Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

Nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats Mountains, Bandipur National Park is well-known for its expansive tracts of virgin forests. Once a popular game reserve of the Mysore Maharajas, this national park forms a part of the Niligiri Biosphere Reserve today, which also encompasses the Nagarhole National Park of Karnataka, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu. Spread over an area of approximately 874 sq km, it was created out of the Bandipur Reserve Forest, in 1931.

In 1973, Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary was conferred the status of a designated tiger reserve, as per the ambitious Project Tiger Scheme launched by the World Wide Fund (WWF). In 1974, the wildlife sanctuary was declared a National Park, under the Wildlife Protection Act. Since then, stringent anti-poaching measures have resulted in a steady increase in the big cat population. The park is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is in monsoon season i.e. from May to September, when the wildlife is plenty and forest is full of greenery. 

Transport

Things To Do:

Jungle Safari

Bandipur is a safe haven for a wide variety of wild animals. Spotting tigers in the Bandipur national Park is not as easy as in Ranthambore, but they exist in considerable numbers. A mini-bus Safari or jeep safari would be ideal to chance upon any opportunity of sighting a tiger. The sanctuary is also home to other animals like elephants, panthers, Jackals, spotted deer, sloth bears, grey langurs and snakes from cobra to the python. It is possible to sight them congregating around the guest houses. Four-horned antelope is also a member of the forest but it's rarely sighted. 

Bird Watching

The Bandipur sanctuary can boast of being home to about 300 species of birds. Enjoyed by people of all ages, birdwatching can be an excellent way to pass time, especially if you have not been lucky enough to sight the tiger. Bird watching can be more fruitful in the morning hours and can be a real treat for the enthusiastic birdwatchers. 

Trekking & Hiking

Trekking on the Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta hilltop is also an exciting activity to do in Bandipur. On the top of the hill is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. A beautiful mist covers the area for most part of the year. In fact, there is a greater chance of sighting animals from this hill top. Take along your trekking shoes and make sure that you make minimum noise so that you don’t disturb the natural habitat............
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