Discover India's Wild Heritage
Explore the diverse ecosystems and magnificent wildlife across India's national parks
Explore ParksExplore the diverse ecosystems and magnificent wildlife across India's national parks
Explore ParksJewel of the Western Ghats
Karnataka
Image: Dineshkannambadi / CC BY-SA 3.0Welcome to Bandipur National Park! Use the resources below to plan your adventure in one of India's most treasured wild spaces.
Safaris, bird watching, nature walks, and more
Safari timings, open seasons, and park schedules
Entry fees, safari charges, and camera fees
How to reach by air, rail, and road
Official booking links, permits, and offline reservation guidance
Nearby stays, forest rest houses, and booking resources
Safari access is managed through Bandipur Tiger Reserve counters and official Karnataka tourism operators; confirm current booking windows before travel.
The park is on a national highway and the reception area is accessible. Jeep safaris can accommodate visitors with limited mobility. The Bandipur Safari Lodge has some accessible cottages. Bus safaris are less accessible. Nature walks involve uneven forest terrain. Inform the reception counter about accessibility needs when booking.
Bandipur National Park, established as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1974, is one of India's premier wildlife destinations set in the picturesque Western Ghats of Karnataka. The park was once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Mysore. Today, it forms a crucial part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve — India's first biosphere reserve — and connects with Nagarahole National Park to the northwest, Mudumalai National Park (Tamil Nadu) to the south, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) to the southwest, creating one of the largest protected habitats for elephants and tigers in South Asia. The landscape is a beautiful mosaic of dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, and scrublands draped across undulating hills.
| Season | Morning Safari | Evening Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Year-round | 6:30 AM - 9:00 AM | 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM |
Two safari slots per day. Bus safaris depart from Bandipur Safari Lodge. Jeep safaris can be booked at the park reception. The park reception counter opens at 6:00 AM.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee (Indian) | INR 80 per person |
| Entry Fee (Foreigner) | INR 720 per person |
| Jeep Safari (Indian) | INR 3,000 - 4,500 per trip |
| Jeep Safari (Foreigner) | INR 5,000 - 7,000 per trip |
| Bus Safari | INR 400 per person |
| Guide Fee | INR 350 per trip (mandatory) |
| Camera Fee | INR 150 (still), INR 500 (video) |
Bus safaris operated by the Karnataka Forest Department are the most economical option. Jeep safaris offer better flexibility and wildlife viewing. Weekend safaris tend to be crowded — weekday visits are recommended.
Bandipur National Park, Bandipur, Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka 571126
11.6717° N, 76.6337° E
Nearest airport is Mysore Airport (Mandakalli, 80 km, limited flights) or Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (220 km, approximately 5 hours by road). Coimbatore Airport (165 km) is another option.
Nearest railway station is Mysore Junction (80 km), well-connected to Bangalore, Chennai, and other cities. From Mysore, take a bus or taxi on NH-766 toward Ooty.
Located on NH-766 (Mysore-Ooty highway), 80 km from Mysore and 220 km from Bangalore. KSRTC buses between Mysore and Ooty pass through the park. Private taxis available from Mysore and Bangalore.
The park reception is at Bandipur village on the highway. Safari vehicles depart from here and the Bandipur Safari Lodge. Auto-rickshaws are not readily available — arrange transport in advance.
A mosaic of dry deciduous forests (teak, rosewood, sandalwood), moist deciduous forests, and scrublands. Notable trees include teak, Indian rosewood, sandalwood, bamboo, and Indian Kino. The park transitions from dry scrub to moist evergreen forests at higher elevations.
Home to approximately 170+ tigers, over 2,000 elephants (as part of the larger Nilgiri population), Indian gaur (the world's largest wild cattle), leopards, dholes (wild dogs), sloth bears, four-horned antelope, giant squirrels, and mugger crocodiles in the Moyar and Nugu rivers.
The forests of Bandipur were the private hunting reserves of the Maharajas of the Kingdom of Mysore. Tipu Sultan reportedly planted teak in these forests in the 18th century. The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1931 under the Mysore princely state. In 1941, it was upgraded, and in 1974, it became one of the first tiger reserves under Project Tiger. It forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (established 1986), India's first biosphere reserve, recognized by UNESCO. The combined habitat of Bandipur-Nagarahole-Mudumalai-Wayanad is one of the most important elephant and tiger landscapes in Asia.
