When it comes to wild places, the name of Bandipur National Park can make your heart skip a beat if you’re a wildlife lover. It is a large wildlife reserve within the dense forest of Karnataka, one of the best places in India to observe the animals in their natural habitat, especially tigers, elephants, and deer, among many others. Whether it is the excitement of a wild safari or soaking in the relaxing nature while watching birds, the park will bring you closer to nature than any other place. Being famous for its high biodiversity and typical jungle experience, Bandipur National Park is a great destination for not only wildlife and photography admirers but also families. So, if you’re planning a visit to the neighbouring Ooty or Mysore, this guide will help you explore the forest wonderland most magically.
Essential Information About Bandipur National Park
These are some of the very crucial pieces of information that you must be aware of when you are planning your visit to the Bandipur National Park.
Bandipur National Park Entry Fees: Entry Fees are separate from the safari tickets. The entry fee for an Indian adult is ₹250, and for a foreigner it is ₹600. Camera charges may be extra.
Bandipur National Park Tickets for Safari: Bandipur Tiger Reserve offers safari booking, which is done online (First come first served) through the official Bandipur Tiger Reserve site or through direct counter booking at the entrance of the park.
Bandipur National Park Timings for Safari: Safaris typically run twice a day, the first one in the early morning (around 6:30 AM-9:00 AM) and the second one in the late afternoon/evening (around 3.30 PM -6.00 PM), which are the most suitable times to view wildlife.
Types of Safari and their prices: There are different types of safaris at Bandipur National Park, such as Bus Safari (₹850), Canter safari (₹3,500), Jeep safari (₹3,000), and Camper safari (₹7,500).
Best Time to Visit Bandipur National Park
Choosing the best season can turn your trip to the Bandipur National Park into a memorable one. The best time to visit Karnataka for wildlife experiences aligns perfectly with Bandipur's peak season from October to February. The park is open throughout the year, but each season has a different charm and wildlife environment. The period between October and February is usually regarded as the best time to visit Bandipur National Park since the weather is cool and animals flock around waterholes, hence are easier to find. The summer season is warmer, and it may give more opportunities to see animals around the scarce water sources. The forest becomes green and moist in monsoon, making it a heaven for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
How to Reach Bandipur National Park
The Bandipur National Park location makes reaching here very easy. As one of the top places to visit in Karnataka, travelling by road is beautiful and adventurous, regardless of whether you are coming from nearby towns or even cities. The park is located on the Mysore-Ooty highway, and road travel can be a common mode of transportation. While the Mysore to Bandipur National Park distance is approximately 80 km, the Ooty to Bandipur National Park distance is approximately 40-60 kms depending on the route you take.
If you are flying in, the nearest domestic airport will be the Mysore Airport, which is approximately 73 km away. The nearest railway station is the Mysore Railway Station, and one can take a taxi or bus from the railway station to the gate of the park. Upon arrival, local guides and safari counters are quite easy to locate at the major entrances for the Bandipur National Park safari booking.
Things to Do in Bandipur National Park
In addition to safaris, there is a great variety of things to do in the Bandipur National Park to make your experience unforgettable and interesting.
1. Early Morning Jeep Safari
It is a magical moment when one gets into the jungle at sunrise. Early morning jeep safari is about tranquillity and adventure. You can see the elephants grazing, the deer drinking water, and, if you get lucky, you can even spot a tiger moving quietly at a distance. Animals are more active before the heat of the day; this means that it is the most appropriate time to make sightings in the mornings.
2. Evening Bus Safari
In case it is too early, an evening bus safari can be a nice option to observe the park during the sunset. The climate changes to cold, and the wild animals go to water sources to drink. The safari is 1.5- 2 hours long and is ideal for families or those who enjoy group tours. You are likely to see wild boars, birds, and herbivores grazing about, and this makes the most beautiful snapshots of your jungle adventure.
3. Birdwatching and Walks through Nature.
Besides the big mammals that receive the greatest attention, the Bandipur National Park is also a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. It has over 200 bird species, so you can make your visit as peaceful as it is adventurous. Photographers will get the opportunity to take photos of hornbills, eagles, parakeets, and other feathered birds.
4. Visit Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta
The hilltop temple of Gopalaswamy Betta is located just a short distance off the main forest area to provide a relaxing rescape from the buzz of the safari. Wildlife enthusiasts can also plan a visit to nearby Nagarhole National Park, another excellent tiger reserve that complements the Bandipur experience beautifully. It is worth climbing, as you get to have a panoramic view of the jungle canopy below. It is ideal if you wish to take a spiritual or scenic stop in the middle of your wildlife tour.
5. Photography Expeditions
Bandipur National Park is a photographer's dream come true. The forest trails and unpredictable animal movement provide you with an opportunity to take some rare pictures. The camp photographers frequently find the hidden gems in the most silent corners, such as footprints, flying birds, or insects on tree bark.
Conclusion
Bandipur National Park is a dream destination for any wildlife lover, as you can spot the wonders of nature in every direction. Whether it is the exciting safaris and the sighting of some rare animals, or just watching some birds and enjoying the beautiful scenery, one will not forget anything when visiting this park. Whether you are travelling either from the nearby Mysore or driving pleasurably from Ooty, the forest calls with its deep green beauty and wildness to explore. A visit to this place not only offers sightseeing, but also a memory of an experience that you will hold on to long after you have come out of the jungle.
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