Bandipur Tour Packages

South India has a way of doing this with its rich national parks and wildlife sanctuaries suitable for wildlife tourism in India. Whether it is the UNESCO-recognized Western Ghats or the dense and magnificent Nilgiris, each place has a beauty that words cannot describe. Rich in flora and fauna, with different ecosystems, the forests of the lower south are home to many essential animals such as tigers and elephants. In addition, a great variety of species that are exclusive to the region coexist.

Numerous wildlife destinations in South India are blessed with some exciting treks, which help wildlife lovers in their quest and provide adventure junkies with the excellent adrenaline rush. We have selected the Bandipur gem from South India's rich treasure trove that will certainly urge you to plan a visit soon. Bandipur, India, is one of the most controversial regions in the country. This Bandipur tour will surprise you with its authentic culture and beautiful nature.

Bandipur

It is a little town near Karnataka, the state of India. In the south, Bandipur is the most popular. Its lush forest and the Western Ghats that help make Bandipur such a beautiful place. It is famous for its National Park, which was established in 1974.

The forest of Bandipur stretches over a continuous length. Bandipur National Park has the highest population of tigers in the country, Mudumalai National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.  And Nagarhole National Park, and has been an excellent attraction place for many tourists. If you are a lover of wildlife, this amazing place is just for you. There are many places to visit near Bandipur where you can go to enjoy fun and entertainment.

All about Bandipur National Park

Considered one of India's most beautiful national parks, Bandipur is situated in the picturesque surroundings of the Western Ghats on the road from Ooty to Mysore in Karnataka. Covering an area, Bandipur, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and Nagarhole National Park in the north, Karnataka creates the largest Biosphere Reserve in India.'
The park is believed to play an essential role in India's efforts for Eco Conservation, thus making it the best wildlife tourism destination in South India. The park is home to a considerable number of tigers along with wildlife species such as the gaur (a type of bull), sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, squirrel, porcupines, and the black knapped hare. Birds like jungle fowl and green pigeons are also found here. It gained its popularity due to the vast territory on which you can find:

• Unique forests;
• Flowering meadows;
• Green hills with beautiful views of the surroundings;
• Here you will find all types of species of rare plants and animals.

Walking in the national park will not work - the territory is vast, and you need a car or a tour bus. If you have the opportunity to choose, then tourists recommend traveling around the national park by jeep.
Bandipur is divided into several zones, each dedicated to certain birds or animals. For example, there is a territory where herbivorous animals live: zebras, gaurs, sambars, and axes. If we talk about predators, red wolves, leopards, tigers, and sloth bears are found in the national park territory. In Bandipur, one can meet peacocks, satyr tragopans, cranes, Asian paradise flycatchers, and Himalayan monals.

A best ecological system

The national park is located on the lee side of the Nilgiri Mountains. With the absence of any significant rivers except the Moyar, which flows through Moyar Gorge and divides Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the park relies on monsoon rains for most of its water supply. However, there has been a deficit in rainfall due to large-scale deforestation. In addition, pressure from cattle from tribes and other villagers in the area has led to a sharp decline in the water level and green cover.

The terrain, mountainous and undulating, has an altitude. The top of the hill has a temple, a place of pilgrimage visited by many. The forestry department has started bus services to the hill to curb pollution and wildlife disturbance. It has banned private vehicles from going to the temple inside the tiger reserve.

The climate of Bandipur

The climatic conditions of Bandipur vary from one place to another according to its geographical characteristics. In the north, summers are incredible, and winters are severe, while in the south, summers are tropical and winters are mild. Bandipur has five seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and winter.

A mix of deciduous forest

This park is covered with a mix of deciduous forest, pine forest, and scrubland, which is provided by the waters of the Moyar River. The main types of fauna in this park are the Asiatic elephant, gaur, sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, warthog, hare, and the Indian porcupine.

As well as being home to the Asian elephant, Bandipur also has a large number of tigers, numbering around 66 in all. The scrub forests consist of scrubby trees, shrubs, and open herbaceous patches. The vegetation contains open dry deciduous forests to tropical mixed deciduous forests in the northwest.

The richest wildlife reserves

In India, it is one of the best and richest wildlife reserves. It is especially noted for its seven large species of ungulates: muntjac, chital, sambhar, chousingha, gaur, wild boar, and elephant, as well as three large predatory carnivores: the tiger, the leopard, and the dholes, the Indian wild dogs. Large herds of spotted deer welcome all visitors to the park. It also has highly endangered and rare species like the deer mouse, gazelle, hyena, and leopard cat, to name a few.

