About Bandipur Forest

Bandipur National Park is a large forest reserve in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, near the town of Gundlupet. The main Mysore-Ooty highway runs right through it, so many travellers going up to Ooty pass this forest on the way. People stop here for a jungle safari, and there is a good chance of seeing wild elephants, deer and gaur close to the road.

History

This forest was once a hunting area of the Maharajas of Mysore. A small part of it was protected as a wildlife park in 1931. In 1973 Bandipur became one of the first tiger reserves in India under Project Tiger. Today it joins Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad in Kerala and Nagarhole in Karnataka. Together these forests form one of the largest homes for wild elephants and tigers in the country.

What to see and do

• Take a forest department safari by bus or jeep from the Bandipur reception centre. Safaris run early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
• Look for elephants, spotted deer, sambar, gaur, langur monkeys, wild boar and peacocks. Tigers and leopards are seen only with luck.
• Watch birds such as hornbills, eagles and many small forest birds.
• Drive up to Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, a hill temple inside the reserve, for wide views of the forest.
• Enjoy the drive itself. The highway passes through thick teak and bamboo forest.

Best time to visit

October to February is cool and pleasant. From March to May the forest is dry and animals come to water holes, so sightings are often better, but afternoons are hot. The monsoon months, June to September, make the forest green, but some safari routes may close.

How to reach

Bandipur is about 80 km from Mysore on the Mysore-Ooty road via Nanjangud and Gundlupet. From Ooty it is about 80 km via Masinagudi or Gudalur. The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu state buses between Mysore and Ooty pass through the park. Night traffic on the forest roads is restricted 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM, so plan to cross in daylight.

Tips for visitors

• Book your safari seat early, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Wear dull colours like green, brown or khaki. Stay quiet in the safari vehicle.
• Do not stop on the highway to feed or photograph animals. It is unsafe and fines apply.
• Carry water, a cap, binoculars and a jacket for early mornings.
• Mobile signal is weak inside the forest.
• Check the timings and entry fee on this page before you go.

Bandipur fits well into a trip to Ooty and the Nilgiris. On the same road you can also visit Mudumalai Forest in Tamil Nadu. The Mysore-Ooty Tour Package from Bangalore and the Bangalore to Mysore Ooty car tour both travel on the Mysore-Ooty road that passes through this forest.