Bandipur National Park is one of India’s most famous tiger reserves located in the foothills of the Western Ghats in Karnataka. Established in 1931 as a wildlife sanctuary called Venugopala Wildlife Park by the Maharaja of Mysore, it was later expanded and designated as a national park and tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1973.
This guide will help you explore Bandipur National Park, its location, how to reach Bandipur National Park, where you can stay, and real estate aspects around Bandipur National Park.
See also: Your travel guide to Chikmagalur
Location of Bandipur National Park
Strategically located only 80 km from Mysore on the way to Ooty in Tamil Nadu, Bandipur National Park is a natural corridor, allowing wildlife to move between the protected forests of south India. The park shares its boundaries with Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu. Together, these parks create a vast protected habitat for wildlife spanning over 2500 square km across Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Address: Bandipur National Park, Gundlupet Taluk, Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka – 571114
How to reach Bandipur National Park?
By train
The nearest railway station is Chamarajanagar, which is around 30 km from the park. It is connected by trains from Mysore, Tirupati and Bangalore. Nanjangud railway station is around 50 km away.
Mysore Junction also has the best rail links in the region, with trains from all major Indian cities. One can take a taxi or bus directly from Mysore to Bandipur National Park.
By air
The nearest airport is Bengaluru International Airport, which is around 220 km from the park. There are also connecting flights from Mysore Airport. Taxis and buses efficiently ply between Mysore and Bandipur National Park.
By road
Bandipur National Park is located on the highway connecting Mysore to Ooty. Buses by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) ply frequently between Mysore and Ooty, stopping at Bandipur. NH67 can help reach Bandipur National Park from nearby cities. NH212 connects Gundlupet, where the national park lies between Ooty and Nanjangud.
The highway remains closed inside the park between 9 PM to 6 AM to prevent wildlife accidents.
Key factsÂ
- Area: 874 sq km
- Established: 1931 as a sanctuary, 1973 as a national park
- State: Karnataka
- Terrain: tropical moist deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests
- Average elevation: 800 m
- Major rivers: Kabini, Nugu, Moyar
- Wildlife: tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, sambar deer, chital, sloth bear, leopard, dhole, nilgai
- Birdlife: Grey junglefowl, red spurfowl, Indian peafowl, bee eaters, drongos
- Best season to visit: October to May
- Safari timings: 6 AM to 9:30 AM, 3 PM to 6 PM
- Entry fee: ₹350 per head
- Nearest railway station: Chamarajanagar (30 km)
- Nearest airport: Mysore Airport (80 km)
Things to explore in Bandipur National Park
Safari
Best season: October to March
Timings: 6 AM to 9:30 AM (morning), 3 PM to 6 PM (evening)
Take a bus, jeep, or elephant safari in the park to spot tigers, elephants, and other wildlife
- Mini-bus Safari
- Jeep Safari
- Elephant Ride
Gopalaswamy Betta
Best season: August to February
Gopalaswamy Temple is on the highest peak in Bandipur Park, which a trek can reach. The misty hills can be seen from the top and offer great views.
River Kabini
Best season: February to April
Take boat rides in the mornings to sight elephants, gaurs, deer, and birds near the Kabini river banks.
Moyar River
Best Season: March to May
Picnic spots along the Moyar River offer sightings of sloth bears, leopards, and barking deer, especially in summer.
Bandipur Information Centre
Address: PJ8V+529, Bandipur, Siddaianapura, Karnataka 571126
An interactive museum showcasing wildlife through models, artwork, and digital displays. There is also a souvenir shop on the premises.
Where to stay around Bandipur National Park?
Theppakadu Log House
Address: Theppakadu, NH 212, Bandipur Forest
Luxury forest lodge rooms, field view suites, multi-cuisine restaurant
Bandipur Safari Lodge
Address: Melukamanahlli, NH 212, Bandipur Forest
Forest department property, simple rooms, basic amenities
Orange County Resort
Address: Bittangala Village, NH 212, Bandipur
Luxury villas and suites, spa, pool, restaurants
Serai Resort
Address: Chamrajnagar – Ooty Road, Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Luxury tents, swimming pool, sports facilities, jungle safaris
Real estate around Bandipur National Park
With its forests, healthy climate, and abundant wildlife, the regions around Bandipur National Park are naturally attractive. As it draws more tourists seeking wildlife holidays, hospitality infrastructure has developed recently. The prospects of real estate, both residential and commercial, are bright.
Residential property around Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park is close to both Mysore and the hill station of Ooty; areas around Bandipur Park are seeing demand for second homes. Gated wildlife community projects offer luxury villas nestled amidst greenery and scenic vistas. Living close to the forests provides a peaceful environment and regular wildlife sightings.
Commercial property around Bandipur National Park
Hospitality projects like wildlife resorts, lodges, adventure camps, and homestays provide investment opportunities around Bandipur National Park. Commercial properties in the area often align with eco-friendly practices, contributing to the overall conservation efforts of Bandipur National Park. With tourist footfall increasing every year, commercial property rates and values rise. Commercial property around the national park has much potential for investment in Bandipur for rentals, shops, accommodations, and other businesses required around Bandipur National park.
The price range of properties in Gundlupet, Chamarajanagar
Avg. price/ sqft: ₹769
Price range/sqft: ₹321 to ₹321
Source: housing.com
FAQs
How many zones are there in Bandipur National Park?
Bandipur National Park has 4 zones – Gundlupet, Hediyala, Kundakere and Moolehole.
What is the best time to visit Bandipur National Park?
October to May are most suitable to visit when the chances of sighting wildlife are higher.
Where can one stay inside Bandipur National Park?
Bandipur has department lodges and cottages. There are several resorts located just outside as well.
How far is Bandipur National Park from Bengaluru?
Bandipur National Park is located 220 km away from Bengaluru.
Which animals can be seen in Bandipur National Park?
Tiger, Asian elephant, leopard, sloth bear, spotted deer, barking deer and Indian gaur are commonly seen here.
Is it safe to visit Bandipur National Park?
Yes, Bandipur is very safe to visit. Safari rides ensure adequate protection against wildlife.
What is the area of Bandipur National Park?
The park covers 868.63 km² of area. What's unique about Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta? It is the highest peak in the area, with a Hindu temple.
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