Bandipur

About Bandipur

Bandipur National Park is one of India’s best known sanctuaries, and is an important Project Tiger reserve. It is located in the Chamarajanagar district of southern Karnataka in south India, and is contiguous with the Mudumalai National Park in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, the Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and the Nagarhole National Park to the northwest. It is home to around seventy tigers and over three thousand Asian elephants (as per the 1997 census , along with leopards, dholes, gaur and sloth bears. Bandipur is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

The Western Ghats, Nilgiri , including all of Bandipur National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

Location info

• **Address:**220 km from Bangalore; 80 km from Mysore; 80 km from Ooty.

• **District:**Mysore

• **Nearest City:**Mysore/Bangalore

• Best time to visit: The best season to visit would be from March-July and September-November.

Climate & weather

The region is warm and comfortable for most parts of the year with temperatures ranging from 24 to 28°C, except for the brief winter that lasts from October to January when the temperature hovers around the 19°C mark. Monsoon is erratic, but it generally rains from June to September.

History of Bandipur

A sanctuary of 90 km2 was created at this site in the Bandipur Reserve Forest in 1931. As it was realised that this was too small for effective wildlife conservation, leading to the instituting of the Venugopala Wildlife Park at this site, extending over 800 km2. The Bandipur Tiger Reserve was constituted in 1973 by carving out 880 km2 from the Wildlife Park. Recognised under Project Tiger in 1973 this park has boasted constant rise in Tiger population. Also famous for Sandalwood trees and rare species of Flora.

How to reach Bandipur

• **Nearest Railway Station:**The nearest railhead is Mysore, 80 km. or Najanagudu.

• **Nearest Airport:**The nearest airport is Bangalore, 220 km.

• **Road Transport:**Roads well connect Bandipur to Bangalore (220 km) via Mysore (80 km). Mangala Village.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

1.Bandipur Safari Lodge (Jungle Lodges)
2.Tusker Trails (Jungle Resort)
3.Ambuja Farms (Farm House)

Nearest visiting places

• B. R . Hills

B.R Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Situated at a height of 5,091 feet, B.R Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique blend of resort and wildlife sanctuary, a must for wildlife lovers. Dancing trees, whistling winds and swirling streams form a backdrop to some very rare animal

• Biligiri Hills

Biligiri Hills is a must for any person who wants to release his drudgery and stimulate his spirit by basking in the joy of natural glory. Located almost 120km from Mysore and 247kms from Bangalore, the picturesque Biligiri Hills are situated between the rivers Cauvery and Kapila. Biligiri signifies `white capped`, though the hills are hued in shimmering blue colours

• Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta

Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is a small hill, in the core zone can be accessed by a small road through the village of Hangala north of the national park. Gopalaswamy Betta (betta is hill in Kannada) located inside the forest is a popular trekking spot. Atop the hill is a temple of Lord Venugopala Swamy built seven centuries ago and a travellers’ bungalow which remains locked now and belonged to the Ruler of Mysore

• M.M.Hills Temples

Malai Mahadeshwara hills (MM hills also called Mahadeshwara betta in local language, Kannada) belongs to Chamarajnagar district in Karnataka state. It is a very popular & holy ancient temple, surrounded by 77 hills in the Eastern Ghats. The Lord Sri Mahadeshwara is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is a very famous Shaiva piligrim centre. The Lord Sri Mahadeshwara’s miracles are beautifully sung by the village folk in Janapada Style

• B R Hills Sanctuary

Located 90 k m from Mysore and 230 kms from Bangalore, the Biligiri hill are exquisitely situated between the Kapila and the Cauvery rivers. Placed at a height of 5091 feet above sea level, the B.R Hill Sanctuary lengthen to about 16 kms from North to South. Completely engulfed by the deciduous trees, the wild species are found roaming freely amidst the long grasses

• Nugu Reservoir

Nearest petrol pump

Gundlupet, Nearest Petrol Pump and Service Station, Banks, Hospital is in Gundlupet, which is 20 kms from the guesthouse.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**100

• **Nearest Hospital:**Hospital is in Gundlupet.

• Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Bandipur

October to May is the best time for wildlife viewing. During the dry months (February to May), animals congregate around water sources, making sightings more frequent. The sanctuary is closed during the monsoon (July to September). December to February offers pleasant weather for safaris.

Timings & opening hours

Safari timings: Morning safari 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, Evening safari 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM (timings vary by season). The sanctuary is typically closed during the monsoon season (July to September) for breeding and forest regeneration.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: ₹50-₹100 for Indian nationals, ₹400-₹600 for foreign nationals. Safari vehicle charges: ₹600-₹2000 for a shared gypsy or bus safari. Guide fee may be additional. Camera fee: ₹50 for still, ₹200 for video. All fees are subject to change.

Duration needed

A typical safari lasts 2-3 hours. One safari is sufficient for a basic experience, but staying overnight and taking both morning and evening safaris increases wildlife sighting opportunities significantly.

Safety tips

Stay inside the safari vehicle at all times. Do not get out of the vehicle inside the sanctuary. Do not feed or tease animals. Maintain silence for better wildlife viewing. Wear earth-toned clothing. No smoking or littering inside the forest. Follow the guide’s instructions at all times.

Things to carry

Binoculars for wildlife viewing, camera with zoom lens, water bottles, hat/cap, sunscreen, insect repellent, light snacks, and identification documents for safari booking. Wear earth-toned clothing — avoid bright colours.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station varies by sanctuary location — typically Mysore, Shimoga, or Hubli. Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Mysore Airport (MYQ), or Hubli Airport (HBX). KSRTC buses connect nearby cities to the sanctuary approach road.

Things to do at Bandipur

Take guided jungle safaris to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Elephant safaris are available at some sanctuaries. Bird watching — Karnataka’s sanctuaries are home to hundreds of bird species. Nature walks with forest guides (in permitted areas). Visit interpretation centres to learn about local ecology.

Things to visit & highlights

The main wildlife viewing areas where tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and other mammals are commonly sighted. Watchtowers and waterholes offer concentrated wildlife viewing. The sanctuary entrance has interpretation centres. Nearby reservoirs attract birds and animals.

Frequently asked questions

What animals can I see? Karnataka sanctuaries are home to tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species. Sightings depend on season, time of day, and luck.

How do I book a safari? Safaris can be booked online through the Karnataka Forest Department website or at the sanctuary entrance. Advance booking is recommended during peak season.

Is the sanctuary open year-round? Most sanctuaries close during the monsoon (July-September) for breeding season. The best wildlife viewing is from October to May.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: National Parks

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Bandipur

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Bandipur on popular travel photography sites and social media.