Entry is open from all domestic states.
Coimbatore Airport is the nearest airport receiving flights from Delhi, Mumbai and 5+ other destinations.
Gypsies, Safari Buses as well as Elephant Safaris are some of the local options to explore Bandipur National Park
The state government of Karnataka has taken several steps to curb the spread of Covid-19 while tourists to visit Bandipur. Thrillophilia recommends you follow all guidelines and safety measures issued by the government and practice personal hygiene to keep yourself safe.
The famous Bandipur Toger Reserve has been re-opened and started functioning with strict precautions to curb COVID-19 spread. Temperature checks, wearing of masks and face shields, sanitization of vehicles are some of the guidelines being followed by the Tiger Reserve administration. Read more.
Public and vehicular movement in Bandipur has been restored back to normal. There is no need of any e-pass or permissions for travelling within the districts or outside the district borders through public and private transport.Read more
People travelling to Bandipur, either inter-state or intra-state do not need any e-pass or permission to enter the borders. Hand stamping for inter-state travelers has also been removed.Read more.
Karnataka State Government has issued new guidelines for the opening of resorts and hotels for tourists in Bandipur. Functioning at 50% capacity, hotels and resorts must follow all the norms of social distancing as well as all the SOPs laid out by the state government.Read more.
Bandipur is National Reserve in the Karnataka. Wild animals and birds are conserved in this reserve. A few kilometres away from the capital city, Bangalore, this reserve is one of the popular tourist places visited as a weekend getaway. The place is surrounded by unruffled atmosphere and is eco-friendly. Surrounded by foliage and lush greenery, you can find elephants grazing, and spot other birds and wild animals.
This reserve also has animal care centre which takes take of their health and breeding problems. Injured animals are treated at this centre. This reserve has natural waters coming from Moyar, Nugu, and Kabini rivers.You can go on bird watching tours and take wildlife safaris at this reserve. You can use guided safaris, which are either on foot or jeep.
You can also take elephant safaris. Since this reserve is located at the foothills of Nilgiris, you have abundant spots adventure activities like trekking, camping, and mountaineering. You can take a guided camping activity and listen to the camping stories that can give you an adrenalin rush.
You can also find a forest of well-preserved sandalwood trees in this reserve. August to November is the best time to visit the reserve as the climate is cool. The safaris ride is only for duration of 45 minutes, strictly. There are very few places to see at this reserve.
Once a hunting ground, ironically, Bandipur National Park was transformed into a reserve in 1974 and has been a point of interest, ever since. Replete with endangered wildlife and rich deciduous teak and sandalwood forests, Bandipur paints a unique picture that attracts tourists from near and far. A safari through the vast park reveals rare species like hornbills, sloth bears, panthers, and deer, roaming freely in their natural habitat. Beholding nature’s beauty, Bandipur is an epitome of Karnataka’s ever-abundant riches!Location: NH 67, Hangala Village, Gundlupet Taluk, Bandipur, Karnataka 571126
Recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve encircles Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala’s various national parks and extends across a massive area of 5,520 sq. km. A trek through the reserve opens doors to splendid sights like the wildlife, the dense trees, and the incredible Western Ghats. The reserve boasts of elephants and tigers, primarily, since it is dedicated to the conservation of these species, but apart from that you’re sure to spot unique animals like gaurs, Indian Leopards, lion-tailed macaques, and even the Malabar giant squirrel, which is a rare sight. Prepare to set your eyes on some breathtaking beauty amidst vivid flowers, exotic plants and greenery like you’ve never seen before!Distance from Bandipur National Park: 35 kmsLocation: Mudumalai, Tamil Nadu 643223
Tucked away in the enormous Bandipur National Park, Gopalaswamy Betta is a majestic hill with a peak 1450 metres above sea level. The forest-clad hill is not only known for being the highest peak in the park, but for the mist that engulfs it for most of the year, giving it the name Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, as ‘Himavad’ translates to ‘fog’ in the local language. Apart from the elephant rides here, which the spot is most popular for, another attraction that tourists flock to is the Gopalaswamy Temple, situated atop the hill. The temple pays tribute to one of the incarnations of Lord Krishna and is a preferred spot for solitude, especially at sunrise and sunset when the view beyond the temple soothes your soul. A place of worship amidst natural beauty is a testimony to the fact that Bandipur is more than just a scenic place.Distance from Bandipur National Park: 18 kmsLocation: NH 67, Hangala Village, Bandipur National Park, Gundlupet Taluk, Bandipur, Karnataka 571126
You can get to Bandipur in a bus or by road from Mysore or Bangalore.
