In southern India’s Western Ghats foothills, Bandipur National Park is a nature sanctuary. Established in 1974 as a protected area to protect the tiger population, it was made a national park in 1978. It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has an area of 874 square kilometers.
A wide variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, elephants, gaurs, sloth bears, dholes (Indian wild dogs), sambar deer, chital, and more than 200 bird species, may be found at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park. For nature lovers, wildlife aficionados, and adventure seekers alike, the park’s lush woods, grasslands, and alpine vistas provide an exhilarating safari experience. This blog post will examine Bandipur National Park in more detail and go over everything it has to offer.
Contents
- 1 History and Location of Bandipur National Park
- 2 Bandipur Forest – Wildlife
- 3 Bandipur Forest -Flora
- 4 Bandipur Safari
- 5 Bandipur Resort -Accommodation
- 6 Trekking
- 7 Ideal Time to Visit
- 8 Conservation initiatives
- 9 Conclusion
- 10 FAQs
- 10.1 What is the best time to visit Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park?
- 10.2 Can I drive my own vehicle in Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park?
- 10.3 How can I book a safari at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park?
- 10.4 What is the duration of a safari at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park?
- 10.5 What are the types of safaris available at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park?
- 10.6 Is it safe to go on a safari at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park?
History and Location of Bandipur National Park
As a protected area for the preservation of tigers, the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park was established in 1974. It was designated as a national park in 1978. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, and the Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka all border the park, which is situated in the state of Karnataka. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, includes the park.
Bandipur Forest – Wildlife
An abundant and varied wildlife population resides in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park. One of India’s highest tiger concentrations may be found in this park, which is renowned for its tigers. In addition to tigers, the park is also home to many other animals, including sambar deer, chital, dhole (an Indian wild dog), elephants, gaurs, sloth bears, and leopards.
(Source – Twitter/PM Modi)
With over 200 species of birds, the park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. They include the Malabar trogon, an endangered species, and the critically endangered Oriental white-backed vulture.
Bandipur Forest -Flora
A thick canopy of deciduous trees, including teak, rosewood, sandalwood, and Indian laurel, covers the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park. Moreover, the park is home to a sizeable bamboo population and grasslands that provide habitat for a variety of animals. The park’s vegetation varies with altitude, with montane grasslands and sholas covering the upper elevations (tropical montane forests).
Bandipur Safari
(Source – Twitter/PM Modi)
A safari ride, which is offered in the early morning and late afternoon, is the greatest way to see the park. Both a vehicle safari and an elephant safari are options, and both are led by experienced guides who are familiar with the park’s fauna. You have a decent chance of seeing tigers and other wildlife on the safari, which is an exhilarating experience. The park also has a night safari, which is a great way to see animals that are active at night such civets, hyenas, and porcupines.
Bandipur Resort -Accommodation
The park offers a variety of lodging alternatives, from opulent resorts to basic tented camps. You have the option of staying either inside the park or in one of the neighbouring cities, like Ooty or Mysore. The Bandipur Safari Resort, Jungle Lodges Bandipur, and The Serai are a few of the well-liked lodging choices inside the park.
Trekking
Adventurers can choose from a number of trekking routes that take them through the woods and give them a chance to experience the park’s magnificence up close. The Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta Trek and the Begur Wildlife Sanctuary Trek are a couple of the well-liked trekking routes. You may reach the park’s highest point via the Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta Trek, which also provides beautiful panoramas of the surroundings. The Begur Wildlife Sanctuary Trek is a short walk that passes through the park’s grasslands and woodlands.
Ideal Time to Visit
From October to May, when the weather is favourable and wildlife sightings are at their peak, is the ideal time to visit the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park. The monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, results in the park remaining closed.
Conservation initiatives
The Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park is a noteworthy example of successful conservation. The park was established to safeguard the tiger population, which was in danger due to poaching and habitat loss. The park now supports a robust tiger population and serves as an example for tiger conservation in India.
The park also operates a number of conservation initiatives, such as the Bandipur Wildlife Conservation Foundation, which aims to raise awareness among the local population and maintain the park’s flora and animals.
Conclusion
Anyone who likes wildlife and the outdoors must visit the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park. The park offers an exhilarating safari experience that is sure to leave you in amazement thanks to its deep woods, grasslands, and montane environments, which are home to a variety of flora and species. A model for wildlife conservation in India, the park’s conservation efforts have made sure that it will always be a safe haven for the tiger population. So prepare to pack your luggage and head out into the wild at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park.
Read More – Exploring the Wonders of Sariska Tiger Reserve: A Two-Day Adventure in Rajasthan
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park?
The best time to visit Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park is between October and May, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are at their best. The park is closed during the monsoon season, from June to September.
Can I drive my own vehicle in Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park?
No, private vehicles are not allowed inside the park. You can only explore the park on a safari vehicle that is arranged by the forest department.
How can I book a safari at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park?
You can book a safari at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park by contacting the forest department directly. You can either call them or book a safari online through their official website.
What is the duration of a safari at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park?
A safari at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park typically lasts for 2-3 hours, depending on the type of safari you choose.
What are the types of safaris available at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park?
Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park offers several types of safaris, including jeep safari, elephant safari, and walking safari.
Is it safe to go on a safari at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park?
Yes, it is safe to go on a safari at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park. The forest department follows strict safety guidelines to ensure the safety of visitors.