Discover Bandipur
Located at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, Bandipur National Park is one of South India's premier tiger reserves and a crucial component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Its landscape features dry deciduous forests, evergreen patches, sprawling shrublands, and rolling Nilgiri hills.
The reserve is famed for its thriving population of Royal Bengal tigers and wild Asian elephants, while its forests also support leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, and a rich diversity of birdlife. For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, Bandipur offers an immersive safari experience across one of India's most iconic and historically protected wilderness landsc
Why Bandipur?
Heart of the Nilgiri
Biosphere
Connected with Nagarahole, Mudumalai, and Wayanad, Bandipur forms part of India'slargest contiguous protected
forest area, providing an unobstructed habitat for wide-ranging
megafauna.
High Big Cat & Elephant Density
As one of the first reserves brought under Project Tiger in 1973, Bandipur boasts a thriving tiger population along with significant herds of Asian elephants and leopards.
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Historic Royal Hunting Grounds
Once the private hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Mysore,
Bandipur carries a rich conservation legacy and scenic wilderness trails that have been protected for over a century
Vast & Diverse
Terrain
Spanning open deciduous woods, rocky hills, and riverine ecosystems along the Moyar River, the park provides habitats for dholes, striped hyenas, rusty-spotted cats, and over 200 bird species.
Wildlife of Bandipur
Mammals
Mammals: Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Gaur (Indian Bison), Dhole (Wild Dog), Sloth Bear, Four-horned Antelope (Chousingha), Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer (Chital), Bonnet Macaque, and Mouse Deer.
Birdlife
Bandipur supports a rich bird community, with over 200 species recorded in the reserve's official information, including the honey buzzard, red-headed vulture, Malabar pied hornbill, and changeable hawk-eagle.
Flora
Dry deciduous forests, teak plantations, sandalwood trees, bamboo thickets, and rosewood dominate much of Bandipur, supporting the reserve's varied wildlife habitats.
Explore Bandipur Packages
THE BANDIPUR EXPERIENCE
More Than a Safari
Bandipur is about more than searching for a tiger. It is the anticipation of entering the forest at first light, following tracks and calls, watching the landscape come alive and experiencing wildlife in its natural surroundings.
Every safari is different. Some bring unforgettable wildlife encounters; others reward patience with smaller discoveries, striking landscapes and moments that could never be planned.
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When to Visit Bandipur
Winter & Early Summer
October – February
Pleasant safari conditions with cooler mornings and evenings. Post-monsoon greenery brightens the landscape, making for excellent birding and scenic drives.
Warmer Months
March – June
Warmer conditions and progressively drier vegetation can improve visibility in many areas, drawing big game out to waterholes and open tracks.
Key Things
to Remember
for Bandipur
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Night Traffic Ban
To protect nocturnal wildlife, the national highway passing through Bandipur is closed to private traffic from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM daily.
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Karnataka Forest Department Safaris
Safaris are organized strictly by the Karnataka Forest Department via government buses (Canters) or Jeeps.
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Inter-Connected Biosphere
Bandipur borders Nagarhole (Kabini), Wayanad (Kerala), and Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu), creating a massive, contiguous megafauna sanctuary.