bandipur TOURISM

Bandipur is located in Karnataka and is accessible from Mysore and Ooty. bandipur is famous for the Asian Elephants and Gaurs and it covers an area of about 875 sq-kms. Bandipur Wildlife sanctuary forms the connecting link between the Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary in Tamilnadu and the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. There are three rivers flowing through the Bandipur sanctuary - the Moyar river, the Kabini river and the Nagur river. The weather is ideally suited and can be visited all the year round. The summer months from March to May are good months to watch the animals. Between June to October (the monsoons) Bandipur comes alive with greenery all over.

The Bandipur Tiger Reserve was constituted in 1973 by carving out 880 km² from the Wildlife Park. Recognised under Project Tiger in 1973 this park has boasted constant rise in Tiger population is famous for Sandalwood trees and rare species of Flora. Major fauna
Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar (deer), Chital, Sloth bear, Mouse deer, Wild dog, Wild boar, Barking deer, Four horned Antelope, Hyena, Panther, Crocodiles, Tortoise, Mouse deer, etc. Birds: Grey Junglefowl, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Honey Buzzard, Red-headed Vulture, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Brown Hawk Owl, Bay Owl, Malabar Trogon, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Little Spiderhunter, Plain Flowerpecker, etc. Reptiles: King Cobra, Common Cobra, Python, Adder, Viper, Rat Snake, Water Snake, Marsh Crocodile, Lizard, Chameleon, Monitor Lizard, etc.

Bandipur National Park's altitude between 680-1454 metres and is situated south of the Kabini river at the foothills of the Western Ghats.The rivers of Kabini, Nagur and Moyar flow through the reserve. Climate - Winter minimum 10, Summer maximum 28 degrees, Monsoon from June to September and best time to visit is open throughout the year but preferably in monsoon when wildlife is plenty and forest is green. Greenery is quite lean when viewed from road but gets thicker as we proceed into the forest.

There are several places close to Bandipur National Park that are worth visiting.

The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary located 12 kms south of the Bandipur National Park. With the best that nature has to offer the Mudumalai Wildlife sanctuary is a wonderful location worth visiting.

Ooty or Udagamandalam
Ooty or Udagamandalam referred to as the "Queen of Hill Stations" is a hill station with verdant hills, picturesque valleys and plantations. In and around Ooty too there are several picturesque locations worth visiting like the Pykara lake, the Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, the Rose Garden, Dodabetta, Kothagiri and the plantation town Conoor. Located at a distance of approximately 80 kms from the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary it is well connected and can be accessed easily.

Mysore
Mysore is located at a distance of approximately 80 kms from the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary. The city is known for it glorious historical past and is truly spectacular. Some of the major tourist destinations include the Brindavan Gardens, the Chamundi Hills, the Mysore zoo, The Jagmohan Palace (which has a lovely collection of Ravi Varma paintings) and Towering Mysore Palace.
The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located 88 kms from Bandipur National Park and is home to several exotic species of birds.

Safari In Bandipur
One can go around the park in open jeeps or elephant back or vans.