Bandipur National Park in Karnataka

Explore 874.2 sq. km. of forests area and open grasslands, stalk more than 30 species of animals, spot 250 types of exotic birds and collect a lifetime of rare memories on the visit to the Bandipur National Park. Located in Chamarajanagar district of the southern Indian state of Karnataka, adjoining Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Bandipur was once the popular venue for royal haunting families.

Counted among the India's finest reserve, it is one of the finest habitat of the Asian elephants. In 1973, it became one of the first of India's Tiger Reserves and the southernmost of the nine reserves specially formed under Project Tiger. In the year 1974, the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a National Park. The park provides the best sightings between April to October.

Flora of Bandipur National Park :

The enticing jungles of Bandipur national Park consists of deciduous forests, evergreen forests and scrub jungles. The deciduous forests trees reach a height of30 meter and provide a valuable hardwood like teak and rosewood. The scrub jungles consist of stunted trees, bushes and open grassy patches.

Fauna of Bandipur National Park :

Bandipur is a very special biosphere for it harbors largest species of birds and animals. Some of which are highly endangered and listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red Data Book. Large herds of elephants can be quite easily seen in the park. While other attractions of the park include tigers, Leopards, Gaurs, Sambar, Chital, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Black Napped Hare, Sloth Beer, Wild dog (Dhole), Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Indian Giant Red Squirrel, 4 Horned Antelope (Chausingha), Porcupines, Slender Loris, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Small Indian Civet, Palm Civet, Common Otter, Wild Boar, Jackal, 4 varieties of Mongoose, Flying Squirrels, Pangolin, Giant Fruit Bats and Striped Hyenas.

Things to see and do :

Elephant Safari :

There is no better way to explore the jungle than by taking an elephant safari. Get up early in the morning, embark onto the elephant, go deep into the forest area and take some memorable photographs worth recording your nostalgia. The elephant, padding his silent way through thick undergrowth allows deeper and far better access into the jungle. The elephant safaris last for approximately half an hour. The rides may not be on all times.

Don't miss the bus :

Forests Departments offer hour long mini bus safaris inside the park. Bus rides into the sanctuary leave in the mornings and afternoons from the main gate area. It offers you the excellent view of the exotic wildlife (elephant, deer, gaur and langur) of the park at the close range. It gives you the clear view of the dense forest as well its rich floral asset. However you can also hire a open jeep safari, ideal for the daring wildlife enthusiast and photographers. While taking a jeep safari you can make a visit to the Moyar Gorge.

Birding :

Bandipur is a delightful birding destination. Binocs and bird books are are essential accompaniments, if you want to stalk Junglefowl, Malabar Pied and Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Parakeet, Heart-spotted Woodpecker....Birdwatching requires a lot of patience, so don't be upset when you can't identify birds on their calls. For identifying a specie, try comparing its beak, tail and the eye with the picture or sketch in Salim Ali's book on birds.

Game Viewing :

Indulge in Game Viewing at the Bandipur National Park, to explore its richness of flora and fauna in a much better way. Do not forget to take the wildlife expert guide, who can give you the better insight of the jungle and wilderness.

Tribal Visit :

Besides spending time along with the wilds in the jungle, make a visit to the nearby tribal villages that are still untouched by the razzle-dazzle of the outer world. A glimpse into the tribal lifestyle will provide you an experience, quite different from the turbulent city life. Greatly pleased you will be watching and participating in the tribal dance along with the villagers. Tribal women will love to serve their guests with the traditional dishes.


Aparana Chauhan