Top Activities to Experience in Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park is known for being a haven for tigers. The royal Bengal tiger, the apex predator, is found here, 173 in total. This makes sighting a tiger on your wildlife safari a high possibility. Apart from tigers, leopards, black panthers, Asian elephants, gaurs, reptiles, and bird species are also found in Bandipur Forest. This variety in wilderness makes Bandipur National Park one of the best forests to explore. It is ideal for all—a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, and an adventure seeker as well. It offers a memorable experience for all. To make your trip here more exciting, try the following activities here too. Let’s check it out below. 

The best activities to experience at Bandipur National Park.

Wildlife Safari

One of the best things to experience at Bandipur National Park is the wildlife safari. Home to various species of animals like leopards, tigers, Indian elephants, and bird species, it offers visitors a chance to observe animals in their natural habitat. There are three types of safaris happening in Bandipur: jeep, bus, and canter safaris. The safaris are conducted in well-maintained vehicles with expert guides taking you to spots where chances of animal sightings are high. 

The safaris take place twice—morning and evening, both ideal times to spot predators who go on a hunt during this time. Apart from the rainy season or due to unforeseen circumstances changing the timings of the safari, they usually happen at the same time every day. The safari is ideal for spotting wild animals and birds.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching is another one of the activities to indulge in in Bandipur. There are over 270 species of birds, offering incredible opportunities for observing both migratory and resident bird species. The diverse terrain, ranging from deciduous grasslands to wetlands to forests, supports a wide variety of species of birds. 

Raptors like hawks, owls, and eagles—crested serpent eagles and Shikras.

Waterfowl like egrets, storks, and cormorants are also found near the water bodies here.

Songbirds like flycatchers, barbets, babblers, and others enhance the melodic atmosphere of the park.

Junglefowl and peafowl are also found here, adding colors to the landscape.

Both experienced and newbie players will enjoy this activity as it is a serene activity allowing you to have the most fun.

Nature hiking and treks

Bandipur National Park is known for its beautiful hills, landscapes, and diverse terrains. Thus, it makes for a perfect destination ideal for trekking enthusiasts. As you explore the park on foot, it provides a more intimate and immersive way of experiencing the natural diversity and beauty. There are many trails to choose from, like:

Gopalaswamy Betta Trek: This leads to the popular Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta hill, offering a stunning view of the park and the surroundings.

Forest Trails: It is a shorter trek via the dense deciduous forests with better opportunities to spot the wildlife and observe the local flora.

Grasslands and riverbanks: Hiking trails near the riverbanks or the expansive grasslands do offer chances for observing a variety of ecosystems.

Trekking via Bandipur is known as the best for nature and photography lovers wanting to enjoy a mix of fresh air, exploration, and adventure. 

Photography

Bandipur National Park is a beautiful destination for photographers due to its diverse wildlife, vibrant ecosystems, and dramatic landscapes. Every moment in this park is a picture-perfect opportunity, especially during the golden hours of sunset and sunrise. They provide the best lighting for not just photography but also capturing the park’s natural beauty and the animals in a beautiful way. A few tips for the photographers:

 Apart from clicking the apex predator, the Bengal tiger, you will get the opportunity to click the photo of the elusive black panther here. 

The scenic landscape, from the dense forests to the hilly terrain to the park to the waterfalls, has so much beauty to capture.

Do not use flash while taking photographs; it alerts and disturbs the animals. Moreover, it can lead the animals to attack you as well.

Use a strong zoom lens to ensure you can capture even the minute details.

Head to the nearby waterfalls.

The area surrounding Bandipur National Park has beautiful waterfalls offering a perfect escape for photographers and nature lovers. The scenic waterfalls are easy to access from the park, and these are ideal for having a serene picnic and just relaxing. The best waterfalls near Bandipur include Chunchi Falls and Moyal Waterfalls. The latter is beautiful, and the cascading water is a sight to behold. Relaxing along with the soothing sound of water falling down is simply the best.

Camping and stargazing

Away from the hustle of urban areas, Bandipur also offers you a beautiful opportunity to camp in nature. There are many camping sites in Bandipur where you can have a bonfire and relax. The clear skies at these campsites provide you with an opportunity to see planets, constellations, and celestial phenomena. The minimal light disturbances and the night sky offer a magical experience. To experience the full bliss, head to the campsite during the winter months.

Head for a village visit.

Sure, Bandipur National Park is the most popular excursion to do here. But the nearby villages are magical and offer distinctive cultural insight into the lives of the local population here. Visitors also engage in cultural tours allowing them to connect with local customs and traditions. You can also explore the local handicrafts, try the traditional food, and visit the rural markets as you connect with the people here. 

Concluding

Bandipur National Park offers many activities catering to adventure seekers, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. From enjoying the wildlife safari to exploring the animals here to watching the waterfalls cascade down from a great height to camping under the stars, every experience here is unimaginable.