Unlike the parks in North India, the Bandipur Reserve is open all year round. It offers numerous opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to see and enjoy different animals in their natural habitat. After the July monsoon, the park enjoys lush green, and the forest offers a visual treat by joining the returning herds of elephants and gaur. In February, predator sightings become more frequent as they move to various water sources in the national park.

How to get it?

The nearest airport to Bandipur is the Bangalore International Airport, which is 215 kilometers away, while the nearest railway station to the place is Mysore, 80 kilometers away. Also, many state-owned buses go to Bandipur.

Where to Stay?

Accommodation near Bandipur Tiger Reserve is not a problem as many guesthouses, inns, resorts, clubs, farms, and hotels can be found near the reserve.

Like the wild residents of the reserve, human visitors also have a variety of places to stay. The forestry department offers basic facilities such as rooms and dormitories to be booked online. Plus, there are homestays and safari eco-lodges for every budget.

Things to Do In Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park in India is one of the best and most familiar places on safari. With a wide range of animals, guests won't have a dull moment during tours that can even stretch over several days. It is an official tiger reserve as part of Project Tiger due to the abundance of tigers present in this southern Indian state.

Permanent attractions

Bandipur National Park is located in India. It is a big national park and tiger reserve. The biggest draw to visiting is taking one of the many different safaris and tours run by the park and other local independent contractors.

Tours run regularly in the national park and can be booked by contacting the park directly or one of the independent contractors. The tours are offered on weekdays and weekends, but they are complete experiences that last several days and nights. The cost of the tour depends on whether the visitors are Indian nationals or foreign guests and assume they will share a double bed both nights. The cost also increases slightly on weekends.

Special events

Bandipur National Park hosts some special events throughout the year, but many of them are organized by independent contractors. Due to its national park status, there are no festivals and events on the grounds.

Also, although not on the national park grounds, the local villages near Bandipur celebrate Shivaratri, a festival held annually in March and dedicated to honoring Lord Shiva. Check the calendar for additional information, as it's a fantastic way to learn about the local culture.

Private jeep safari

The best way to experience wildlife in BNP is by taking a private jeep safari. Private jeep safaris include experienced guides to help you spot and identify wildlife and are ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and game photographers. Early morning and late evening game drives offer the best opportunities to spot wildlife, including tigers.

Elephant rides

Elephant rides organized by the BNP forestry department offer a unique experience to visitors. The duration of the trip is 20 minutes; however, forest officers’ conduct hour-long walks that go deep into the forest on request.

Dining and shopping

Various dining options are available for guests using the safari and tour options. Guests will be able to dine buffet-style, enjoy coffee and tea, dine by a campfire and enjoy snack options throughout the day. There are no vendors or gift shops within the reserve, but the resort does have a selection of merchandise and gift options for visitors. This includes stuffed animals, t-shirts, and household items.

Best Places to Visit near Bandipur

Mudumalai National Park

In the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu state, Mudumalai National Park is one of the best places to see wildlife on holiday in South India. It has a variety of habitats ranging from moist tropical evergreen mixed deciduous forest, from moist teak forest to dry teak wood forest, and from secondary grasslands to shrubs and swamps.

The River Moyar flows along the border or separates Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka separates Mudumalai from Bandipur. It has a rich fauna with 50 species of fish, 21 amphibians, 34 species of reptiles, and 200 species of birds and mammals. Elephant, Tiger, Gaur, Leopard, Deer, Wild Dog, and the White-rumped Vulture, Long-billed Vulture, Red-crested, Mynas, etc.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary        

One of the major tourist destinations in Kerala, Wayanad, and ‘God’s district' is home to the most famous wildlife sanctuaries, lush greenery, and spectacular scenery. Many tourists come here to get the best experiences in the wild and most scenic beauty.

Located within the region that is running contiguous to Bandipur and Nagarhole Protected Area of ??Karnataka in the northeastern part and Madhumalai of Tamil Nadu in the southeastern part, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary offers a beautiful mix of different species like tigers, leopards, wild dogs, elephants, civets, bears, etc. Incredible weather all year round welcomes tourists every time, while elephant rides to explore the forest are more favorable to them.

A dense rainforest nestled amid the rolling hills of the Western Ghats, the sanctuary is home to unique flora and fauna. The sanctuary houses various animals, from exotic birds and butterflies to elephants, bison, panthers, wild cats, etc. Karnataka's Bandipur National Park and Tamil Nadu's Mudumalai National Park form a long corridor of tropical rainforest areas.

