India /Karnataka /Chamarajanagar Gundlupet /Bandipur National Park

Bandipur, established in 1931, is a wonderful wildlife centre. Tourists visit this place to admire the breathtaking beauty of nature and also to enjoy a quiet vacation far from the hustle and bustle of the city. This is located in the district of Chamarajanagar, situated in the Nilgiris. Bandipur is flanked by the Kabini, Moyar and Nugu Rivers which drain the area. Besides the rivers, there are many seasonal streams flowing through the region. This place is under Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is also the first Biosphere Reserve of the country. Bandipur was the chosen site for Project Tiger. This is an initiative taken by the Government of India to protect the endangered species. The number of tigers has increased ever since. The place is also home to a large number of animals like Elephants, Hornbill, Sambar, Wild Dog, Giant Squirrel, Deer, and Partridges. There are also a few endangered species including Four Horned Antelope, Panther, Sloth Bear, Python, Mouse Deer, Pea Fowl and many more. Besides animals tourists can see some exotic trees including Bamboo, Sandalwood, Teak, Honne and Mathi Two wildlife sanctuaries are also attached to this place: the Waynad Sanctuary and the Mudumalai Sanctuary. This place mostly has an open forest area which makes it easy for the tourists to see animals. There is no human settlement inside the Reserve but there are almost 200 villages around the area. This place makes for an excellent tourist spot and is a must-visit for those want to soak in the beauty of nature.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Wildlife

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 721260

STD Code: 8229

Info Website: N.A

Best Time to Visit:  Oct – May

HistoryEdit

The tiger reserve was formed later. Prior to the decision, it was a small 80sq km region hunting ground for the Maharaja. This Bandipur National Park was born in 1931 when it occupied 800 sq. km of the total land of the Bandipur Reserve Forest. Following this, in 1973, the Bandipur Tiger Reserve was formed that has taken a great care of significant, but consistent increase in the number of tigers. In the historic days, the Maharajas (kings) of the nearby Mysore city regarded the Bandipur forests as a private game reserve. Since its inception, as it is situated under the canopy of the Western Ghats, the Bandipur National Park is undoubtedly among the superb habitats for the Asian Elephant and Gaurs.

Places to VisitAdd

 

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Bangalore International Airport is the major airport nearby. Bangalore is about 235 km away from Bandipur and it costs about Rs 3,200 by taxi. Bangalore is well connected to most of the major airports in India and abroad.

By Train : Nearest rail head is Mysore, which is 80 km away. This station is connected to Bangalore (Shatabdi Exp), Mumbai (Ajmer Ex), Delhi (Swarna Jayanti Ex), Kolkata (Howrah-Mysore Ex) and many other cities from all parts of the country. Taxi charges from Mysore to Bandipur are about Rs 1,500 for a round trip.

By BUS : Many state owned buses are available to reach Bandipur from nearby cities. KSRTC buses from Bangalore to Bandipur costs about Rs 150 and buses from Mysore to Bandipur costs Rs 75 approximately.

By Taxi : N.A

By Other : You can also opt for a safari through the Bandipur National Park in an open top jeep. This can be an exciting way to visit the popular sections of the national park, and this mode of travel is a bit more costly, ranging around Rs 2200,Elephant rides are available for kids and adults, and this will cost you around Rs 120. This does not cover many portions of the park, though,You can opt for gypsy rides that are provided by the resorts that are located around the Bandipur National Park, as this can help you reach your preferred locations faster. These resorts normally have some sort of a tie up with the national park officials, so these vehicles will normally be permitted.

Top HotelsAdd

Economy

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Cicada Bandipur ; Survey-19/2, 20/21, Kanniyanpura Village, Bandipur National Park, KA ; Ph – 080 4115 2200 ; Facilities – Laundry,roomservice,Internet,TV

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 1201 to Rs. 2500

MC Resort ; Melkamanahalli, Bangalore ooty Road, Bandipur National Park, Gundlupet Taluk, Bandipur, KA 571126 ; Ph – 082 29 233044 ; Facilities – H/C running water,car Parking,laundry,TV,room service,bar.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Vana Vihar ;  Coimbatore – Ooty – Gundlupet Hwy, Maguvinahallimel Kamanahalli, KA; M –  080 88 136300 ; Food Serve :  N.A

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Elephant rides ; Bandipur National Park ; Cost – 20 mins Rs. 120/- ; Visiting Time –  06:00 AM ; Closed Time :  11:00 PM
Open-jeep safari ; Bandipur National Park ; Cost – Rs. 2200/- ; Visiting Time –  06:00 AM ; Closed Time :  11:00 PM

Must ShopAdd

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAdd

Windflower Resort and Spa Bandipur ;  Mangala Village, Bandipur National Park 571126, India (Formerly Tusker Trails) ; Ph/M – 0091 80 40842222
; Cost:  N.A ; Services –  Choorna Swedam Massage,Absolute Pearl Facial ,Active Pureness Rebalancing Facial,Amirtham Facial .

FestivalAdd

Safety / WarningEdit

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HelplineEdit

• Police : 100
• Fire : 101
• Ambulance : 102

ItineraryEdit

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