Bandipur National Park
Karnataka
Bandipur National Park, designated as a tiger reserve in 1974 under Project Tiger, is located in the Indian state of Karnataka, which holds the second-largest population of tigers in the country. These forests are contiguous with Nagarhole, Wayanad, and Mudumalai Tiger Reserves, collectively offering a secure habitat for numerous species—most notably the Indian Elephant and the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Mysore, this landscape now forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve—one of India’s notable conservation achievements.
Bandipur features a range of biomes, including dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, and shrublands. This ecological variety sustains a rich diversity of wildlife. The park is bordered by the Kabini River to the north and the Moyar River to the south.
Best Time to Go
October – April
Flights
Avg. Climate
11°C – 30°C
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About Bandipur national Park
The openness of Bandipur National Park allows for large herds of Elephants and remains one of the final refuges of the Indian Wild Dog—highly intelligent pack hunters of the Indian forest. Though the Kabini River separates Bandipur from Nagarhole, wildlife is able to move freely between the two parks when water levels drop.
The elusive Black (melanistic) Leopard has been sighted in Bandipur on several occasions, with experts believing that multiple individuals inhabit the park. It is, therefore, fair to say that no tiger safari in India is truly complete without experiencing the wonders of Bandipur National Park.
Geographical Details
Altitude: 680m to 1454m above mean sea level
Vegetation: Dry deciduous
Water Resources: Kabini (north), Moyar (south), Nugu (through the park)
Core Area: 872.24 sq km
Buffer Area: 118.279 sq.km
Coordinates: 110 35’ 34” to 110 760 12’ 17” and 760 51’ 32”
Rainfall: 2439 mm
Temperature: Min: 11 C ; Max: 30 C
Bandipur Tiger Reserve Tours
Popular Fauna at Bandipur National Park
His majesty, the national animal of India. The Royal Bengal Tiger is considered by many naturalists as one of the most powerful apex predators. You catch a glimpse of this big cat in action at the Bandipur National Park.
A black panther is the melanistic colour variant of the leopard (Panthera pardus) and the jaguar (Panthera onca). Black panthers of both species have excess black pigments, but their typical rosettes are also present.
It is the largest land mammal on the Asian continent. They inhabit dry to wet forest and grassland habitats in 13 range countries spanning Southeast Asia. Asian elephants have adapted to surviving on resources that vary based on the area.
Safaris at Bandipur National Park
Jeep Safari: A jeep safari offers a personalised and immersive wildlife experience, allowing visitors to explore the park’s diverse terrain and spot tigers, elephants, and other wildlife. Conducted twice daily — in the morning and evening — jeep safaris are ideal for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking close encounters.
Canter Safari: A canter safari offers a comfortable and semi-open vehicle experience, ideal for groups looking for a more spacious and relaxed safari. It covers popular zones of the park, enhancing the chances of spotting diverse wildlife.
Elephant Safari: A unique and traditional safari, the elephant safari offers a closer view of wildlife from an elevated vantage point. It allows visitors to traverse areas that are inaccessible to vehicles, providing an unparalleled experience of Bandipur’s wilderness.
Accommodations at Bandipur
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