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Overview
Bandipur National park is undoubtedly one of the well-maintained national park in India. It is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere, which includes Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole),Bandipur Wynaad, Silent Valley and Mudumaai. The forest cover at bandipur is quite dense and evergreen. The major rivers within the park are Nugu (flows in the middle of the park), Kabini (southern tip near Nagarhole) and Moyar (near Madhumalai sanctuary. Machans near Moyar are popular for sighting animals) .
Driving Directions to Bandipur:
From Bangalore: Take the Mysore Expressway to Mysore, and then take the Ooty Road from Mysore. Bandipur National Park is after Gundulpet. Accommodation:
Find detailed listing of Budget Resorts at Bandipur Animals:
For long, it was easy to sight animals in Bandipur. However, over the years, the animals have retreated to interior forests thanks to the noise and din created by the ever-increasing crowd. That said, I still maintain that a tourist has higher probability of seeing an elephant in Bandipur than in any other wildlife park. Bandipur is a notified tiger sanctuary but it is not very common to sight tigers, as tigers are shy by nature. That said, one could easily sight other fauna like peacock, chital and spotted deer. Children enjoy watching herds of chital right in front of the cottage doorstep in the evenings.
There are specific areas within Bandipur where you can spot Four Horned Antelope, Gaur, Leopard, Golden Jackal, Indian Grey Mongoose, Sloth Bear, Pythons and Marsh Crocodiles. If you are keen, please discuss with the forest department guide. Most of the tourists visiting Bandipur are content with the animal sightings during the Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari :
For those going to Bandipur as a weekend trip, I would suggest the open Jeep Safari organized by the forest department. Forest Department conducts has them in the morning (6 AM – 9 AM) and at 4 PM – 6PM in the evening. The jeep safaris are generally booked in advance, so make your booking as soon as you reach Bandipur. Some of the resorts in Bandipur conduct their own jeep safari too. Jeep Safari is the best way to navigate around Bandipur and sight the animals. The Jeep driver will normally take you away from the beaten path and most of them are very knowledgeable about the park. There is also a mini bus safari option that is lot cheaper. Forest department also organizes elephant ride (30 minute duration), which is more of a joy ride than a real forest safari. Treks
If you are into treks and have fair amount of experience, you can request forest department for permission to trek in one of the trails that are open for general public. Normally a guide will accompany and one would be advised to follow his instructions. I would suggest Kullanabetta camp and Moyar gorge trail for beginners. More details here Gopalswamy Betta
If you are traveling to Bandipur by your own vehicle, then a trip to Himada Gopalswamy betta is highly recommended. You can visit Gopalswamy betta on way back. Reach Gundulpet and be on alert to see a board by the Karnataka tourism department. Follow the road to reach the forest department check post and then Gopalaswamy betta. The road is not well maintained and there are many hair bin turns and 45 degree gradients to navigate. The view from the top of the hill is breathtaking and worth the drive. There is an ancient Gopalswamy temple popular with local crowds. When to Visit
You can visit Bandipur almost round the year except during peak monsoons. Early summer is ideal as animal sighting is easier. If you are into treks, then plan a trip after the rains are over and before the summer sets so that you can enjoy the lush greenery.
For a true wildlife enthusiast, Bandipur is more than yet another weekend. I would suggest enthusiasts to plan a stay during non-weekends in consultation with forest department.
Contribution by Saurav Patel
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