The Call of the Wild: Why Karnataka’s National Parks Are a Must-Visit

Overview 

Located in the western ghats, the National Parks of Karnataka are a must-visit for all nature and wildlife enthusiasts. These national parks serve as home to some rare and exotic flora and fauna. With pleasant and calm weather these national parks are surrounded by lush greenery, making them a perfect home for animals and birds. Some of the well-known wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of Karnataka are Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole Tiger Reserve,  Mudumalai National Park, Bannerghatta National Park, Kudremukh National Park, and a few others. These are some of the rich and unspoiled places where you can see wildlife roaming around freely as they should. In this blog, you will get to learn more about these national parks and why they are a must-visit. 

A Must-Visit National Park of Karnataka 

1. Bandipur National Park

The Bandipur National Park in Karnataka is one of the largest and oldest national parks, covering an area of over 860 square kilometers. In 1973, the park became a tiger reserve and once it was the private hunting ground of Mysore’s maharajas. Bandipur National Park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and here you will see a wide variety of endangered animals like deer, sloth bears, elephants, hornbills, pythons, panthers, and many more. Being a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Bandipur National Park becomes a neighbor to other national parks like Nagarhole and Wayanad. This park is a must-visit for people who love wildlife and want to experience the best wildlife safari of their lifetime. 

2. Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka is considered the gateway to one of the most exciting and thrilling wildlife experiences in south India. This beautiful national park covers a total area of around 640 square kilometers and boasts a wide range of flora and fauna, it is home to many endangered and elusive animal species. This beautiful national park is situated between Karnataka’s Kodagu and Mysore district. A must-visit for nature lovers, this national park has rolling hills, picturesque streams, and beautiful valleys. Nagarhole National Park serves as a home to over 250 bird species and people visiting the park should be ready for unexpected encounters with sambar deer, leopard, mugger crocodile, Asian palm civet, Russell's viper, and a few other species. 

3. Mudumalai National Park

Situated near Nilgiri, Mudumalai National Park shares its border with kerala and karnataka. This national park was declared a tiger reserve in 1986, and today it is home to more than 103 tigers. Mudumalai National Park covers a total area of 367 square kilometres and this national park has almost 500 plant species including deciduous forests, grasslands, and teak forests. Visitors can also spot over 250 species of birds and 38 aquatic species This is one of the best national parks near Nilgiri and it attracts many nature lovers, wildlife junkies, and birdwatchers from all over the country. 

4. Bannerghatta National Park

The Bannerghatta National Park near Bangalore is a must-visit for trekking and hiking enthusiasts. This park occupies a total area of over 260 square kilometres and it a designed so beautifully that visitors can explore the rich wildlife without disturbing the inhabitants. This National Park also includes the first-ever butterfly park in India including other attractions and zones like a zoo, crocodile park, and snake park. Visitors are attracted to its beauty and different zones providing a unique wildlife experience. You can also go on a jungle safari to explore the deeper areas of the national park and spot endangered and elusive animals at the park. 

5. Kudremukh National Park

The Kudremukh National Park is one of the most beautiful and captivating national parks in Karnataka. Here visitors will come across some beautiful waterfalls like Kadambi and Hanuman Gundi. Scenic trails, dense forests, and rich flora and fauna of this park also attract thousands of trekking and hiking enthusiasts from all over the country. This is Karnataka's one of the most preserved National parks it is also known for birdwatching opportunities. In 1987, it was designated as a national park and it covers a total area of over 600 square kilometers. There is so much to experience at the park including towering peaks, flora and fauna of the park, natural beauty, and scenic trekking routes. Kudremukh National Park is a must-visit for all adventure and nature lovers who wish to live an experience that combines both. 

6. Anshi National Park 

Being a part of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctury, the Anshi National Park covers a total area of over 500 square kilometres. This is Karnataka’s famous tiger reserve which is now known as Kali Tiger Reserve. With its rich biodiversity and the picturesque beauty of India’s western ghats, this national park has become a must-visit for animals and nature lovers. Numerous wild animals, herbs, endemic birds, reptiles, and shrubs have made this park their home. The park overlooks the beautiful Kali River and its topography includes dense forests and deep valleys. The most suitable time to visit this national park is between October and January. 

7. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

The Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Coorg got its name from the famous Brahmagiri Park and the sanctuary covers a total area of over 181 square kilometres. This park’s primary vegetation includes shoal forest patches, semi-evergreen and evergreen forests, and bamboo. This wildlife sanctuary was established in 1974 and here you will find yourself surrounded by plantations of cardamom and coffee. You can go for a trek in the wildlife sanctuary and have a closer look at the small plants and animals present here. 

Conclusion 

That’s all about why Karnataka's national parks are a must-visit. This beautiful state is covered with lush green surroundings and has something for everyone. Plan a trip to Karnataka with your loved ones, friends, or family and enjoy the spectacular beauty of these national parks, while you create some unforgettable memories to take back home and cherish forever. Choose the best national park according to the type of experience you seek and embark on an unforgettable adventure of your lifetime.