Top 8 Must-Visit National Parks in Karnataka for Wildlife Enthusiasts

Karnataka is a paradise for wildlife lovers due to the many wildlife national parks, bird sanctuaries, and wildlife sanctuaries there are. From adventurers who can enjoy the different safaris here to photographers looking to capture the beauty of the wild animals here. Karnataka has native deer and elephants, but it is also home to white tigers, black panthers, Royal Bengal tigers, and the elusive leopards. The diverse landscape here means that 25% of elephants and 15% of tigers are found here. The natural and dense national parks of Karnataka make the perfect mini vacation for all. Here are the top 8 must-visit national parks in Karnataka for wildlife enthusiasts.

Bannerghatta National Park 

Bannerghatta National Park, one of the most famous national parks in Karnataka, is only 22 km from Bangalore. It is a must-visit place for most Bangolerans. The national park spans over 25,000 acres, with the park consisting of 10 reserves. These reserves are a zoo, the main nature reserve, a snake park, a safari park, a crocodile park, a butterfly park, an aquarium, a children’s park, and more. The grand safari here is the major attraction. It is one hour long and exposes you to many animals of the wild, like the white tigers, lions, leopards, Royal Bengal tigers, and more. You can also witness many birds here, as it is a paradise for both local and migratory birds.  

• Location: Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Entry fee: INR 80 (adult), INR 40 (child), INR 40 (senior citizen)
• Safari charges: 

Bus: INR 200 (non-AC), INR 500 (AC)

Jeep: INR 2,500 per person

Boating: INR 60 per person

Grand Safari: INR 260 pp (adult), INR 130 pp (child), and INR 400 pp (international tourist).

Nagarhole National Park 

A beautiful and important national park in Karnataka, Nagarhole became a national park in 1988, and in 1999, it became the 37th park to be part of Project Tiger. Combined with Bandipur and other parks, it is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and wildlife enthusiasts love to witness the small streams, rich forest covers, waterfalls, valleys, and hills. It is famous for its massive population of tigers, but you will also find other animals here like sambar deer, four-horned antelopes, hyenas, sloth bears, wild dogs, and leopards. There are also about 250 species of birds here. All this makes Nagarhole a must-visit national park for all. A unique thing to do here includes the coracle ride on the Kabini River. 

• Location: Madikeri Road, Hunsur, Karnataka 571201
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Entry Fee & Bus Safari: INR 300 per Indian and INR 1200 per foreigner 

Bandipur National Park 

Bandipur National Park is the topmost park in Karnataka and is a prominent habitat of the Royal Bengal tigers. It is home to over 170 tigers and 3000 Asian elephants. The other wildlife here includes sloth bears, dhole, gaur, leopards, and many varieties of birds. The national park is also part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. You cannot take your private vehicle after a certain point and inside the park. You can, however, book a private jeep safari to explore the flora and fauna here.  

• Location: NH 67, Hangala Village, Gundlupet Taluk, Chamarajanagar District, Bandipur, Karnataka.
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Safari charges:

Bus: Price: INR 850/seat (Indian), INR 2,500/seat (foreign nationals)

Jeep: NR 8,500 (Upto 3 pax), INR 10,000 (Upto 5 pax), and INR 12,000 (Upto 8 pax)

Canter: INR 3,500/seat (Indian), INR 4,700/seat (foreign nationals)

Mudumalai National Park

Another national park known for its massive share of tigers and elephants, Mudumalai National Park is a protected reserve. It shares boundaries with the states of Kerala and Karnataka. It is situated in the northeast region of the Nilgiris and is a tiger reserve. It spans over 321 km and is known for its varied wildlife, including Indian leopards, flying lizards, spectacled cobras, white-rumped vultures, monitor lizards, and more. 

• Location: Northwestern Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains), Nilgiri District, Tamil Nadu
• Best time to visit: October to May
• Safari charges:

Jeep vehicle: INR 4000. Entry fee: INR 50 per person 

Van: INR 350 per person

Kudremukh National Park

Kudremukh National Park is known for its peacefulness and greenery. Here you can enjoy a thrilling encounter as you trek to the highest peak—Kudremukh. The name of the same comes from the peak shaped like a horse. The national park is home to many wild animals like wild dogs, sloth bears, tigers, leopards, and Malabar giant squirrels. Here you will also see over 200 species of birds, making birdwatching a massive attraction here. 

• Location: Mudigere Taluk, Chikmagalur district, Karnataka, India
• Best time to visit: December to February
• Safari charges: INR 200 for Indians, INR 1000 for foreign nationals

Anshi National Park

Anshi National Park, renamed as ‘Anshi National Park,’ is a beautiful wildlife-protected reserve near River Kali. Though you will find a massive number of tigers here, just like in other parks, what sets it apart is the plethora of activities it has. For instance, you can go trekking, do safari tours, mountain biking, coracle boat rides, cycling, and more. All of this is perfect for all adventurous lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is also home to the rare black panther.

• Location: Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka
• Best time to visit: October to April
• Safari charges: INR 450 per person

Kabini National Park

Kabini National Park is another tiger reserve in Karnataka situated near the Kabini River. It spans over 55 acres of land and is known for its varied range of flora and fauna. It is just 80 km from Mysore, and it is known for leopard spotting and the rare Black Panther, ‘Saya.’ The other animals you will see here include crocodiles, cobras, and pythons. There are also many species of birds found in Kabini, which you can explore in two slots: morning and evening.

• Location:
• Best time to visit: October to February
• Safari charges:

Jeep: INR 2800

River safari: INR 500 per person