Bandipur National Park is one of India’s most important tiger reserves and a key part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Located in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, it lies along the Mysore–Ooty highway and covers around 870+ sq km of protected forest.
It was once the private hunting ground of the Mysore Maharajas and was later declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1974. Today, it is famous for its healthy population of tigers, elephants, leopards, gaurs, and deer species.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Bandipur National Park |
| State | Karnataka |
| District | Chamarajanagar |
| Established | 1974 (Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger) |
| Total Area | Approx. 874 sq. km |
| Forest Type | Dry deciduous forest, moist deciduous forest, scrublands |
| Famous For | Tigers, elephants, wildlife safaris |
| Part of | Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve |
| Nearby Wildlife Parks | Nagarhole National Park, Mudumalai National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Main Animals | Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Deer |
| Bird Species | Over 200 species |
| Safari Types | Bus Safari, Jeep Safari |
| Safari Timings | Morning: 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM; Evening: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Entry Fee (Indian) | ₹80 – ₹250 approx. |
| Entry Fee (Foreigner) | ₹700+ approx. |
| Bus Safari Price | ₹300 – ₹400 approx. per person |
| Jeep Safari Price | ₹3,000 – ₹7,000 approx. per vehicle |
| Camera Charges | ₹100 – ₹300 approx. |
| Best Time to Visit | October to May |
| Monsoon Season | June to September |
| Nearest Town | Gundlupet |
| Distance from Mysore | Approx. 80 km |
| Distance from Bangalore | Approx. 220–240 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Mysore Junction |
| Nearest Airport | Mysore Airport / Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru |
| Main Highway Access | NH-766 (Mysore–Ooty Highway) |
| Online Booking | Available |
| Official Booking Website | https://bandipurtigerreserve.in |
| Accommodation | Forest lodges, resorts, eco-stays nearby |
| Facilities | Parking, safari booking counter, guides, rest areas, food stalls |
| Major Attractions | Tiger sightings, elephant herds, forest landscapes, birdwatching |
| Nearby Attraction | Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta |
| Entry Restrictions | No plastic, no loud noise, no getting out during safari |
| Night Traffic Rule | Night vehicle movement restricted on forest highway |
| Ideal Visit Duration | 1–2 days |
| Suitable For | Wildlife lovers, photographers, families, nature travelers |
| Address | Bandipur National Park, Gundlupet Taluk, Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka – 571126, India |
Point of Attractions
- Tiger safari sightings in natural forest habitat
- Large herds of Asian elephants
- Indian gaur (bison) and deer species like chital and sambar
- Birdwatching with over 200+ species
- Scenic drives through dry deciduous forests and Western Ghats foothills
- Moyar River and surrounding waterholes attracting wildlife
- Nearby viewpoint: Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta hill temple
Facilities
- Forest department safari booking counter
- Bus safari and jeep safari services
- Interpretation centre with wildlife exhibits
- Rest areas near park entrance
- Government forest lodges and eco-resorts nearby
- Parking facilities at safari entry points
- Guided safari with trained forest guides
- Basic food stalls near entrance zone
Best in the Zoo (Wildlife Highlights)
Bandipur is best known for its wild animals in natural habitat (not a zoo, but a national park experience):
- Bengal Tiger (flagship species)
- Asian Elephant (large herds frequently seen)
- Indian Leopard
- Indian Gaur (largest wild cattle)
- Sloth Bear
- Spotted Deer (Chital)
- Sambar Deer
- Wild Boar
- Dhole (Wild Dogs)
- Rich birdlife including hornbills, eagles, and jungle fowl
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