Planning a Trip to Bandipur National Park: Tips and Insights

Bandipur National Park is situated in the southern part of India and is a treasured wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, offering an exceptional opportunity for you to experience the diverse wildlife of India. The vast expanse of the dry deciduous forests, picturesque landscapes, and serene grassland makes it worth the visit. Irrespective of whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or a nature lover, Bandipur National Park will give you an unforgettable experience. Are you planning a trip to the prominent park with the massive population of tigers? If so, these valuable tips and insights will help you make your trip memorable.

About Bandipur National Park

Location

Bandipur National Park situated in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka is approximately 80 km from Mysore and almost 220 km from Bangalore. The park is an integral part of the rich biodiversity of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve including Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka and Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu. The park spanning over 874 sq km is known for its scenic beauty, rich biodiversity and diverse landscapes.

Flora and Fauna

The park is known for its massive population of Indian elephants, leopards and royal Bengal tigers. Other notable wildlife here includes chital (spotted deer), gaur (Indian Bison), sambar and sloth bears. It is a paradise for birdwatchers and is home to over 200-species of birds like Malabar whistling thrush, hawk-eagle and Indian roller. The lush forests and open grasslands creates a rich ecosystem perfect for wildlife sightings.

Best Time to Visit Bandipur National Park

The best time to visit Bandipur largely depends on your priorities—whether you want to experience wildlife sightings, enjoy the weather, or explore the landscape in peace. However, some months stand out:

• Winter

The winter season from October to February is considered the best for visiting Bandipur. The weather is pleasant and cool, making it ideal for outdoor activities and safaris. The wildlife is active during this time and sightings of elephants, tigers and other animals are common. The park is known for its lush greenery and has beautiful and clear skies.

• Summer

From March to June, it is the summer season idea for visiting Bandipur for spotting the wildlife including tigers, deers, leopards and many avian species. Due to the hot climate, the animals gather around the waterholes, making it easier to spot them. The temperatures get hot, reaching around 35°C (95°F), but since the landscape is dry with open visibility, it provides a great opportunity for safari. If you want to spot the tigers, this is the best time.

• Monsoon

July to September is the monsoon season, bringing heavy rainfall to Bandipur. This makes visiting the park and going on safari here a bit challenging. Roads also become slippery, leading to the cancellation of the safaris as there are floods and poor visibility. The monsoon season is ideal for photography as the ambiance is full of greenery and vibrancy. For wildlife sightings, monsoon is not the best time. Moreover, the park can remain closed during the monsoon, especially from June to September.

How to reach Bandipur?

Bandipur is well-connected to major cities like Bangalore and Mysore by road. Here are the most common routes:

• By Air:
• The nearest major airport to Bandipur is Mysore Airport (80 km away). However, this airport has limited flight connectivity. For more flight options, the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore (BLR) is the best choice. It is approximately 220 km away from Bandipur, and you can easily hire a taxi or use private transportation to reach the park. The journey from Bangalore typically takes 4-5 hours by road.
• By Train:
• The nearest railway station to Bandipur is Mysore Railway Station, which is about 80 km away. Mysore is well-connected to major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. From Mysore, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bandipur. The drive from Mysore to the park is scenic and takes around 2 hours.
• By Road:
• Bandipur is accessible via the Mysore-Ooty Road (NH 766) and Mysore-Sultan Bathery Road. If you are driving from Bangalore, you can take NH 44 to Mysore, and then proceed on State Highway 33 to reach the park. The roads are well-maintained, though some areas may have sharp turns, so it’s best to drive carefully. Public buses and taxis also operate between Bangalore and Mysore, making road travel a convenient option.

Types of safaris at Bandipur

The primary attraction of Bandipur National Park is its thrilling safari experience. There are a few different options for exploring the park and observing its wildlife:

• Jeep Safaris

Jeep safari is one of the most popular ways to explore the wilderness and biodiversity of Bandipur National Park. There are various safari zones where you can travel and enjoy spotting the various animals. The safaris run twice a day- early morning and early afternoon.

• Bus Safaris

Bandipur offers a beautiful bus safari for large groups or families. They are affordable, however, the experience of watching the animals is not as intimate as with a jeep safari.

• Nature Walks and Trekking

There are areas in Bandipur, where you can head for nature walks and treks. Here you can explore the flora and fauna up-close with a guide. Do remember that these nature walks are limited to a few specific areas only. 

• Canter Safari

Once a day, canter safari also runs here, it can take a lot more people to experience the wildlife of the national park.

What to expect from your Bandipur safaris?

No one can guarantee that you will see a specific animal, but the chances of spotting tigers, Indian elephants. Leopards, wild boars, gaurs and many avian species are high. The safaris are conducted early morning or early afternoon increasing your chances of seeing the animals as they are active during this time.

If you are a budding wildlife photographer, you will find Bandipur a dream come true. The stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife along with a serene backdrop make sit the perfect place to click many photos. Therefore, you should bring a good quality camera and it should have a long zoom lens ideal for capturing wildlife from a distance. Moreover, you should think about clicking the picture early morning or late afternoon as due to the light, it has the best conditions, ideal for photography.

Naturalists and guides will give the safari a knowledgeable experience as they will be able to learn about the flora and fauna along with the conservation efforts of Bandipur national park. They also know how to track the animals, making your trip memorable.

Tips and Insights to make the trip memorable

Bandipur is part of ‘Project Tiger’ initiative, playing an important role in conservation of tigers. The park also works on protecting the other wildlife species and elephants. When heading here to explore the animals on the safari, remember these tips and insights.

Respect your wildlife

It is important that you respect the wildlife there and do not try to feed the animals there. Always follow the guide’s instructions to avoid making loud noises that can disturb the wildlife.

Ensure you stay on the designated routes

The safari route has a strict route. It is important that you follow the route while respecting the boundaries of the park. It ensures your safety along with the protection of the ecosystem of the park.

Minimize waste

It is best to avoid using plastic in the park. It can lead to waste. It is better to carry any waste you produce back with you. Moreover, sustainable tourism is important as it can preserve the natural beauty of Bandipur National Park.

Always have travel insurance

It is best to purchase travel insurance covering any potential cancellations, travel delays and medical emergencies.

Carry snacks and water

The safaris are long, so it is necessary that you carry enough water with you and some healthy snacks like dry fruits, protein bars and more. However, make sure you do not feed the animals as it can lead to conflicts. 

Book the safari in advance

It is necessary to book the safaris in advance especially if going in the peak season. This will ensure you do not have to stay in line for long or be disappointed if you do not have the tickets.

Conclusion

Your trip to Bandipur National Park offers a rare opportunity to experience the wild side of India in its prime form. The diverse wildlife, exciting wildlife safari, and lush landscapes make it truly a paradise for nature lovers. Here you can go on a thrilling safari, get mesmerized by the forest’s beauty, or simply unwind amidst nature. A trip to Bandipur National Park promises you an unforgettable experience, something you will cherish forever. But ensure your exciting trip does not disrupt the home of the animals or the biodiversity here.