Carry trekking gear, mosquito repellent, torches, energy bars, water bottles, and cameras.
Wear full sleeved clothes; avoid wearing colourful or vibrant clothes. Wear colours that blend with the foliage of the forest.
Avoid wearing perfumes or deodorants.
Maintain silence, do not catcall animals, or make any noise.
Respect the animal habitats. Make way for animals when trekking or taking safaris on foot.
Maintain schedule and be there on the safari spot on time.
Do not make other tourists wait for you.
Do not smoke or litter the place during safaris or treks.
Enter the reserve only after taking permission.
Do not take anything away from the forest or leave anything behind in the forest or reserve during safaris or treks.
Take only guided tours, treks, and camping.
You can stay at cottages, hotels, resorts close to the reserve.
Monkey menace is common outside reserve; do not feed monkeys or any wild animals inside or outside the reserve.
Observe wildlife only from a safe distance.
No private vehicles are allowed inside the reserve.
Only park approved vehicles are allowed inside the reserve and accompanied by a guard.
Do not carry alcohol inside the reserve, or during treks, safari, or camping in these areas. Do not drink in public or religious places.
Wildlife safaris on jeep, elephants, or on foot
Bandipur is popular for its tiger reserve and wildlife safaris. This is not a place for partying, clubbing, or night-life. There are not many places for sightseeing either. This is a weekend getaway for those staying in and around Bangalore or Mysore. For those who want to explore nature and get a glimpse of wildlife and species of birds inside the reserve can visit this place. There are many locations for trekking and camping in the Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve. Trekking inside the jungle is banned and you need permission from the forest department to trek inside the forest. You can only take guided treks in the nearby areas.
You are likely to spot wild animals like, wild boar, bison, panther, jackal, many species of deer, and wild elephants. Birds like peacocks, peahens, fowls, robins, partridges, pigeon, and many other migratory birds can also be spotted. King cobras, vipers, and rat snakes can be found in this region.
Trekking, camping, and boating
Three types of treks are available at Bandipur. You can take a guided trek in the forest area, where your chance of finding tigers in their natural habitat is higher. Boat rides at the Kabini River are tranquil. Spot elephants near Kabini Dam. Take a bike ride to Gopalswamy Betta, which is the highest peak of this national park and has a scenic view.
Nearby places
You can travel to Ooty, Mysore, Madikeri, and Nagarhole National Park, which are close to this reserve. There are many places for sightseeing at these hill stations and nearby towns. These locations are only a few hundred kilometres away from the Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve.
Wildlife, camping and trekking
This is one of the popular weekend getaways near Mysore and Bangalore. You can camp at the Nilgiris. You can trek and camp inside the forest with permission from the forest department. These are guided and paid camps and treks. You can spot many wild animals and birds during treks, camps, and safaris in this area.
Shopping and sightseeing
There are shops inside the resorts and outside the reserve and national park. You can shop for souvenirs made from terracotta and wood. Shopping is available for decorative items, hats, t-shirts, and stationery at these stores. The riverside and nearby locations for sightseeing provide a scenic view. There are not much water sports activities available in this area except for boat rides in the Kabini River.
Eating out and walking trails
The hotel Serai that is present just on the outer limits of the reserve and sanctuary provides international and South Indian cuisine. This is the only hotel within the limits of the national park and sanctuary that is an option for eating out. Eat at the guesthouses and hotels which are located outside the reserve. Take guided walking trails within the reserve and in the prescribed time.
Website :
Forum :
Thrillophilia Bandipur Travel Website
Books :
Karnataka Tiger Conservation Project- Nagarahole , Bhadra, Bandipur, Kudremukh (Centre for Wildlife Studies Final Report 1998-2001) by K. Ullas Karanth, N. Samba Kumar, and Praveen Bhargav
