Bandipur National Park

Located about 80 km South of Mysore, Bandipur National Park is one of the best tiger reserves in the country and a prominent national park in Karnataka. It is separated from Nagarahole National Park by the Kabini reservoir, but is otherwise contiguous with it, as well as with Mudumalai and Wayanad sanctuaries, together constituting the 6000 sq km Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve. It is basically located at the confluence of three states. At the last count, there were over 75 tigers and more than 3000 elephants in this park, so sightings are fairly common in this area. With the beautiful mist covered Nilgiris in the background, this park is known for its scenic beauty. The best way to appreciate it is through a jungle safari, preferably at dawn. This National Park was formed by including most of the forest areas of the then Venugopala Wildlife Park. This reserve was brought under Project Tiger in 1973. The Bandipur National Park is located at the confluence of Western and Eastern Ghats, serving as a central link in the seasonal migration of elephants from Mudumalai Sanctuary and Satyamangalam forest division in the east and south east to Nagarahole National Park and Wynad Sanctuary in the west and North West. The Park is a significant component of 5500 sq.km ‘Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve’ which is one of the largest conservation areas in India. It supports a very high density of elephant population with significant number of adult tuskers.
The park is one of the richest wildlife areas in India, being particularly noted for its intact assemblage of seven large angulate species (muntjac, chital, sambar, chousingha, gaur, wildpig and elephant) and three large predatory carnivores – tiger, leopard and dholes. The area is supporting a very high ratio of predator and prey species. The government provides cottages and dormitories for those who wish to have a memorable Bandipur National Park stay. Bandipur National Park safari timings are from 8:30 AM to 12:15 PM and 4 PM to 7 PM. Stuffed with a wide range of beautiful wildlife and multitudes of teak and sandalwood trees; this is the first Biosphere Reserve of the country as well as the site chosen for the Project Tiger. Situated in Nilgiris, this area is blessed with a unique natural beauty. The entry point and interpretation centre of the park is located in Bandipur village on the highway after Melkamanahalli village. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the park and one has to hire safari jeeps from the jungle safari organisers located around the forest. The best time to be in Bandipur National Park is from June to October.