Undoubtedly a beautiful park with a backdrop of the Western Ghats, the park is famous for its significant tiger and elephant population and protected sandalwood trees.

Bandipur National Park is one of India’s most delightful wildlife sanctuaries forming part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, together with the adjoining Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Nagarhole and Mudumalai National Parks. Together they form the largest protected area in Southern India, totalling 2,183 sq km.

Formerly a royal hunting ground, the Bandipur National Park became one of the original sanctuaries brought under the umbrella of Project Tiger. This well managed park has since flourished providing a safe haven for the varied wildlife that lives here.

Activities

Only park owned vehicles are allowed to drive here, the dirt roads through these forests are winding, rocky and narrow making driving challenging and requiring a high level of skill on the part of the driver.

Elephant back safaris are also possible and the slow steady pace of the elephants give you time to view wildlife away from the roads to which vehicles are limited.

Species found in Bandipur

Tiger, Asian elephant, sloth bear, black leopard (panther), leopard, gaur, four-horned antelope, chital, mouse deer, pangolin, giant flying squirrel, wild dog, hyena, otter, jackal, porcupine, slender loris, sambar, bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, porcupine, leopard cat.

Best Time to Visit Bandipur

Open all year subject to weather conditions, but recommend March to August.
Chance of seeing a tiger – fair
Location – Karnataka

Tours Visiting Bandipur

Tailor made tours only