'' Bandipur National Park covers an area of 890 sq km housing some of the most exotic species of flora and fauna. Bandipur, along with Nagarhole National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Mudumalai National Park, has forest cover spread over an area of 2183 sq km. It is the largest protected area in south India and a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
The national park is a treat for bird watchers as well. Over 200 species of birds that include grey jungle fowl, red spur fowl, hawk eagle, serpent eagle, parakeets, woodpeckers, scarlet minuets, etc. can be spotted in the park. Kabini dam and backwaters of Kabini River attract a large number of birds.
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Bandipur National Park is one of India's best known sanctuaries, and is an important Project Tiger reserve. It is located in the Chamarajanagar district of southern Karnataka, and is contiguous with the Mudumalai National Park in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, the Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and the Nagarhole National Park to the northwest. It is home to around seventy tigers and over three thousand Asian elephants (as per the 1997 census), along with leopards, dholes, gaur and sloth bears. Bandipur is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Bandpur National Park today is home to tigers, elephants, gaurs, sambars, spotted deer, black-faced monkeys, and sloth bears. Tigers are rarely seen.
Attractions in Bandipur National Park
Himada Gopalswamy Betta is one of the must visit places in Bandipur. It is amongst the highest peaks in the park situated at a height of 1454 metres. Herds of elephant are commonly spotted near the peak. Over 200 species of birds that include grey jungle fowl, red spur fowl, hawk eagle, serpent eagle, parakeets, woodpeckers, scarlet minuets, etc. can be spotted in the park. Kabini dam and backwaters of Kabini River attract a large number of birds.
Best Time to Visit Bandipur National Park
October to March is the best time to visit the park
How to Reach there
Air: Bangalore international airport is the nearby airport to this place if you are coming by air. This airport is located at a distance of 215 km from Bandipur
Rail: Nearest railway station to this park is located in Mysore city which is located at a distance of 80km from here.
Road: Coimbatore (167km), Bangalore (235km), Mangalore (310km) and Kochi (326km) are connected to Bandipur by road.