Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park is the prime sightseeing attraction, which attracts thousands of adventure and nature lovers every year. A beautiful place surrounded by deep and dense forests, the national park is spread across a huge geographical area of about 800 sq km.

Owing to its strategic location, the national park serves as a connecting link between Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Being situated in the southern part of the state and amidst the Nilgiri hills, the destination has emerged as the first biosphere reserve of the nation.

Originated from various names, the national park gained its present name under the Project Tiger Scheme in 1973, when the forest was declared as a tiger reserve. Earlier, the park was established in 1931 by the Maharaja of Mysore. During that period, the park only covered an area of about 90 sq km, which was later increased to 800 sq km.

Later, the park was renamed after the residing deity of the region as Venugopala Wildlife Park in 1941. Surrounded by Nagur, Kabini and Moyar rivers, the destination offers beautiful views from every corner of the park.

Offering natural habitat to various wildlife animals, the park possesses a rich variety of fauna. Being declared as a tiger reserve, the park aims at preserving various species of tigers. Apart from tigers, various other animals such as elephants, giant squirrels, four horned antelopes, wild dogs, hornbills, sloth bears, panthers and gaurs can be spotted in the park.

Apart from wildlife, the park offers a sight of various rare species of birds including resident and migrant birds. The destination provides habitat to brown hawk owl, grey jungle fowls, trogons, woodpeckers, Drongo Bay owls, weaver birds, common warblers, woodpeckers, kingfishers and fly catches.

Possessing a rich vegetation of flora, Bandipur has different types of bushes, trees and grass. Tourists can spot various endangered species of flora including Emblica Officinalis, Tectona Grandis, Dalbergia Latifolia and Bambusa Arundinacea.

Timing:    10 am - 6 pm (Daily)
Admission Fees:    INR 25 (Indians)
            INR 150 (Foreigners)