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Bandipur National Park

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Bandipur National Park is in Karnataka state in India.

[edit] Understand

Famous for its tiger and elephant reserve and protected sandalwood trees, this 890 sq km park is one of Indian's most delightful wildlife sancturies.

[edit] History

[edit] Landscape

[edit] Flora and fauna

Various plants and also Sandalwood trees are common here. Bandipur is under project tiger. Elephants, Tigers, Chittal(spotted deer).

[edit] Climate

The region is warm and comfortable for most parts of the year with temperatures ranging from 24 to 28°C, except for the brief winter that lasts from October to January when the temperature hovers around the 19°C mark. Monsoon is erratic, but it generally rains from June to September.

[edit] Get in

The nearest town is Gundulpet, 31 km.

The nearest city is Mysore, 89 km.

Distance of 230KM or drive of 5.5 hours from Bangalore

[edit] By car

It is easy to drive the the hill temple. It is around 230 km from Bangalore and a 5 hour journey. Since the weather conditions are extreme, it is advised to keep the car in good shape, especially headlights, wipers and tyre pressure.

[edit] Fees/Permits

The enterance fees depends on what you want to do in the Bandipur National Park. If you are just using the NH-66 to proceed towards Mudumalai National Park, then for a two wheeler, there is no charge.

There is a compulsory enterance fee to be paid at the National park's reception. There will be a charge for vehicle parking also.

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Gopalswamy Betta

Gopalswamy Betta is one of the highest peaks in the Bandipur National Park and location of an ancient (13th century) fort of the Palegars of Terakanambi according to [1]
Gopalswamy Betta
Gopalswamy Betta

The view from top of this hill is truly breath-taking. It is one of the highest peaks (1454 meters above sea level) in the Bandipur National Park, Karnataka, India. It is also called Himada Gopalswamy Betta, as it is covered in mist (hima means mist in Kannada), for most of the months. (Betta means hill in Kannada). Another attraction at this peak is the fabled perpetual wind, that greets anyone who cares to climb it.

Herds of wild elephants are seen regularly near this peak. A lake, a few hundred feet below the peak serves as the local watering hole for the other wildlife.

The nearest town is Gundulpet, 20 km.

The nearest city is Mysore, 89 km.

There are no buses to Gopalswamy betta, so it would be prudent to take either a taxi, or ride a motorbike.

Take the NH-212 towards Gundulpet from Mysore. Just outside of Gundulpet there is a fork in the road. One towards Sultan Bateri, Waynad (NH-212 continued) and the other towards Bandipur (NH-66). Take the fork towards Bandipur. As you proceed towards Bandipur, take a right turn at Hangala village. (There should be a big Karnataka Tourism board abutting the road). From this point, the hill top should be 15 km. 4 km further, there is a forest department check post at the base of the hill. It is a 10 km winding, steep road, with a few hairpin bends that take you to the hill top.

There is an enterance fee that needs to be paid at the forest department check post. The fees varies depending on type of vehicle you intened to climb the hill. Two wheeler Rs25/- and Car Rs50/-

Camping is possible, with the permission of the Range officer, at the Bandipur National Park. A travelers' bungalow is also available, but it has no running water. Again, the permission of the Range Officer is required.

[edit][add listing] Do

Safari - The national park organizes 45-minute bus safari into the forest for a minimal fare of Rs. 95/- only for Indians. Foreigners have to shed a few extra bucks. There is also open-jeep safari for Rs. 2200/-. The safari, however, doesn't guarantee that tourists will get to see tiger, as it is a matter of chance.

Elephant rides - Kids would love elephant ride organized by the forest department for Rs. 120/-. The ride is for just 20 mins and it is not a safari.

Trekking in the jungle is illegal and has been banned.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

ROCKGARDEN HOLIDAY RESORTS, Mysore road Gudalur. www.rockgardenresorts.com

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Rockgardens holiday resorts, www.rockgardenresorts.com

  • Jungle Home, Thorapally (20 km from Bandipur safari office in TN side on gudalur road), 9448485160, [2]. checkin: 11AM; checkout: 10AM. Wildlife Sanctuary India offers Jungle Home, cottages situated in Mudumalai Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary Enjoy your vacation in India visiting Wildlife Sanctuary India, Tiger Safari, Trekking India, bird watching, fishing in Mudumalai Masinagudi Bandipur national park 1400.  edit
  • Tusker trail resort
  • Jungle lodge
  • Nilgiri resort
  • Mc Resort - Ph: 08229233044
  • Tiger Ranch - one of the best jungle resorts typically crafted as a tribal village.It is surrounded by dense forests and is quite affordable(880/- per person including foods). thatch huts, campfire, bamboo groves makes it a place to remember. Great place to stay.

it was on of the best experience we ever had i went there with my family,the owner was really frendly and courtious (also the staff)its all about self service and minnimalstc living,total value for money good food ,bf,dinner and lunch,clean rooms with clean bed sheats,the bathroom was even cleaner,.....one of akind exprnce ,saw lots of wildlife as they have a watering hole in the resort it self were animals come to drink water,the resort is in the forest not around the forest so it can get scary for sum at night.........but thats what every 1 wants when the stay in a forest resort......apart from that they have 14 doberman dogs to guard the guest along with two night watch man,,,,it quite safe trust mee....roads r really a dirt track but all of the roads inside the forest are like that its nothing that the owner can doo...........

[edit] Lodging

Dormitories and cottages are provided by government. Cottage booking requires prior permission by authoroties in Mysore. dormitory at rockgarden holiday resorts ,www.rockgardenresorts.com

[edit] Camping

Camping or use of the travellers bungalow will require permission from the Range officer at the Bandipur National Park

[edit] Contact

  • Bandipur national park reception

[edit] Stay safe

Rarely monkeys and wild boars do cause some menace here if one is not careful. One has to make sure they don't leave their cottage doors and windows open when you go out. Try not to feed the animals.

[edit] Get out

Ooty is a famous hill station in southern India. It is an ideal place for honeymoon couples.

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