Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Located in Karnataka, India, where the Deccan Plateau meets the Western Ghats, Bandipur National Park is a renowned tiger reserve established in 1974 under Project Tiger. It covers an area of roughly 870-912 sq km and forms a crucial part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India's largest protected forest area, along with adjacent parks like Nagarhole, Mudumalai, and Wayanad.

Wildlife & Flora

Bandipur is celebrated for its rich biodiversity:

• Mammals: It boasts the second-highest tiger population in India. You might also spot Indian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, gaurs (Indian bison), dholes (wild dogs), sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), barking deer, gray langurs, Indian giant squirrels, and four-horned antelopes.

• Birds: Over 200 species call Bandipur home, including peafowl, grey junglefowl, crested serpent eagles, vultures, kingfishers, and bee-eaters.

• Reptiles: Look out for Indian rock pythons, spectacled cobras, vipers, monitor lizards, and mugger crocodiles.

• Flora: The park features diverse habitats like dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, and shrublands, with trees such as teak, rosewood, sandalwood, and bamboo.

Safari Information

Experiencing the park's wildlife is best done via safari:

• Types: Jeep, Canter (open-air bus), and Bus safaris are available.

• Timings: Safaris generally run in morning slots (starting around 6:00 AM - 6:30 AM and ending by 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM) and evening slots (starting around 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM and ending by 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM). Specific timings can vary slightly.

• Booking: It's highly recommended to book safaris online in advance, especially during peak season, via the official website. Tickets might be available on the spot but are subject to availability.

• Cost: Prices vary based on the vehicle type (Bus is generally the most economical per person) and nationality (different rates for Indian and foreign nationals). Camera fees may also apply for certain equipment.

• Official Website: For bookings and current information, visit the Bandipur Tiger Reserve website.

Best Time to Visit

• October to March: Considered the best overall time due to pleasant weather and good chances for wildlife sightings. This is also the peak tourist season.

• March to May: The summer months are hotter, but offer potentially better chances of spotting tigers and elephants near water sources.

• June to September: The monsoon season brings lush greenery but the park might be closed or safaris limited due to rain.

Getting There

Bandipur is located on the Mysore-Ooty highway.

• Nearest City: Mysore (approx. 75-80 km away).

• Nearest Airport: Mysore Airport (MYQ), though Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is larger and well-connected (approx. 220 km or a 4-hour drive away).

• Road: Accessible by road from major cities like Bengaluru and Mysore.