Bandipur - The National Park of Karnataka

Wildlife is always excited and especially for those who are nature lovers. Today we are going to discuss about one of the favorite national parks of India known as BNP (Bandipur National Park). This beautiful natural spot of Karnataka state was established in 1974. The reason for founding this park was to give protection to the Indian tigers. It is basically a tiger reserve project of Karnataka government. It is closer to famous hill station of south India known as Ooty. In ancient period this park was the private hunting place for rulers of Mysore.


I know you need the best place for your holidays, but imagine if you get a chance to watch wild animals closer then it could be the best moment of your life. Yes! This is possible with Bandipur national park as you will get the chance to watch many wild animals such as tiger, boar, bear, mangoose, dear, elephants, birds and many other animals. One thing you need to keep in mind about this park is you should book your seats for jungle safari in advance because local visitors reach this place regularly on weekends. If you plan your visit on weekends then its better to book the seat prior so that you can save by standing in long Q’s of booking. Karnataka government is giving option of online booking through registered website of Karnataka tourism. Just follow those sites for your booking.

When we talk about the area of the park it is spread in 874 sq Kms that is equal to 337 sq mi. once you reach BNP you can also attain to another big national park of India known as NNP (Nagarhole National Park) located at good distance of 643 km.

We all know there are countless national parks in India, but few of them are special and Bandipur is listed in this life of amazing green national parks. As Karnataka state is having greenery everywhere and that is the reason it is most demanding tourist place all time. Few big parks that are available at limited distance from Bandipur are MNP (Mudumalai National Park) at 320 km and WWS (Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary) at 344 km distance.


The finest feature of this park is forest department is having night safari as well. Learn the night life of jungle as this could be best but dangerous moment of your life. For night safari you have to take special permission from the administration of the BNP.


Special about BNP:
Flora: Timber trees are special attraction of the spot that include Teak, Sandalwood, and Rosewood, Indian laurel, giant clumping bamboo, Indian Kino Tree, Grewia tiliaefolia and clumping bamboo. There are many more trees that makes this jungle full of greenery and diverse flora location.

Fauna: Now when we discuss about fauna the park is having danger species such as Tigers, gaurs, muggers, sloth bears, Indian rock pythons, dholes and 4 horned antelopes.


Mammals: The available mammals in this jungle are gray langur, chital, giant squirrels and elephants. According to survey conducted in 1997 the list was prepared about the quantity of mammals available in this jungle.

As per records prepared after survey in 1997 there were 75 Tigers, 88 Leopards, 3471 Indian Elephants, 2427 Gaurs, 181 Dhole, 8204 Chital, 2386 Sambar, 66 Sloth bear, 14 Four-horned antelope, 1851 Gray Langur and 181 Wild boar.


Bandipur is closer to Ooty hill station and because of such reason people are reaching the BNP in good volume.


Park is not open for full day and you are getting the limited time to enjoy this natural beauty spot. The general timings for park are 9 am to 6 pm. However, night safari is available at special packages. 


How to reach Bandipur?
To reach Bandipur you have to reach Gundlupet Taluq of Chamarajanagar region. Mysore is the biggest and closest city to reach Bandipur.

By Train: Closest big station for destination is Mysore. Direct trains from various cities are available for Bandipur. The average distance between BNP and Mysore is just 80 kms. Ooty is major tourist destination closer to Bandipur.

By Air: Bangalore is major air hub to reach the destination. Bangalore is properly connected to major cities of India as well as abroad cities of various nations. It is the international airport having flights from almost every corner of the world. Domestic airport of Bangalore is also connected to almost every city of India.

By Road: Get the route to Ooty from Bangalore or Mysore. Easy buses are available for your location, however getting state transport is best option if you want to reach the location at cheaper travel rates. 

 Few Best Images of Bandipur National Park