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BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK
Bandipur National Park is a gorgeous forest reserve situated in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. This national park holds a unique place in India’s efforts towards natural conservation. It was created in the 1930s from the local Maharaja Voodiyar’s hunting lands, and named Venugopal Wildlife Park. Later Bandipur National Park was expanded in 1941 to be next to the Nagarhole National Park, which set towards its northern edge, and Wynad and Madumulai Sanctuaries, which lie towards its southern edge in the states of Kerala and Tamilnadu, respectively.
History
The total area now constitutes the vast Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of India's most widespread strips of protected forest. It has been designated a tiger reserve in 1973. Bandipur National Park lies in the Indian Deccan plateau area, as a result being totally in the shade of the Western Ghats. The region is well gifted in terms of vegetation and flora that ranges from deciduous and evergreen forest covers to open lush green woodlands. Valuable hardwoods together with rosewood and teak are also found here. The lifeline and sustenance of the forest is the Moyar River, which irrigates the neighborhood along with two minor rivulets. The river also acts as a border line between the Park and the Madumulai Sanctuary. Bandipur is one of the finest and most reachable habitats of the Asiatic elephant. Its enormous open spaces make it a pleasurable and suitable day out for visitors to spot the elephants in their natural environs.
Places of Interest
With the arrival of pre-monsoon showers in April, Bandipur begins to unfurl in all its glory. The resident birds begin their breeding activities. Nascent grass in the meadows and view lines draw elephants and the majestic gaurs in large numbers. For tourists who wish to watch the larger mammals in their natural ambiance, Bandipur is a delight from April to October. Prior to this during the summer months too, when over most parts of Bandipur is dry, the backwaters of the Kabini Reservoir in the northwestern segment of the park is host to huge congregations of large mammals, particularly to the elephant and the gaur. This exclusive feature makes a breathtaking sight, and is nearly the only one of its kind in Asia.
Best Time to Visit
The perfect time to visit the Bandipur National Park is between the months of April and October.
Travel Information
Air: The nearest airport is at Bangalore which is 220 km from Bandipur.
Rail: Mysore is nearest railhead, at a distance of 80-kms.
Road: 220 km from Bangalore; 80 km from Mysore; 80 km from Ooty.