Bandipur National Park
Location of Bandipur : Karnataka
Nearest Access to Bandipur : Mysore & Ooty (80-kms)
Elephant, Bandipur National Park
Coverage Area of Bandipur : 874.20-sq-kms
Climate of Bandipur : Winter : varies between18°C and 24°C, Summer: 21°C - 37°C
Major Attractions in Bandipur : Elephants ,Gaurs, Tigers, Leopard, Wild Dog and sloth bear
Best Time to Visit Bandipur : April – October
Bandipur National Park is located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It lies on the merging point of Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills. It was established by the government of India as a part of Project Tiger in 1973 covering over 874 sq. km of land. Bandipur National Park is home for many endangered wild species of India. The once hunting ground for the kings of Mysore, Bandipur National Park has some of the most exotic wildlife species of plants and animals. Bandipur National Park together with the adjoining Nagarhole National Park, Mudumalai National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary make up the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected area in south India.
Major Wildlife Attractions
Tiger, Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park supports a wide variety of wildlife in the protected area. Many endangered species of plants, mammals, birds and reptiles can be found in this national park. The forests of nearby Nagarhole, Mudumalai and Wayanad form a continuous forest belt with many hills, seasonal streams and dry deciduous forests. Teak, Rosewood, Sandalwood and giant clumping bamboo are few of the timber trees that are supported by this region.
The diverse ecosystem of the region makes it a major wildlife tourist attraction in south India. It is also a great place for bird-watching as many different species of birds can be seen in the denser parts of the jungle. Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is hill located in the core of Bandipur National Park and is a major tourist attraction. It is the highest peak in Bandipur National Park and many wild animals, like elephants, can be seen roaming around the hill.
Flora and Fauna in Bandipur National Park
The forest of Bandipur consists of dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests and shrub-lands. Sandalwood, golden shower tree, Indian gooseberry and black cutch are some of the trees found in this region. In Bandipur National Park, one can see Indian elephants, Indian bison (gaurs), Bengal tiger, sloth bears, muggers, Indian rock pythons, four-horned antelopes and Indian wild dog (dholes). Chital, gray langurs and Indian giant squirrels can also be spotted easily in the park. Indian chameleon, Indian pond terrapin and flying lizards are commonly seen reptiles in the park.
Avian Population in Bandipur National Park
Hornbills, Bandipur National Park
Over 200 species of birds make this national park their home. Honey buzzards, red-headed vultures, Indian vultures, flower-peckers, hoopoes, Indian rollers, brown fish owls, crested serpent eagles and changeable hawk-eagles are some of the birds found in Bandipur National Park. Peafowl, grey junglefowl, crows and drongos are among the most commonly seen birds in Bandipur.
When to Visit Bandipur National Park
The best time to visit Bandipur National Park is from April to October. Elephants, gaurs and other large animals can be easily potted near the backwaters of Kabini Reservoir during the summer. Rainy season is a very good time to see large herds of elephants roaming in the forests.
Leopard, Bandipur National Park
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.
