24.225577.4774Hassan, Karnataka

WILDLIFE

Bandipur National Park - Premier Tiger Reserve in Karnataka

A premier tiger reserve in Karnataka, famous for its guided wildlife safaris and large populations of elephants, tigers, and other native species.

Hassan, KarnatakaHalf day (3-4 hours)6:30 AM – 6:30 PM₹350Photography OK

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Best Season:The best period to visit is from October to March. The weather is pleasant, and the dry vegetation makes wildlife sightings easier. The summer months of April and May can get hot, but are also excellent for spotting animals as they gather near water sources. The monsoon season, from June to September, sees heavy rainfall, and the park may be partially or fully closed. Animal sightings are also less frequent due to the dense foliage.

Duration:Half day (3-4 hours)

Entry (Indian):₹350

Entry (Foreign):₹1500

Photography:Allowed

Parking:Available

Why Visit Bandipur?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

Bandipur National Park is a prominent wildlife sanctuary in southern India and a key part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Established as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1974, it covers an area of over 874 square kilometers. The park's landscape is a mix of deciduous forests, scrublands, and grassy woodlands, crisscrossed by the Kabini and Moyar rivers, which provide a vital water source for its inhabitants. Visitors primarily come here for the wildlife safari experience, offered in buses and jeeps, providing opportunities to see a wide range of animals in their natural environment. The park is home to a significant population of Royal Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, gaurs (Indian bison), leopards, sloth bears, and various species of deer like chital and sambar. The atmosphere is one of raw nature, where the sounds of the forest replace city noise. The experience is focused on patient observation and appreciating the untamed beauty of the wilderness.

One of India's original Project Tiger reserves

High density of Royal Bengal Tigers

Large herds of Asiatic elephants

Guided jeep and bus safaris

Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Diverse birdlife with over 200 species

Sightings of gaur, sambar deer, and leopards

Ideal For

Nature loversWildlife enthusiastsPhotographersFamiliesAdventure seekersCouplesGroups

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

Jan

Winter

Feb

Winter

Mar

Spring

Apr

Spring

May

Summer

Jun

Summer

Jul

Monsoon

Aug

Monsoon

Sep

Post-M

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Autumn

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

October-January, April-May, long weekends, and public holidays like Diwali and Christmas.

Moderate

February-March, and most weekends throughout the year.

Low Season

Weekdays during the monsoon season (July-September), if the park is open.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

₹350

Per person

Foreign Visitors

₹1500

Per person

Opening Hours

6:30 AM — 6:30 PM

Safari timings are generally from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM in the morning and 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM in the evening. The reception area and booking counters operate during these hours. Timings can change based on the season and forest department regulations. The highway passing through the park (NH 766) is closed to traffic from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Fees are indicative and subject to change by the Forest Department. Bus Safari: Indian adults ₹350, children ₹175. Foreigners ₹1500. Jeep Safari: Approximately ₹4500-₹5000 per jeep (seats 6). Camera fees may apply for lenses above 200mm. It's best to check the official website for current rates and to book online.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Bandipur, Chamarajanagar District, Gundlupet Taluk

Coordinates

24.2255, 77.4774

Nearest City

Hassan

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

The nearest airport is Mysore Airport (MYS), about 80 km away. The closest major international airport is Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), arou...

By Train

Mysuru Junction (MYS) is the nearest major railway station, approximately 80 km away. It is well-connected to Bengaluru, Chennai, and other cities. You can hire...

By Road

Bandipur is located on the Mysuru-Ooty Highway (NH 766). It's an 80 km drive from Mysuru (about 2 hours) and 220 km from Bengaluru (about 5 hours). Regular stat...

Local Transport

There is no local transport within the park. Reaching the park entrance requires a private car or a hired taxi. For exploring the park, you must use the officia...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The area was first established as a 90 sq km sanctuary in 1931 by the Maharaja of Mysore. It was named Venugopala Wildlife Park. In 1974, under Project Tiger, an additional 800 sq km was incorporated into the reserve, and it was renamed Bandipur National Park. Its primary purpose has always been the conservation of wildlife, particularly the endangered tiger. It was once the private hunting ground for the Maharajas of Mysore but has since become one of India's most protected areas for wildlife, forming a critical corridor for animal movement between the Western and Eastern Ghats.

Significance

Bandipur's significance lies in its role as a crucial component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India's first biosphere reserve. It holds one of the largest single populations of wild tigers in the world and is also recognized for its healthy elephant-to-predator ratio. The park, along with the adjoining Mudumalai National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Nagarhole National Park, creates the largest protected area in Southern India. This contiguous forest landscape is vital for the long-term survival of its flagship species and overall biodiversity.

Travel Tips & Guidelines

Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips

Tips

Book your safari online well in advance, as slots fill up quickly, especially for jeeps.

Visit during the early morning (6:30 AM) or late afternoon (3:30 PM) safaris for the best chance of animal sightings.

Wear neutral-colored clothing like brown, green, or beige to blend in with the surroundings and avoid disturbing the animals.

Carry binoculars for better viewing, a good camera with a zoom lens, and a water bottle.

Avoid weekends and national holidays to experience fewer crowds and a more peaceful safari.

Maintain complete silence during the safari to maximize chances of spotting shy animals.

During winter months (December-January), carry a light jacket or shawl as morning safaris can be very chilly.

Do not carry any food items inside the park, as feeding animals is strictly prohibited and dangerous.

Safety Tips

Always follow the instructions of your safari guide and driver.

Stay inside the vehicle at all times during the safari.

Do not provoke animals by making loud noises or sudden movements.

Keep a safe distance from animals and do not attempt to touch them.

The highway through the forest is closed at night (9 PM to 6 AM)

plan your travel accordingly.

Mobile network coverage is poor to non-existent inside the park.

Carry basic first-aid supplies and any personal medications.

Rules & Restrictions

Do not get down from the safari vehicle under any circumstances.

Strictly no feeding of wild animals.

Maintain silence

loud noises are prohibited.

Plastic bags and bottles are discouraged and may be banned.

Smoking and consumption of alcohol are strictly forbidden.

Private vehicles are not allowed inside the core safari zones.

Do not use flash photography as it can startle the animals.

Nearby Attractions

Explore more places near this destination

Mudumalai National Park - 1 km (adjacent)

Gopalaswamy Betta - 20 km

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - 50 km

Ooty (Udagamandalam) - 80 km

Nagarhole National Park - 100 km

Mysuru Palace - 80 km

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