The area is graced by four mountain ranges Muthunga, Kurichiat, Tholpethy, and Sultan Bathery. Sultan Bathery is the closest to this shrine. Therefore, this natural scenic beauty attracts nature lovers to this place, and the wildlife it houses attracts wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Thus, it offers Kerala the most sought-after wildlife experience, particularly in Wayanad.

Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta

The Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is the highest peak in the BNP and is home to extensively wooded forests with fairly frequent sightings of animals. The name of the hills has the Himavad prefix as the fog covers it all year round. In the local Kannada language, Himavad means covered in mist, and betta means hill. Chola King Ballala built the temple located on top of the hill of the same name. Trekking to the temple through the forest is prohibited.

Visit Ooty

It is also known as Ootacamund or Ooty, is a popular hill station in the Nilgiri Hills. Driving or traveling to Ooty from Bandipur via Masinagudi is one of the best routes, with 36 hairpin bends. In Ooty, visitors can ride the Nilgiri toy train through spectacularly picturesque landscapes, sail on Ooty Lake, and visit the Stone House, Botanical Gardens, and Toda villages. They can also take a nature walk at Dolphin's Nose and Doddabetta Peak, hike to Kalhatti Falls, and visit various lookouts there.

Biligiri Rangan Hills

The BR mountain range forms the southeastern boundary of Karnataka. It is known for the Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary or the BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, located at the confluence of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. This link allows the animals to move between the two ghats. Another highlight of the place is the BR temple, the only temple in India with a permanent form of Lord Ranganatha.

Visit Coonoor

After Ooty, Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiri Hills and is the start of several trekking expeditions leading to the Nilgiris. Some highlights in Coonoor include excursions to Law Falls and Lamb's Rock, trekking expeditions, visits to Sim's Park, St Stephen's Church, Droog Fort, and Hidden Valley.

Best Resorts in Bandipur

It is an excellent amalgamation of adventure and serenity that you can enjoy in the fantastic Wordsworth appeal of this place. Being an exotic destination, there is a wide range of resorts that benefit from a beautiful retreat in nature. Here, read on to find the top ten resorts in the stunning Bandipur location.

*Ambuja Farms Resort

It is provides an atmosphere of serenity and a pure retreat in nature and very close to Bandipur National Park. Also, the location is so close to the jungle that you can even find peacocks and deer on the premises.

*Tiger Ranch Resort – Get The Thrill of Wildlife with multiple cuisine options

Tiger Ranch Resort is a cabin and café retreat built from bamboo and has perfect natural appeal. The restaurant also offers food in multiple cuisine options, so this resort is also excellent—the choice to go to.

*Bush Betta Wildlife Resort– A Budget Resort

Bush Betta is one of the luxury retreats in Bandipur. The rooms are constructed from bamboo and wood, giving them a stunning aesthetic appeal. There is a restaurant with a bar, a swimming pool, and plenty of outdoor activities to partake in here.

*Vana Vihar– A Perfect Staying Experience

This resturants can be called a blend of calming greenery and wonderfully luxurious services. With its lodges nestled right in the natural surroundings, this resort is flanked by Mudumalai and Bandipur National Parks, so tourists are safe with these two retreats close to where they check-in. The most enticing indoor games for kids, a souvenir shop with a nature theme, and a film screening arranged by the management here.

*The Serai Bandipur--A Traveler's Delight

The Serai Bandipur has an exotic quality of picturesque Nilgiri Mountain View from its nicely designed rooms. The resort has international popularity with tourists with its brilliant interiors and proximity to Bandipur National Park.

*Deep Jungle Home

Deep Jungle House is a retreat entirely in the middle of the jungle. The rooms are well maintained and airy, and there are tons of facilities to enjoy, from kayaking to kids' games. There are also conference rooms if you go on a company team trip.

Bottom line

Cold and rugged mountains, dry and temperate plains, rainy river plains, dry and hot deserts, soggy and wet swamps, moving alpine meadows, you name it, and we have it all here in India. There are places where the temperature is below zero, scorching, and humid. There is torrential rain and an extreme draft too. And it's no wonder that's why flora and fauna have been in remarkable adaptations.
Come and explore India with Bandipur tour if you want to delve into wildlife. From snow leopards to mighty Bengal tigers to rare one-horned rhinos and the endangered swamp deer, you'll find them here.