Bandipur National Park in Chamrajnagar District
Tread the path of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore with a visit to Bandipur, about 80 kms south of Mysore on the Mysore-Ooty Road. The reserve is a playground for wildlife, with elephants taking the lead role. Be prepared for an unforgettable experience - you might see a tiger prowling amidst the mix of deciduous, evergreen forest and scrubland vegetation. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the enchanting Niligiri mountains with its mist-covered peaks, Bandipur was once the Mysore Maharaja’s private hunting ground. It was brought under Project Tiger in 1973. This is one of the best game sanctuaries in India to observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity. A temple perched atop Himavad Gopalaswamy Hill, the highest peak in the Bandipur range, is worth a visit.

Best Season
June to October

Location and Area
Chamarajanagar District
874.2 sq. kms.
Bandipur is flanked by Karnataka’s Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole) to its northwest, Tamil Nadu’s Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to its south and Kerala’s Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to its southwest. Together, these constitute the Niligiri Biosphere Reserve.

Flora and Fauna
Deciduous, evergreen and scrubland vegetation.

Mammals
They include the tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, sloth bear, Asiatic wild dog, striped hyena, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, mongoose and the slender loris.

Reptiles:
The common rat snake, Russell’s viper, common krait, Indian python, flying snake and the cobra can be seen.

Birds
Over 230 species of birds have been identified. Some of the most notable ones are the heron, stork, egret, kite, eagle, falcon, peafowl, lapwing, sandpiper, woodpecker, drongo and the warbler.

Getting there
Road Mysore – 80 kms. Ooty – 80 kms. Bangalore – 220 kms.
Rail : Mysore – 80 kms.
Air : Bangalore – 220 kms.

Forest Department Cottages
Bandipur National Park,
Tiger Division, Bandipur,
Gundulpet Taluk,
Chamarajanagar – 571 111
Tel: 0821-636043, 025
Fax: 0821-636044

For reservations contact:
The Field Director,
Project Tiger,
Aranya Bhavan,
Ashokapuram,
Mysore – 570 008
TeleFax: 0821-480901
Tariff range:
Indians: Rs. 200/- to Rs. 300 /-
Foreign citizens: Rs. 400/- to Rs. 600/-
6-Bed Dormitory – Rs. 250/-; 10-Bed Dormitory – Rs. 400/-; 20-Bed Dormitory – Rs. 700/-.
 

Bush Betta Holiday Wildlife
Adventure Resort
Mangala Village,
Gundulpet Taluk,
Chamarajanagar – 571 126
Tel: 080-2243274, 4795
e-mail: bushbetta@vsnl.com
Web site: http://www.bushbetta.com/
Tariff: Rs. 1990/-

Tusker Trails
Mangala Village,
Gundulpet Taluk,
Chamarajanagar – 571 126
Tel: 0821-636055
e-mail: rajsafaris@hotmail.com
Tariff range: Rs. 1700/- to
Rs. 1900/-

KSTDC Mayura Prakruti
Hangala Post,
Melkamanahalli,
Near Bandipur,
Gundulpet Taluk,
Chamarajanagar – 571 126
Tel: 95821-633001
Tariff range: Rs. 300/- to Rs. 400/-