Bandipur

Overview

Bandipur National Park is one of India's premier tiger reserves and a core part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Located in the Chamarajanagar district along the Mysore-Ooty highway, it was once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Mysore. Today, it stands as a protected haven famous for its thriving populations of Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, leopards, and diverse flora set against the backdrop of the Western Ghats.

About Bandipur

Bandipur offers an immersive wildlife experience where dense dry-deciduous forests meet rolling hills. It shares contiguous borders with Nagarahole National Park, Kerala’s Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Tamil Nadu’s Mudumalai National Park, forming one of the largest protected wilderness zones in South Asia. Visitors come primarily to embark on forest safaris, spot free-roaming herds of Asian elephants, observe exotic bird species, and experience tranquil stays in jungle resorts nestled along the forest fringes.

Things To Do

• 1Take an early morning or late afternoon open-top jeep safari organized by the Karnataka Forest Department.
• 2Embark on a bus safari along official designated forest routes to spot wildlife.
• 3Enjoy birdwatching around the waterbodies within resort and forest buffer zones.
• 4Drive along the scenic Highway 766 (observe forest traffic rules and speed limits strictly).
• 5Visit the nearby Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta peak for views over the mist-covered forest reserve.
• 6Experience eco-friendly jungle stays at government or private wildlife resorts.

Top Attractions

Travel Tips

• • Book forest safaris through the official Karnataka Forest Department portal well in advance, as seats fill up quickly.
• • Adhere strictly to the night traffic ban on the highway passing through the reserve (closed to private vehicles from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM).
• • Wear neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, brown) during safaris to avoid startling wildlife.
• • Do not feed, provoke, or attempt to get out of vehicles to take photos of wild animals along the roadside.
• • Plastic usage is strictly restricted within the reserve boundaries; carry reusable containers and keep the forest clean.

Location