India
Bandipur National Park
Intro
Bandipur National Park, the place which was once the hunting ground of Maharaja of Mysore, is now amongst the most important protected areas of India. Safari-friendly, the area constitutes a large variety of endangered species, fauna and flora, to observe the heart of a preserved nature. Situated in south of Karnataka, Bandipur National Park promises you an exhilarating outing under the sign of escape and discovery.
History
In the past, Bandipur National Park served as a hunting ground for the Maharaja of Mysore. Due to the presence of rich flora and fauna, the place enjoyed the status of a protected reserve since 1898, before being declared as national park in 1941. Initially covering an area of 90km², the area spread over the years till it reached more than 800km², after Venugopala Sanctuary was attached to it. In 1973, National Park of Bandipur has been integrated into “Project Tiger” which made it one of the most famous tiger reserves of the sub-continent.
Today
Bandipur National Park now covers 874 square kilometers of area. The site perfectly reflects the conservation efforts being undertaken by the Indian Government within the framework of “Project Tiger”. Together with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarhole National Park and Mudumalai National Park, the ancient hunting ground of Mysore became the famous Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Situated between the Mysore-Ooty route in Karnataka state, Bandipur National Park is the largest preserved area in South India. The reserve is an ideal base for observing a good Eco conservation model. Since the launch of Project Tiger in 1973, tigers and numerous biomes have benefited from an extensive program of protection and effective monitoring. As Bandipur National Park is home to a multitude of endangered species, reserve officials do not skimp on means and efforts to ensure an ideal management.
In the heart of forests and scrubland, in an area with a pleasant tropical climate, the animals flourish freely under the watchful eye of the park’s team. The charm of Bandipur National Park is underlined by the presence of various water bodies. Crossing the site, the river Nugu serves as a drinking trough for animals of all kinds. The northern part of the site is dotted by the Kabini stream, while the southern part sees the Moyar River flowing slowly.
Bandipur National Park has a rich variety of vegetation. The area is strewn with trees of all kinds, including rosewood, laurel, Kino tree, teak, sandalwood and various species of bamboo. You can also find a variety of fruit trees, to name only the Indian gooseberry, Kadam tree, Indigo Berry, Cucth, etc.
The fauna visible at Bandipur National Park includes many threatened species including the famous Bengal tigers. Among the inhabitants of the reserve, you can find mammals of all sizes, ranging from wild boars to Indian elephants, to four-horned antelopes, leopards and lippu bears. If we talk about reptiles, the Indian rock python, the Indian chameleon and the rat snake appear as the stars of the ecosystem.
The park of Bandipur is also a place of preference for the amateurs of ornithology. No less than 200 species of birds have been recorded to date, including the Peacock, Red-headed Vulture, Raven, Drongos and Snake-to-Crested Eagle.
Although Bandipur National Park is open to general public, special entry permits are required to enjoy a safari ride. We (Active India) are in charge to get you permission to enjoy this safari ride in best conditions.
Climate
The Bandipur National Park can be visited at any time of the year, but the ideal time to make a visit is between August and October. In summer, the temperature in the zone is around 35 ° C, with an average of 10 ° C in winter. Regarding rainfall, the Bandipur National Park is experiencing heavy rains from May to July. In November and December, showers are more moderate.
How to get there
Bandipur National Park is located on the road to Bangalore where there is an International airport. The reserve is about 80 km from the city of Mysore, from where you can take a bus, a taxi or a rental car to carry out the journey. Active India Holiday guarantees you a comfortable journey.
How to get around
Various means of transport are available to you for your exploration of the Bandipur National Park. You can choose among others to walk, to move by jeep or to take the boat for the crossing of the river Nugu.
What to do at Bandipur National Park ?
- Take part in a safari ride to discover flora and fauna.
- Learn about Ornithology
- Boating ride on Nugu river.
- Enjoy some time in nature during a relaxing parenthesis.
- Enjoy eating in park restaurant, etc.
