Bandipur National Park, Karnataka – One of the most beautiful national parks of India on the lap of the Western Ghats
Located amidst the picturesque surroundings of the Western Ghat Mountains on the Mysore-Ooty highway in Karnataka, Bandipur National Park covers an area of about 874.2 sq km. Bandipur National Park is regarded as one of the most beautiful and the better-managed national parks of India. It is a national park as well as a Tiger reserve. The tiger population is increasing steadily here. Resting at the foothills of the Western Ghats River Kabini, Mayur and Nagour flows in between the Bandipur National Park. The Bandipur National Park occupies a special place in India’s efforts towards Eco-conservation. Bandipur has a sizable number of Tigers. Other natural inhabitants of this lovely forest are gaur (a type of bull), sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, wild dogs, wild boar, jackal, sloth bear, panther, malabar squirrel, porcupines and the black-knapped hare. Birds like jungle fowl and green pigeon are also found here.
Places to see at Bandipur National Park: Apart from exploring the elegant beauty of the park you may also go for a number of sight seeing locations from here. Following are some of the places;
B R Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
The BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in between Western and the Eastern Ghats on the banks of river Cauvery about 5,091 feet above the sea level in Kemmannagundi district, Karnataka. The BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 540 square kilometers and covered with mixed deciduous forests. The BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is the hub of a varied species of wildlife and is rich in flora and fauna. The major attractions of the BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka are Gaur and Chital. The most interesting thing of the BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is that you can easily spot the wild animals wandering carelessly in their natural habitat during your trip in the jeep safari.
Biligiriranga Hills
The Biligiriranga Hills, is a hill range situated in south-eastern Karnataka. The hills are located at the easternmost edge of the Western Ghats and support diverse flora and fauna in view of the various habitat types supported.
Shri Male Mahadeshwara Swamy Temple
The History of the Shrine Shri Male Mahadeshwara Swamy Temple has been extremely holly religious Institution and is famous from the time immemorial. As per Niranjana Rathnakara invisible Ganesha himself as Shri Male Mahadeshwara. As mentioned in Janapada Mahakavya Shri Male Mahadeshwara is the sone of the couple of Shri Chandrashekara Murthy and Smt. Uttarajamma and has descended to earth and has for the fist time seen near Shri Shailadha Mallikarjuna Linga, nearly 600 years ago; has come through Sutturu, Kunduru, then to the centre of Seven Hills; this place being felt to be comfortable desired to stay in the place of temple; and incarnation of Lord Eswara and kept tiger as his Vehicle. Travelled through the hills and the surroundings area, spent his childhood , youth and aged life in between the hills and on the basis of his yogi powers has displayed his various miracles.
Dodda Sampige Mara
One of the must-visits while you are on a tour to BR Hills is this unique site. This is actually a thousand year old tree. The name when translated into English means the “Big Champak tree”. The temple is situated about 4 km from BR Hills. The tree reaches upto 34 m in height and is about 20 m broad. This is a holy site. There are many lingams close to the trunk of the tree. The river Bhargavi, which is a tributary of the Kaveri, flows by the tree. The river is believed to be an incarnation of the Renuka who was the wife of Jamadagni, a Hindu sage.
Nearby attractions around Bandipur National Park: From Bandipur you can make a trip to places like;
Ooty
It is just 48 km from Bandipur. Also known as Udhagamandalam, Ooty is the “Queen of hill stations” and the capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris means “Blue Mountains“. It is a land of picturesque picnic spots. Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, Ooty, used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days.
Wayanad
Located at a distance of 82.3km from Bandipur, Wayanad, the green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history and culture.
Things to do at Bandipur National Park: Enjoy the Jungle safari to catch the glimpse of the different species of animals inside the park.
Best time to visit Bandipur National Park: Bandipur has moderate climate all through the year but the best season is from October to May.
How to go ?
By Air
The Bangalore airport is the nearest airport and is 220 kms away from Bandipur. Indian and Jet Airways have regular domestic as well as international flights connecting Bangalore to the rest of the world.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is Nanjangud, 55 kms away followed by the Mysore station at a distance of 80 kms. One can easily hire a taxi or catch a bus or train from Mysore or Ooty.
By Road
The Bandipur National Park is 220 kms from Bangalore; 80 kms from Mysore and 80 kms from Ooty. The Gundulpet town is 20 kms away from Bandipur and is the nearest road head in Bandipur. The national park is well connected through road with every big or small town.
Where to stay ?
There are very few accomodation options near Bandipur. One option is:
Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd (Bandipur Lodge): 91-080- 25597944, 25584111, 2559-261 Website: www.junglelodges.com
Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.
