About Bandipur National Park
The Bandipur National Park, one of the first Tiger Reserves of India, is situated amidst the gigantic Western Ghat Mountains in Karnataka State, at the foothills of the Nilgiris (eucalyptus). This National Park spreads into the neighboring states Tamil Nadu and Kerala and is called the Mudumalai National Park. An astonishing variety of flora and fauna can be found here due to a moderate climate and diverse geographical condition. Sprawling over 860 sq km in area, the Bandipur National Park is very famous in Asia for its huge elephant herds. A very good internal network of roads meanders through its hilly terrains and breath-taking forested landscape. Wildlife viewing becomes an awe-inspiring experience at the many water bodies and salt lakes.
Fauna Of Bandipur National Park
Wild life abounds in plenty at the park, the rare Tiger being the main attraction. Elephants, Leopards, Bison, Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Sloth Beer, Black Napped Hare, Wild dog, Langur, Indian Giant Red Squirrel, Bonnet Macaque, 4 Horned Antelope, Porcupines, Slender Loris, Jungle Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Leopard Cat, Small Indian Civet, Palm Civet, Otter, Jackal, Wild Boar are just a few of the other inhabitants.
Avian Residents: The Park is also very rich in avi-fauna. Bird watchers would be delighted to spot Shaheen Falcons, Serpent Eagles, Crested Hawk Eagles, Gray Headed Firhings, Ospreys, Honey Buzzards, Malabar Pied Hornbills, King Vultures, Hill Mynas, Malabar Trogon, Gray Partridges, Black Woodpeckers, Paradise Flycatchers, Indian Pittas, Cormorants,
Flora Of The Park
The thick vegetation is watered by the Nagu, Kabini, Mule-hole and Moyar rivers criss-crossing the entire park which include trees like Honne, Sandalwood, Teak, Tadasalu, Mathi, Rosewood, Nandi, Bamboo, Nelli, Kooli, Dindalu, Kadu Tega, Randia and Bende. Stunted trees, interspersed with bushes and open grassy land can also be found on the eastern slopes.
Added Attraction Of Bandipur
Elephant and Jeep Safaris: A quiet Jeep safari can leave you with an invigorating experience of watching wild animals at close quarters. Bird watchers can opt for Elephant safari as it is an absolutely noiseless way to be at close proximity to animals.
Other places of interest are the 3 other reserves of Nagarhole, Mudumalai and Wayanad, the famous Vrindavan Gardens and Shrirangapatna fort of Tipu Sultan. Hot summer months can find people getting away to the enchanting hill towns of Ooty and Wellington.
Best Season To Visit
The park is open from the May to February. The best season to visit the park would be from May to July or in the months of September and October. Warm but comfortable for most of the year, winter from October to January might find the temperature falling to about 16°C. June to September is the monsoon season.
How To Reach Bandipur National Park
By Railways: Nearest railway station is at Nanjangud town (55 km) and Mysore (80 km).
By Airways: Nearest airport at Bangalore (220 kms).
By Roadways: Drive from Bangalore to Mysore and then take the Mysore-Ooty highway via Nanjangud and Gundlupet from where the park is just a half an hour drive.
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