From Bandipur to Nagarhole: Top Wildlife Safaris in Karnataka’s National Parks

Overview 

Karnataka’s National Parks are one of the prime tourist spots. Karnataka has so many natural wanderers including verdant forests and large plains. These national parks are home to diverse flora and fauna, offering tourists a chance to spot them in their natural habitat. A few famous parks of Karnataka are Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Bannerghatta National Park, Kabini National Park, Kudremukh National Park, and Mudumalai National Park. Each park has its unique charm and they are known for their rich biodiversity, wildlife safaris, and other outdoor activities. Get ready for a memorable journey of discovering these wonderful national parks that enhance the beauty of Karnataka. 

Top National Parks in Karnataka

1. Bandipur National Park 

This National Park in Karnataka’s Chamarajnagar district is one of the largest and oldest national parks that covers an area of over 912.04 square kilometres. This park was established in 1974 and in earlier times the park used to be a private hunting ground of Mysore’s Maharajas. Today the park has become a popular tourist spot that provides shelter to more than 70 tigers and other animals such as Indian Elephants, Sloth Bear, spotted deer, gaurs, antelopes, and many others. The lush green forests of Bandipur National Park have several trees like rosewood, teak, Sandalwood, Indian laurel, and timber. These forests and lush green trees and shrubs provide a perfect habitat for the animals of the park. A wildlife Safari through the park allows visitors to explore the different sections of park and have closer encounter with wildlife. 

2. Nagarhole National Park

With beautiful streams, dense forests, picturesque valleys, rolling hills, and waterfalls, Nagarhole National Park is in Karnataka’s Kodagu district. The park is home to many animals including elephants, gaur, tigers, Indian leopards, sloth bears, deer, and striped hyenas. Established in 1988, the park offers a thrilling and exciting jeep safari experience that takes you deeper into the jungle where endangered and elusive animals can be seen roaming around the park freely. There are three types of safaris available at Nagarhole National Park, boat safari, jeep safari, and bus safari. 

3. Bannerghatta National Park

If you are looking for interesting places to visit in Karnataka for a thrilling safari adventure, then Bannerghatta National Park is probably the right spot for you. Visitors can hire a car, bus, or jeep for a safari tour and explore the park’s area which is spread across 104 square kilometers. The park has many zones and attractions like the aquarium, butterfly park, zoo, children’s park, and crocodile farm. Situated on Bangalore's outskirts, Bannerghatta National Park is the most visited tourist spot in Karnataka. This National Park was declared a biological reserve in 2002 and it has become the only place where you can get to spot wildlife closer to the city. 

4. Kabini National Park

Kabini National Park is a true wildlife paradise. This forest gets its name from the beautiful river Kabini which connects three National Parks – Bandipur, Nagarhole, and Mudumalai. Kabini National Park has a great history, in earlier times this place used to be the private hunting ground for maharajas of Mysore and today it has been transformed into a beautiful wildlife haven. Kabini is famous for its jeep and boat safaris that take you deeper into the forests of this region. With the jeep safari, you can feel the thrill and explore the deep jungle area. Some lucky visitors might get a chance to spot endangered and elusive species along with the normal ones. The boat safari in Kabini is a very unique experience and during this, you can spot water birds and crocodiles on the river banks. If you are a nature lover who loves serene getaways and wildlife the Kabini National Park is one of the ideal places to visit. 

5. Kudremukh National Park

Nestled in Western Ghat’s Kudremukh Mountain range, the Kudremukh National Park is one of the most charming National Parks in this region. The park is adorned with scenic waterfalls, lush green forests, and rich fauna including wild dogs, tigers, lion-tailed macaques, common langurs, leopards, Malabar giant squirrels, sloth bears, and many more. A safari through this park will let visitors explore all the areas and enjoy the scenic beauty while watching animals playing and hunting in their natural Habitat. Kudremukh National Park also has some beautiful trekking trails for the adventure junkies out there. 

6. Mudumalai National Park

Mudumalai National Park in Karnataka is well known for its population of tigers and elephants. Covering a total area of over 321 square kilometres, this fascinating national park shares its border with Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Mudumalai National Park is home to numerous wildlife species including elephants, tigers, Indian leopards, gaur, and Royal Bengal Tigers. This park offers a great safari experience along with a unique elephant safari. This elephant safari provides a closer encounter with the nature and wildlife of Mudumalai National Park. So if you are a nature lover who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of busy city life and immerse in the beauty of nature. The most suitable time to visit this park is between October to February. 

Conclusion 

So, which of these National Parks fascinates you the most? Plan a trip to Karnataka, explore these national parks and find out why these parks are called the gems of this region. Embark on the wildlife safari through the heart of nature and wild and live an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to share your wonderful experience with us after your trip. Have a safe safari!