Bandipur National Park
Posted on 15. Nov, 2011 by Thrillchimp in Adventure, Bangalore, Bangalore Weekend Getaways, Corporate Outing
Nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Bandipur National Park is known for its tiger population. The sanctuary offers this endangered animal the best natural habitat to thrive. In 1973, it was declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger Program, and in 1975, it was upgraded to the status of National Park.
The magnificent Nilgiri Mountains forms the background, and river Kabini, Mavinahall, Nugu and Moyar and 12 of their seasonal tributaries slither through the park area. River Nugu flows in the heart of the park. Moyar River forms the natural boundary between Bandipur National Park and Madhumalai Widlife Sanctuary, while Kabini River separates it from Nagarhole.
The vegetation here is of mixed type. The eastern parts are covered with scrub, while the central area is covered with dry deciduous forests, and moist mixed deciduous forests cover the western area of the sanctuary. The place is famous for its sandalwood.
The park shelters some of the most rare and endangered species of Indian Wildlife. It’s reported that there is a high population of elephants and tigers in the sanctuary. According to 1997 census, around seventy tigers and over three thousand Asian elephants have made this sylvan park their abode. Recognised as an Important Bird Area, the park houses more than 180 species of birds including around eight restricted species.
Bandipur National Park is one of the protected areas within Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is an International Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats. The park is surrounded by Mudumalai National Park, Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Nagarhole National Park.
Flora: Teak, Dalbergia latifolia, Pterocarpus marsupium, Adina cordifolia, Grewia tiliaefolia, Emblica officinalis, Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Terminalia tomentosa, Anogeissus latifolia, Terminalia chebula, Schleichera trijuga, Odina wodiar, Butea monosperma, Cassia fistula, Dendrocalamus strictus, Bambusa arundinacea , Chloroxylon swetenia, Acacia catechu, Shorea talura, Randia uliginosa
Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar (deer), Chital, Sloth Bear, Mouse deer, Wild dog, Wild boar, Barking deer, Four horned Antelope, Hyena, and more.
Reptiles: King Cobra, Common Cobra, Python, Adder, Viper, Rat Snake, Water Snake, Marsh Crocodile, Lizard, Chameleon, Monitor Lizard, Frog, Tree frog, Toad and Tortoise.
Avian-Fauna: Grey Junglefowl, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Honey Buzzard, Red-headed Vulture, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Brown Hawk Owl, Bay Owl, Malabar Trogon, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Little Spiderhunter, Plain Flowerpecker, and more.
Major Attractions:
Tiger and Elephant Population: Animals in the park roam around in large numbers, and elephants and tigers, present in respectable numbers, form the main attraction of this park
Jungle Safari: Bandipur National Park is one of the best managed havens for wildlife species, and it houses a number of rare and endangered species. During the safari, one can spot spotted deer, tigers, elephants, antelope, grey langurs, and more. Also, one can observe the riotously coloured winged beauties.
Other Places to Visit:
Madhumalai Widlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is located adjacent to Bandipur National Park, and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats. It’s located at an elevation of 1000 m, and is spread in an area of 321 sq. km. One can spot deer, tiger, wild boar, sloth bear, and more. Also, the sanctuary hosts raptors.
Nagarhole National Park: Nagarahole National Park, now renamed Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is surrounded by shallow valleys and gentle slopes on all sides. Declared a national park in 1974, Nagarahole National Park is said to be the best habitat for Asian elephants. Kabini River separates Nagarhole from Bandipur National Park.
Location: It is located in the Chamarajanagar district of southern Karnataka in Karnataka.
Area: 874 sq. km
Route: This National Park is located on the highway connecting Mysore and Ooty. There are regular bus services on the Mysore-Ooty route. All the buses that ply on this route stop at the Forest Department Center of the Park. There are regular bus services from Bangalore to Bandipur via Mysore. The nearest airport and railhead is in Mysore, and the nearest international airport is in Bangalore.
