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.
Various plants and also Sandalwood trees are common here. Bandipur is under project tiger. Elephants, Tigers, Chittal(spotted deer).
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
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.
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 http://www.thebharat.com/tourism/hillstation/gopalaswamy.htm thumb|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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Dormitories and cottages are provided by government. Cottage booking requires prior permission by authoroties in Mysore.
Camping or use of the travellers bungalow will require permission from the ''Range officer'' at the ''Bandipur National Park''
Ooty is a famous hill station in southern India. It is an ideal place for honeymoon couples.