Bandipur National Park in Karnataka

Bandipur Wild life Sanctuary offers a rich and varied wildlife habitat. It is a part of a larger national park, which also includes the neighboring wildlife sanctuaries, of Mudumalaiin Tamil Nadu and Wynad in Kerala. This sanctuary comes under Project Tiger, a scheme launched in 1973, by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature, to save the tiger and its habitat. Since then it is successfully handling the hurdles coming all its way in preserving and recreating the endangered species.

Climate
Blessed with a temperate climate and diverse geographical features, the park supports an outstanding variety of flora and fauna, making it an authentic paradise for wildlife.

Important Dates
In 1973, Bandipur National Park In Karnataka became one of the first of India's Tiger Reserves and the southernmost of the nine reserves specially formed under Project Tiger. In 1974, intention was declared under the Wildlife Protection Act to notify the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary as a National Park.

Flora
The scrubby jungles towards the eastern limits of the Bandipur National Park consist of stunted trees, intermixed with bushes and open grassy belts. Towards the northwestern fringes, there is a bit-by-bit shift in the vegetation, from open dry deciduous jungles to tropical mixed deciduous jungles. These diverse habitats of vegetation shelter an enormous diversity of animal life.

Fauna
With the arrival of pre-monsoon showers in April, Bandipur National Park begins to blossom in all its beauty. The native birds starts their breeding activities. The grasslands with sprouting grass are dominated by elephants and the majestic gaur. Bandipur is a paradise between April to October, for the tourist coming to watch the larger mammals in their natural habitats. During the summer season, when dryness exists over most parts of Bandipur, the backwaters of the Kabini Reservoir in the northwestern part of the park entertains huge gathering of large mammals, especially the elephant and the gaur. This rare character of Bandipur National Park makes a breathtaking view, and is almost the only one of its kind in Asia.

How to Reach

By Air:
The nearest airport is at Bangalore which is 220 km from Bandipur. Here you will find several means of road transport to reach the park.

By Rail:
Mysore is nearest railhead, at a distance of 80-kms. Take a bus or taxi form here to reach the park.

By Road:
The Park is 220 km from Bangalore; 80 km from Mysore, 80 km from Ooty. Well defined road is available between these cities and the park.

Wildlife in Karnataka

Karnataka in Details