BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK

Bandipur National Park is a beautiful and prominent national park and reserve in India, situated in the state of Karnataka. The location of this park is amidst the picturesque surroundings of the towering western ghat mountains on the Ooty-Mysore highway in Karnataka. Bandipur tiger reserve and national park is popular due to its efforts in conserving tigers. During its inception in 1973, the number of tigers in Bandipur was only 12, but now it has increased to a number of 173 tigers. Amongst all the Bandipur National Park animals, tigers are the predators. People often come here from around the world. The park spans over 870 square kilometers, lies in the western ghats, and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. 

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its diverse wildlife, dense forest, and scenic landscape. Previously a hunting reserve for Mysore Maharaja’s, it was later converted into a national park to conserve the unique fauna and flora here. Combined with Nagarhole National Park, North, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, it is the biggest biosphere reserve in India, known as the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Apart from tigers, Bandipur also has other animals like sambhar, mouse deer, wild dogs, wild boar, sloth bear, panther, porcupines, black-knapped, and more. You will also come across many bird species here, including green pigeons and jungle fowl. Booking a Bandipur national park resort will give you access to not just the Tiger Reserve but also many other scenic places around.

Jeep Safari

Morning: 6:30 – 8:30 am; 8:30 – 10:30 am
Evening: 2:30 – 4:30 pm; 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Bus Safari

Morning: 6:15 am to 7: 45 pm; 7: 45 am to 9:30 am

Evening: 2:30 pm to 4 pm; 4 pm to 5:30 pm; 5 pm to 6:30 pm

Canter Safari

Morning: 6 am to 9 am

Evening: 3 pm to 6 pm

The Bandipur National Park, Karnataka, has an impressive history dating back to 1931. It was initially a hunting reserve by the Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore. Over the years, the area became an important conservation site due to its ecological significance and rich biodiversity. The distinguished fauna and diverse biomes in the dry deciduous forest became a forest tiger reserve as part of Project Tiger in 1974 and is one of the best-managed forests as per many visitors to the place. The flora and fauna in the surroundings is impressive, and preserving it through establishing this national park is a brilliant idea. Apart from tigers, the wild elephant number here is the largest. Since the reserve is on a well-maintained route, it gets a lot of visitors, and so the rules here are strict to keep the ecosystem here in a nourishing condition.

Bandipur National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife species, including several endangered and vulnerable species. The park’s dense forests and varied habitats provide a sanctuary for tigers, leopards, elephants, Indian bison (gaur), wild dogs (dhole), and over 200 species of birds. Bandipur is renowned for its healthy tiger population and is part of Project Tiger, a conservation initiative aimed at protecting India’s tiger species. The park’s flora is equally diverse, with tropical dry deciduous forests, teak, and bamboo groves, along with rich undergrowth that supports numerous species of plants, ferns, and medicinal herbs. Bandipur’s ecosystems contribute significantly to the ecological health of the region.

Bandipur National Park is divided into several eco-zones, each with its own unique characteristics. The core area, which is strictly protected, covers approximately 600 square kilometers and is home to the majority of the park’s wildlife. The buffer zone extends around the core area, covering another 270 square kilometers, where human settlements and agricultural activities are more common but still regulated. The park’s diverse topography, ranging from hilly terrains to flat grasslands, supports various types of habitats, from wetland ecosystems near rivers to dry forests in the foothills. Bandipur is an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is known for its biodiversity and conservation significance.

The best time to head to Bandipur National Park, Karnataka is from October to May, especially between the months of November to February, when the months are cooler. During the cooler months, the wildlife is easy to spot as animals come out in search of food and water. The period falls after the monsoon season, so the park is green and lush, making your Bandipur National Park safari experience pleasant.

The summer months from March to May are hot, making it uncomfortable for tourists. However, wildlife sightings still happen as you can see the animals gather near waterholes. The worst season to head here is between June to September as the heavy rains make the safari.

Winters

The winter months from October to February are the best months for heading to Bandipur National Park. The temperature of the park is between 15°C and 28°C. The cool weather is perfect for animal spotting, perfect for going on as many safari rides as you want.

Summers 

The summer months from March to May experience temperatures ranging between 22°C and 38°C. It gets hot, but since the safaris are early morning or in the late afternoons, it does not get problematic.

Monsoon 

Monsoon months from June to September experience temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The lush green landscape is more beautiful during this time, but the rains can delay or cancel the safaris.