metalled roads of Bandipur don't get washed out either.
Hotels in Bandipur, there is plenty to choose from in terms of places to stay as many resorts have come up around the sanctuary. Popular ones include Jungle Lodges, Tusker Trail, Bush Betta and MC resorts. The Forest department too has guest houses and dormitories. Be sure to book in advance, particularly
during the holiday season.
Nearby PlacesThe Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, 12 km away is a great place to visit to spot some more wildlife. Udagamandalam (Ooty) 80 km away is one of India"s popular hill-stations fondly called the "Queen of Hill Stations" for its beautiful scenery and ambience. Wonderful hills, picturesque
plantations and verdant valleys set the scene for great holidaying here. There is plenty to see - Pykara Lake, the Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, the Rose Garden, Dodabetta, and Kothagiri. Mysore, 80 km away is a spectacular city with a rich historical heritage. Places to visit here include the impressive Mysore Palace, the Brindavan Gardens, the Chamundi Hills, the Mysore zoo, the Jagmohan Palace with its large collection of Ravi Varma paintings.
Special PermitsAll 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.
For more information for this Destination please check india Travel Guide
