Bandipur National Park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which comprises of dense forests, rivers, mountains, gorges and open grasslands, and is considered one of the best tiger and elephant habitats in India.
Bandipur National Park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which comprises of dense forests, rivers, mountains, gorges and open grasslands, and is considered one of the best tiger and elephant habitats in India.
Bandipur is located amidst the picturesque surroundings of the towering Western Ghats roughly halfway on the highway connecting Mysore and Ooty. It is an important component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve that also includes Karnataka’s Nagarahole National Park to its Northwest, Tamil Nadu’s Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to its South, and Kerala’s Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to its Southwest.
Bandipur has a healthy tiger and elephant population, but all its denizens, be it elephants and tigers or leopards, Indian Pangolins, Dholes and their prey move freely between Nagarahole and Bandipur.
Three perennial rivers Nugu, Moyar and Kabini feed this area perennially and host a variety of aquatic birds.
The reserve was Maharaja Wodeyar’s private hunting ground until 1941, thereafter gaining protection and eventually in 1973 it was recognised as Bandipur National Park and brought under the umbrella of Project Tiger.
As you drive through the forests of Bandipur National Park, the sweet fragrance of the sandalwood trees pleases your senses. Sandalwood has long been prized for its sweet fragrance. It is used in religious ceremonies and for making decorative and ornamental objects. However, the sandalwood trees in Bandipur are thankfully protected along with the wildlife that abounds here
Nature walks with our expert naturalists are an excellent immersive experience.
Gopalaswamy Betta, the highest point in the reserve, has a panorama view of gently sloping mountains, flat-topped hills and gorges encrusted with largely mixed-deciduous forest. It is also the site of a 13th century fort.
Another unforgettable spot is the Mysore Ditch – a 260 metre deep gorge that has been eroded by the Moyar River.
Can’t find a suitable itinerary that features a destination, experience or accommodation you fancy? All our group tours and holiday ideas can be personalised, or we can create a tailor made itinerary for you.
Opulent: Exceptional, unashamedly the best of sheer luxury. (£££££)
Luxury: Outstanding levels of 5* comfort, hospitality and facilities. (££££)
Premium: Excellent levels of comfort and hospitality and a wide range of facilities. (£££)
Mid-Range: Good levels of comfort and hospitality, with a reasonable range of facilities. (££)
Simple: Clean and simple, no frills. Often in areas of natural beauty or near wildlife reserves. (£)
