Bandipur National Park

Fact File
» Location from major cities : Bangalore (220 kms), Mysore (80 kms)

» Known for : Asian Elephants, Gaur

» Climate & the best time to visit : The climatic conditions in the area are moderate. Summers are warm and comfortable with temperature in the range of 24- 28°C. Winters are short with temperatures hovers around the 19°C mark during this season.Monsoon is erratic, but it generally rains from June to September. The best time to visit Bandipur is between the months of April and October.


The Park
Bandipur National Park is situated in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. Infact, the park is located at the point where the Deccan Plateau rises to meet the wrinkled folds of the Western Ghat mountains. A moderate climate, unique geographical features and the presence of a diverse variety of flora makes Bandipur a veritable paradise for wildlife. In 1973, Bandipur became one of the first of India's Tiger Reserves Only a year later, Bandipur was elevated to the status of a National Park. The national park is Karnataka's best wildlife attraction.


Attractions in the Park
» Flora : The vegetation of Bandipur is a combination of open dry deciduous jungles and tropical mixed deciduous forests. Towards the eastern limits of the park, there is a dense cover of bushes and open grassy belts. An enormous diversity of flora also makes Bandipur an ideal habitat for many different animal species.

» Fauna : Depending on the floral composition, different animals have made different parts of the sanctuary their permanent habitat. Some of the many animals found in Bandipur are Bonner Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Dhole, Smooth-coated Otter, Common Palm Civet, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Jungle Cat, Tiger, Wild Boar, Chital, Gaur, Indian Palm Squirrel, Golden Jackal, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyaena, Rusty-spotted Cat, Nilgiri Tahr Indian Porcupine, Hanuman Langur, Bengal Fox, Elephant, Antelope, Indian Pangolin and Hispid Hare.

» Avifauna : The main bird species spotted in the deep greens of Bandipur are Ospreys, Malabar Pied Hornbills, Serpent Eagles, Shaheen Falcons, Gray Headed Firhings, Crested Hawk Eagles, Pea Fowl, Honey Buzzards, King Vultures, Hill Mynas, Malabar Trogon, Black Woodpeckers, Gray Partridges, Indian Pittas, Cormorants, Paradise Flycatchers, Teals, Ducks, Herons, Waders, Red Spur Fowl, Gray Jungle Fowl, Quails, Ibis, Cuckoo, Plover, Blue Bearded Bee-Eaters, Lesser Coucals, Scarlet Minivets, Parakeets, Fairy Blue Birds, Malabar Whistling Thrushes, Scimitar Babblers, Green Imperial Pigeons, Owls and Nightjars.


Other Places to Visit
» Mysore : The historic city of Mysore is not far away from the national park. Ruled with great pride by the likes of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, a number of legacies belonging to that period could be seen in Mysore. Apart from the magnificent Mysore Palace, the chief attraction of the place, Mysore also has many ancient Hindu temples and a few monuments built by the British. The Dussehra celebrations of Mysore is famous all over the world.


How To Reach
» By Air : The nearest landing facility is located at Bangalore which is 220 kms away from the national park. Flights are available from all major national destinations.

» By Rail : The railway stations nearest to the national park are Udhagamandalam (narrow gauge) and Mysore (broad gauge). Mysore is a more convenient railhead with trains coming from many places of India.

» By Road : Bandipur National park falls on the Mysore-Ooty highway. The road conditions are good and the park can easily be accessed.