Bandipur National Park is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary in Southern India. Bandipur also happens to be one of the oldest wildlife parks in the country. Home to the tiger and herds of wild elephants, Bandipur National Park has plenty to offer to wildlife enthusiasts and those looking for a relaxing respite from big city blues.

How to Reach Bandipur?

By Air : Bandipur is accessible by air from Bangalore (220 km). There are bus services from the airport to Bandipur. Taxis are available for hire too.

By Rail : Bandipur’s nearest major railhead is Mysore, 80 km away. Nanjungud railway station which is 5 km away has a few trains servicing it. There are bus and taxi services from the railway stations to the sanctuary.

By Road : Bandipur is well connected by roads. You can drive here or take a taxi or bus service from Bangalore (220 km) via Mysore (80 km). If you are driving, from Mysore take the NH-212 towards Gundulpet, the town nearest to Bandipur National Park. Just before you get to Gundulpet, turn off onto the NH-66 towards Bandipur.

Best Time to Visit Bandipur

The best season depends on what you are looking for; if it’s wildlife you seek then the hot months from March to May are when animals flock to the watering holes, (but be aware: droughts push animals into Mudumalai); for cool comfort, the months of November-February are great when the flora is resurging after the rains; the rainy months of June-September bring the elephants to the fore, bringing the temperatures down and the metalled roads of Bandipur don’t get washed out either.

Things to do in Bandipur

Bandipur wildlife sanctuary boasts of a perfect list of things to do for wildlife buffs. Go for safaris and spot wild elephants, deer, flying squirrel, Nilgiri langur, sloth bear etc. Admire nature and enjoy checking out the variety of flora in the region. The National Park also offers sightings of birds like the woodpecker, weaverbird, kingfisher etc. After your visit to Bandipur National Park you can head to the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary that is just 12 km away.

Places Near Bandipur

The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Ooty, and Mysore are some of the places near Bandipur National Park.

The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, 12 km away is a great place to visit to spot some more wildlife.

Udagamandalam (Ooty) 80 km away is one of India’s popular hill-stations fondly called the “Queen of Hill Stations” for its beautiful scenery and ambience. Wonderful hills, picturesque plantations and verdant valleys set the scene for great holidaying here. There is plenty to see - Pykara Lake, the Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, the Rose Garden, Dodabetta, and Kothagiri.

Mysore, 80 km away is a spectacular city with a rich historical heritage. Places to visit here include the impressive Mysore Palace, the Brindavan Gardens, the Chamundi Hills, the Mysore zoo, the Jagmohan Palace with its large collection of Ravi Varma paintings.

Hotels in Bandipur – Choice is Yours

There are numerous hotels in Bandipur ranging from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star deluxe to budget hotels.