Bandipur

Bandipur is home to the renowned Bandipur National Park, established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1931 by the Maharaja of Mysore and later declared a national park in 1974 under Project Tiger. The park covers around 874 sq. km and forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, along with Nagarhole National Park, Mudumalai National Park, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Historically, Bandipur was once a private hunting ground for the Maharajas of Mysore. Over time, conservation efforts transformed it into a protected reserve aimed at preserving endangered species, especially the Bengal tiger and Asian elephant. Today, Bandipur is one of the best-managed tiger reserves in India and attracts wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, researchers, and eco-tourists from across the globe. Bandipur’s landscape is a captivating mix of dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, shrublands, and open grassy meadows. The park’s terrain is enriched with small streams, seasonal waterholes, and the Kabini River system, which supports a thriving ecosystem. During summer, animals gather around water sources, making it one of the best times for wildlife sightings. The changing colors of the forest across seasons—from lush green in monsoon to golden brown in summer—create a dramatic and photogenic wilderness. The park is particularly famous for its tiger population, being one of the key reserves under India’s Project Tiger initiative. Apart from tigers, Bandipur shelters leopards, sloth bears, Indian gaurs (bison), spotted deer (chital), sambar deer, wild dogs (dholes), and over 200 species of birds. Bird watchers can spot peafowl, crested serpent eagles, hornbills, and woodpeckers, making it a paradise for ornithologists as well. The diversity of flora and fauna makes Bandipur one of the richest biodiversity zones in South India. Jeep safaris and bus safaris organized by the forest department allow visitors to explore designated zones safely. Early morning and late evening safaris provide the highest chances of wildlife encounters. The thrill of driving through mist-covered forests at dawn, hearing alarm calls of deer, and suddenly spotting a majestic tiger crossing the path is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. Bandipur also plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation and ecological balance in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Strict regulations, anti-poaching patrols, and eco-sensitive tourism policies ensure the protection of wildlife habitats. Night traffic is restricted on the highway passing through the forest to minimize disturbance to animals. These measures have significantly helped in increasing tiger and elephant populations over the years.