Bandipur National Park is a beautiful forest reserve located in in Gundlupet taluq of Chamarajanagar district in the Karnataka state. Located amidst extensive forests at the confluence of the Western Ghats and Nilgiri hills on the Mysore-Ooty highway in Karnataka this is one of the oldest national parks and an important Project Tiger reserve in the country.
Bandipur National Park covers an area of 890 sq. km. Bandipur was once the private game hunting grounds of the Mysore maharajas. In 1931, a sanctuary of 90 sq. km was created in the Bandipur Reserve Forest. And in the year 1941 it was expanded to the nearby Nagarahole National Park and named as Venugopala Wildlife Park after the reigning deity of the area with total area extending over 800 sq. km. The Bandipur Tiger Reserve was established under Project Tiger in 1973 and in the year 1974 under wildlife protection act Bandipur was notified as a national Park.
Bandipur, along with Nagarhole National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Mudumalai National Park totally covers an area of 2183 sq. km. This forms the India's biggest biosphere reserve known as the 'Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve'. The main rivers of the Bandipur Reserve are Nugu, Kabini and Moyar. The Nugu River flows in the middle of the Reserve area. The Moyar River forms the southern boundary between this reserve and Madhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary while the Kabini River forms the boundary between this Reserve and Nagarhole. Apart from this there are many seasonal streams that run across the reserve.
The moderate climate and diverse geographical features of the reserve supports a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Flora
The terrain here varies from meadows and rocky hills to valleys and watercourses. Flora ranges from dry deciduous and evergreen forest covers to open grassy woodland and scrubland vegetation. Teak and rosewood trees grow in abundance here. Other commonly found trees in the Bandipur National Park are Sandalwood, Jacaranda, Mango, Jamun, Tamarind, Banyan, Pipal, Plumeria, Gulmohar, Honne, Mathi, Bamboo , Dindalu, Randia, Kooli, Kadu Tega, Tadasalu, Nelli, Bende, Nandi and other trees.
Fauna
Bandipur is considered as one of the best remaining habitats of the Asian elephants in the world. A tiger whose number has risen significantly since 1973 is another attraction here. Other wildlife species include Bonner Macaque, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar, Indian Palm Squirrel, Smooth-coated Otter, Common Palm Civet, Grizzled Indian Squirrel, Dhole- Asiatic Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Leopard Cat, Mongoose, Gaur, Lion-tailed Macaque, Leopard , Four-horned Antelope, Golden Jackal, Hyena, Indian Porcupine, Bengal Fox, Indian Pangolin, Nilgiri Langur, Chital etc.
Bandipur National Park is also home to a wide variety of bird species including many endemic ones. The most common birds here are Grey Jungle fowl, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Honey Buzzard, Red-headed Vulture, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Brown Hawk Owl, Bay Owl, Malabar Trogon, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Little Spider hunter and Plain Flower pecker.
Park is also home many reptiles like marsh crocodiles, monitor lizards, rock pythons, Russell’s vipers, cobras, rat snakes, wolf snakes, Indian python, vine snakes, common kraits, green keel backs, bamboo pit vipers, turtles, flying lizards etc.
When to Visit Bandipur National Park
Best time to visit Bandipur is from April to October. During the dry summer months the animals flock to the watering holes and this is the best time to spot animals.
Attractions
The main attraction here is the Elephant safari which is the best way to explore the flora in the jungle. Jeep safaris are also available. Gopalaswamy Betta (GS Betta) which is the highest peak in Bandipur National Park is also worth a visit. The view from the top of the hill is spectacular. Also there is a temple here dedicated to Lord Venugopala Swamy, one of the incarnations of the Hindu God Krishna.
Madumalai Wildlife sanctuary located just 12 km from here is also worth visiting. Ooty which is a picturesque hill station is located about 80 km from here is another place worth a visit. Ooty is one the most popular hill station in the south known for its scenic beauty and attracts thousands of tourists. This place is easily accessible from Bandipur.
How to Reach Bandipur National Park
The nearest airport from Bandipur is Bangalore at a distance of about 215 km. The nearest railhead is Mysore which is located at a distance of about 80 km from the Bandipur National Park. Bandipur is well connected by road to all important cities of the state and other south Indian cities.
Accommodation
There are many lodges and deluxe resorts around the Bandipur sanctuary which cater to different budgets. The forest department also maintains reasonably priced lodges, rest houses and cottages that offer comfortable accommodation.