Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Bandipur National Park

Overview

Bandipur National Park in Karnataka is a haven for nature and wildlife lovers. Established in 1974 as a tiger reserve, it is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Bandipur National Park covers an area of over 874 square kilometers and shares its borders with the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The park is well-known for its wide range of flora and fauna, making it one of India's most loved wildlife destinations.
In this blog, you will learn about the rich culture, history, and wildlife heritage of Bandipur and why this place is a must-visit for all nature and wildlife enthusiasts. 

Bandipur National Park’s History 

Established in 1973, Bandipur National Park is one of the most well-managed and beautiful national parks in India. This Famous National Park which covers an area of oeuvre 874 square kilometres was a private hunting ground for Mysore’s Maharajas in earlier times. Today this national park has become an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which also includes some other national parks like Nagarhole of Karnataka, Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu, and Wayanad of Kerala. These connected national parks provide a large area to animals allowing a free movement. The dense forests and shrublands of Bandipur National Park provide a perfect natural Habitat for its inhabitants. 

Things to Do at Bandipur National Park 

Bandipur National Park has so many things to offer its visitors, allowing them to enjoy their trip and keep Themselves busy. 

1. Wildlife Safari

Jeep Safari in Bandipur lets visitors have closer views of wildlife and explore the dense forest in search of elusive elephants and tigers. Usually, the timings of the safari are during the morning or evening because animals are most active during these time slots. Large groups of visitors can also go on bus safaris. These buses run on specific trails and are ideal for animal sightings and birdwatching. 

2. Birdwatching 

Bandipur is a bird lover’s paradise and has more than 200 bird species including the Indian Roller, Crested Hawk Eagle, White-Breasted Kingfisher, and peacocks. You can visit during morning or evening safaris and capture these colourful birds with your camera.  

3. Trek to Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta

The Himavad Gopalaswamy hill is located inside the Bandipur National Park and the trek to its summit takes you to the highest point of the park. From here you can have a stunning bird’s eye view of the surroundings. There is a Himavad Gopalaswamy temple on the top of this hill that attracts spirituality seekers. This is an easy trek which makes it suitable for all visitors. 

4. Photography Tours

Bandipur is an ideal place for nature and wildlife photography. Some Photo safari tours are also available at the park during this safari you can capture stunning park animals and picturesque surroundings. 

Bandipur National Park Timings and Entry Charges

Bandipur National Park can be visited at any time of the year and offers wildlife safaris every day. These safaris are designed to let tourists explore the park’s flora and fauna safely. There are generally two slots for these safaris, morning and evening. 

The timings of the morning safari are between 6:30 to 9:30 AM and this time is preferred by the wildlife junkies. Animals are most active during this time slot offering the best wildlife sighting experience. You can also capture the best pictures in the soft light of morning. 

The late afternoon safari takes place between 3:30 to 5:30 PM. This time is perfect for having clear views of the animals as they come out of their shelter after the midday heat. In the evening you can see wildlife and landscapes of the park from a different perspective. 

Best Time to Visit Bandipur National Park 

The best time to visit Bandipur National Park depends on the type of experience you seek and which season you want to experience. Generally, the best time to visit the Bandipur National Park is during the winter season, between October to February. The weather during this time is pleasant and the temperature ranges from 10 to 30 degrees Celsius. The clear skies during this season offer clear visibility. 

Summer season is also great for planning a trip to Bandipur National Park but the weather can be hot and humid and the temperature rises to 36 degrees Celsius. Wildlife sighting experience is great during this season, animals can be seen near the water sources, and less crowd enhances the entire experience. However, hot and humid weather can be a problem for some visitors. 

Bandipur receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which makes the park inaccessible and it is closed to visitors. But this season is perfect for witnessing the lush greenery of this region. 

How to Reach 

By Air: Mysore Airport is the closest to Bandipur National Park and the total distance between these places is around 80 kilometers. Mysore airport does not operate many flights, so the alternative for this airport is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore. Bangalore is just 220 km away from Bandipur, well connected to major domestic and international cities and states. One can hire a taxi or take public transport from the airport to get to the national park. 

By Train: The closest Railway head to Bandipur National Park is Mysore Junction located around 80 to 35 km away. Mysore is very well-connected to other cities in Karnataka including Bangalore. From Mysore, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bandipur. 

By Road: Bandipur is very well connected by road from other cities in Karnataka. You can easily reach here from nearby cities like Bangalore, Mysore, Coorg, Ooty, etc. The distance of Bandipur from Nearby cities is – 232 km from Bangalore, 80 Km from Mysore, and 48 km from Ooty. 

Conclusion 

Bandipur National Park promises a memorable adventure, offering great wildlife sighting opportunities and a chance to immerse in the surreal beauty of nature. Known for being the top wildlife reserve and sanctuary, Bandipur National Park is a must-visit for all nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Bandipur will give you some of the best memories to cherish forever. So, are you ready to live an unforgettable experience? Book your Bandipur National Park Safari Tour Package now and embark on a journey to discover the magic.