Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Mysore, Bandipur National Park spreads in a forested jungle of 874 square kilometers. One of the most popular wildlife reserves in the region, it is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Today, the national park is home to more than 100 species of mammals, including elephant, tiger, spotted deer, Indian bison, langur, sloth bear, mongoose, sambar, and wild dog. It is also ideal for bird watching as around 350 species of birds call Bandipur their home.
Planning a trip to the Park? Check out this Bandipur National Park travel guide provides all the information you need, including how to get there, when to visit, and entry fees.
Things to Do in Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park offers a variety of activities to make your trip more enjoyable. Here are some things that you can do in and around the park:
Safari: If you want to see wildlife more closely, be sure to take a Jeep or a Bus Safari. For a more immersive experience, you can also take an elephant safari.
Camping: If you want to create unforgettable memories, you should try camping around Bandipur National Park. You will likely see deer, elephants, dholes, bison, and birds.
Trekking: Trekking into Bandipur National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories. While trekking, you can spot a variety of wildlife. Make sure you take water bottles and a camera with you on your adventure.
Birdwatching: The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with almost 350 species of birds living here that you can see in their natural habitat.
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Best time to Visit Bandipur National Park
Winter: The winter season is the best time to visit the national park because of the pleasant weather. You can spot the wildlife roaming freely in the park during this time.
Summer: During the summer, wildlife is more likely to be spotted in the park as they roam in search of water. The shores of Pykara Lake and River Kabini are the best places to spot them. As a result, summer is also the ideal time to visit the park.
Monsoon: The park is closed during the monsoon season from June to September.
Park Timing & Entry Fee
The Bandipur National Park is open from 6 to 6:30 pm throughout the week.
For visitors to Bandipur National Park in Karnataka, the entrance fee is INR 250, and for camcorders, it is INR 200.
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Note—The timings and entry fee may vary slightly, so it is recommended that you contact our experts or park officials for the most up-to-date information.
Location
Bandipur National Park is located in Chamarajanagar district, around 72 km from Mysore.
Address: Bandipur National Park, Ooty Mysore Road, Gundlupet, Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka, 571126
How to reach Bandipur National Park?
The park is only 72 km from Mysore, and the city has a railway station, airport, and bus stop. So reaching the park is convenient for all modes of transportation.
By Air: It is the most convenient way to reach the park. Upon arrival at Mysore airport, you can take a prepaid taxi or book a cab directly to the park. You will reach the park in a maximum of 2 hours.
By Train: Mysore Junction is the nearest railway station to the park. This station is very well connected to most Indian railway stations. You can take taxis or state-run buses outside the station to reach the park.
By Road: Bandipur is well connected to all nearby cities in Karnataka and neighboring states. Many direct buses run daily from Bangalore, Mysore, and Ooty to reach the park.
Tips to Visiting Bandipur National Park
If you’re visiting the park, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
- Opt for early morning safaris for the best view.
- Don’t feed any animals in the park
- Private vehicles are not allowed inside the park.
- For pleasant weather, plan your visit between October and February.
- Keep windows closed and maintain a safe distance.
- Wear light and durable clothing.
- Adhere to the park’s regulations, avoid littering, and minimize noise.