How to Reach Bandipur National Park, Karnataka in South India
The wildlife enthusiasts have some great spots on the triangular green belt of Kerala-Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border region to explore and experience. Muthanga, Tholpetty, Mudumalai, Nagarhole, Masinagudi and Bandipur forests spread across the region will make them happy. Among these fascinating jungle joints, Bandipur deserves a special mention as it offers you a unique and spectacular experience in wildlife and photography. This also assures you total solitude and tranquility you long for.
Location: Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka, state on the southern part of India.
Basic Facts
Area: 880 Sq.Km.
Wildlife attractions: Indian Bison, Asiatic Elephant, Tiger, Barking Deer, Boar, Dholes (Wild Dog), Leopard, Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Sloth Bear, Green Pigeon, Jungle Fowl, Jackal, The Great Indian Bustard and a variety of bird species.
Safari Timings: 6 am to 9 am and evening 3.30 pm to 6 pm.
Best time to visit: March to August (April to June are the best for wildlife option)
Restriction: Night traffic is prohibited on Bandipur-Ooty, Muthanga-Gundalpet routes between 9 pm to 6 am. This to protect the precious life of the animals and to offer them a peaceful life.
Photo Album Featuring the Diversity of BNP
How to reach:
Bandipur is 88 km from Mysuru (Mysore) and 219 km from Bengaluru (Bangalore). The Bandipur National Park (BNP) is located on the highway connecting Mysuru and Ooty. Buses plying between Ooty and Mysuru pass through the park fringes.
If you are coming from Kerala side, get on a bus to Mysuru from Calicut (Kozhikode) and get down at Gundalpet. Bandipur is 21 km away from Gundalpet on Ooty highway. If you are traveling from Kochi or Thrissur side, it will be convenient if you opt for the route through Nilambur to Gudalur and get a vehicle to Bandipur.
By Air: Bengaluru (204 km)
By Rail: Mysuru (65 km)
By Road: From Bengaluru, there are plenty of KSRTC buses from Kempegowda bus stand to Ooty. Buses plying between Mysuru and Ooty will drop you at BNP (three hours). Get down at the Forest Check Post and ask for a pick-up from your resort/lodge.
Sightseeing: Resort vehicles are the best option to travel through the forest. They arrange Elephant Rides also. The Jeep Safari is the apt option for forest expedition. These are operated by the government enterprise Jungle Lodges and Resorts. Only 22 Safari Jeeps are allowed per day.
Accommodation: Bandipur Safari Lodge (Check in time 12 noon). The major attraction of this lodge is its wildlife expedition in the Bandipur National Park. The trips are at the daybreak and in the evening. Specially designed jeeps and mini buses are being used for the trip. Also, there are facilities for trekking and campfire.
Contact Phone: 08229 233001
Website: www.junglelodges.com
You can also try the following Resorts/Lodges
- JLR Properties (Ph: 08229 233001; Mobile 094495 99754)
- Dholes’ Den (Ph: 08229 236062)
- The Windflower Tusker Trends (Ph: 08229 2360675)
- How To Reach Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu is a fine option to explore and enjoy some wildlife. You will love the forest, the rare species and some interaction with elephants here.
History
Till 1947, BNP was a private wildlife and game reserve of the Maharaja of Mysuru. Now it is famous as Bandipur Tiger Reserve as well Bandipur National Park. The Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysuru created the park in 1931 and named it ‘Venugopala Wildlife Park’. Tiger Park was established in 1973 under Project Tiger Scheme.
© 2014 Sunil Kumar Kunnoth
Comments
- AUTHOR
@Au fait, thank you for reading my hub and leaving some encouraging comments. I am glad that you loved the photos and the description is informative. I have also written about other widlife sanctuaries, beaches and other interesting features attracting a traveller when he makes a visit to this great nation called India.
Gorgeous photos! I love the tiger. S/he almost looks like a large house cat with that expression on its face. I love all the green in the photos, too. I don't think I have ever seen photos of India previously that included so much green, yet it is such a huge country that there must be some, and your photos attest to it. Very informative also.
wow, Bandipur has natural beauty of wild animals and beautiful statues
- AUTHOR
Chitraji
Thank you for the comments you made. I am sure you will love a trip to this place. It is a different experience. I often wonder why Indian women turn a "I am not interested attitude" towards forest and wildlife. At the same time people from abroad really enjoy it. Hope you will have a pleasant trip in the near future.
Sounds like an enjoyable and adventurous trip!
Well written hub, very useful and informative with amazing pictures. I would definitely visit it some day.
Thanks for this interesting tour!
- AUTHOR
Hi Devika
Thanks for visiting and commenting on my hub.
- AUTHOR
Glad to know that you love the place and had visited there. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a line in reply.
A beautiful photo of the animals and an adventurous tour tp keep in mind.
Bandipur is one of the best National park in India to visit. Last year we had been there ,yet we love to visit again. Your route map will be certainly useful to those who wish to see this place.
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