Bandipur National Park – Safari Timings, Booking, Stay, Itinerary & Travel Guide

Bandipur National Park is located in the lush landscapes of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Bandipur National Park is one of India’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries. Once the royal hunting ground of the Maharajas of Mysore, it is now a proud part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, sharing its borders with Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu), Wayanad (Kerala), and Nagarhole (Karnataka).

Home to tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, and over 200 bird species, Bandipur offers a classic wildlife experience wrapped in serenity and scenic beauty. 

 

Location & How to Reach

• State: Karnataka

• District: Chamarajanagar

• Nearest City: Mysuru (80 km)

• Nearest Airport: Mysuru Airport (75 km) / Bengaluru International Airport (220 km)

• Nearest Railway Station: Mysuru Junction (80 km)

• By Road: NH 766 connects Bandipur to Mysuru, Ooty, and Bengaluru.

Wildlife of Bandipur National Park

Bandipur is a vital link in the Nagarhole–Mudumalai–Wayanad–Bandipur Tiger Landscape, hosting one of the highest densities of tigers and elephants in South India.

Major Animals

• Bengal Tiger

• Indian Elephant

• Leopard

• Sloth Bear

• Gaur (Indian Bison)

• Sambar & Spotted Deer

Avian Diversity

Bird lovers can spot Grey Junglefowl, Indian Pitta, Crested Hawk Eagle, and Malabar Parakeet among others.

Reptiles & Others

Indian rock pythons, cobras, and monitor lizards thrive in the dense undergrowth and riverine zones.

Best Time to Visit

Season	Experience
Oct – Feb	Cool climate and lush greenery; perfect for nature walks
Mar – May	Dry season with the best chances of spotting tigers and elephants
Jun – Sep	Monsoon brings vibrant foliage but limited safari access

Safari Experience

Bandipur offers Jeep Safaris, Bus Safaris, and Elephant Safaris, managed by the Karnataka Forest Department.

Safari Timings

Type	Morning	Evening
Jeep Safari	6:30 AM – 8:30 AM	4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Bus Safari	6:15 AM – 9:00 AM	3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Elephant Safari	7:00 AM – 9:00 AM	–

Where to Stay Near Bandipur

Stay options range from government-run lodges to luxury eco-resorts.

Popular Stays

1. Jungle Lodges – Bandipur Safari Lodge – Forest-run stay with guided safaris

2. The Serai Bandipur – Luxury resort with panoramic forest views

3. Dhole’s Den – Eco-conscious lodge with sustainable architecture

4. MC Resort – Budget-friendly stay near the main gate

Top Things to Do in Bandipur

1. Wildlife Safari – Jeep and bus safaris for close animal encounters

2. Birdwatching – Spot rare and migratory species

3. Nature Walks – Explore scenic forest trails with a naturalist

4. Photography – Capture elephants, peacocks, and forest sunsets

5. Visit Nearby Temples & Parks – Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, Mudumalai, and Wayanad

2-Day Bandipur Safari Itinerary (From Bengaluru or Mysuru)

Day 1: Journey & First Safari

• Morning: Depart from Bengaluru (6:00 AM) or Mysuru (8:00 AM)

• Stopover: Breakfast en route at Gundlupet

• Arrival: Reach Bandipur by 10:30 AM, check-in to your lodge

• Afternoon: Rest and lunch at resort

• Evening Safari (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Spot elephants, deer, and maybe a tiger!

• Night: Dinner and overnight stay amidst the jungle sounds

Day 2: Morning Safari & Local Exploration

• Morning Safari (6:30 AM – 8:30 AM): Perfect for early wildlife activity

• Breakfast: Return and relax at resort

• Visit: Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta Temple for panoramic views

• Departure: Return to Mysuru/Bengaluru by late afternoon

💡 Tip: Combine Bandipur with a trip to Ooty (50 km) or Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary for a longer nature getaway.

Nearby Attractions

• Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (20 km)

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (40 km)

• Nagarhole National Park (90 km)

• Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta (15 km)

• Ooty (50 km)

FAQs about Bandipur National Park

Q1. What is Bandipur National Park famous for?
A1. Bandipur is famous for its tiger and elephant population and scenic Western Ghats landscape.

Q2. Can we stay inside Bandipur?
A2. Yes, several eco-lodges and forest lodges offer safe accommodations near the core area.

Q3. What is the best time to visit Bandipur?
A3. The ideal time is from November to May, especially March–May for tiger sightings.

Q4. Are safaris safe for families?
A4. Yes, safaris are conducted by trained forest officials and are completely safe.

Q5. How to book a safari online?
A5. Safaris can be booked on the official site: bandipurtigerreserve.in

🔍 People Also Ask (PAA)

1. How many tigers are in Bandipur National Park?
There are around 150 tigers in the larger Bandipur landscape.

2. Can I visit Bandipur in monsoon?
Yes, but some safari routes may remain closed due to heavy rain.

3. What is the nearest hill station to Bandipur?
Ooty is the closest hill station, about 50 km away.

4. What are Bandipur safari charges?
Entry fees range from ₹300 to ₹500 per person depending on the vehicle type.

5. Is Bandipur part of Project Tiger?
Yes, Bandipur is one of the first nine reserves established under Project Tiger (1973). 

Conclusion

Bandipur National Park is a living symbol of India’s wildlife heritage — where ancient forests, royal history, and thriving biodiversity coexist. Whether it’s a weekend escape or a wildlife expedition, Bandipur’s safaris, serene landscapes, and eco-resorts promise an unforgettable jungle experience.

Lose yourself in the rhythm of nature — because at Bandipur, the wild still whispers. 🌳🐅