Bandipur National Park: Karnataka’s best wildlife experiences
Bandipur National Park, located on the Mysore-Ooty highway in Karnataka, is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and shares its borders with Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. The national park is one of the largest national parks in the country.
Geographically, Bandipur National Park is spread across a total area of 872.24 sq km, and is located partly in Gundlupet taluk of Chamarajanagar District and partly in H.D.Kote and Nanjangud taluks of Mysuru District. This makes Bandipur the largest national park in the state of Karnataka.
Did you know that Bandipur National Park was once the private hunting ground for the Maharaja of Mysore? The national park was established in 1973 as a part of Project Tiger, and today, it’s a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the 12 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in India. This makes Bandipur, one of the largest and most diverse conservation areas in India.
Bandipur National Park is characterised by a mix of deciduous and evergreen forests, making it a unique habitat for various wildlife species. The park is one of the best places in India to spot animals like the tiger, leopard, dhole (wild dog), and sloth bear. The park also boasts a remarkable population of Asian with elephants.
Things to do in Bandipur National Park
Safari adventure: Bandipur National Park offers an opportunity for visitors to explore its wilderness through jeep and canter safaris.
Bird watching: There are over 200 bird species found in Bandipur, making it a haven for birders. The park is one of the best places to spot hornbills.
Nature walks: There are guided nature walks that are educational and offer a deeper understanding of the ecosystem.
Biligirirangan Hills: Visitors can also make a quick visit to the nearby Biligirirangan Hills (BR Hills). It is one of the most popular sites for adventure enthusiasts.
Bandipur National Park is not just a tourist destination; it’s a stronghold for wildlife conservation. The erstwhile royal hunting ground is now the largest national park in the state. The national park’s commitment to protecting its ecosystem has led to the successful recovery of the tiger population in the region. But despite its impressive contribution, the park still faces several challenges, including human-wildlife conflict and habitat degradation due to human encroachment and poaching.
How to reach Bandipur National Park?:
By air: The nearest airport to Bandipur National Park is the Mysuru Airport. The airport is just 63 km away from the national park.
By train: The nearest major railway station is Mysore Junction (MYS), which is well-connected to several major cities in India.
By road: You can drive to Bandipur National Park from Bangalore, which is approximately 218 km away. If you are driving from Mysore, the national park is just 73 km away.
By Bus: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates regular bus services from major cities like Bangalore and Mysore to Bandipur.