'''Bandipur National Park''' is in Karnataka state in India.

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.

History

Landscape

Flora and fauna

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

Climate

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

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.

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.

Get around

See

'''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 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.

http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#AlbumZoom.aspx?uid=5536444923815580662&pid=1236838088891&aid=1236812494

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.

http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#AlbumZoom.aspx?uid=5536444923815580662&pid=1236838691963&aid=1236813315

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.

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.

Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

  • Jungle Home. horapally. 0 km from Bandipur safari office in TN side on gudalur road. 448485160. ttp://www.wildlifesanctuaryindia.com/. 1AM. 0AM. 400. 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 </sleep>
  • 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.
  • Lodging

    Dormitories and cottages are provided by government. Cottage booking requires prior permission by authoroties in Mysore.

    Camping

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

    Contact

  • Bandipur national park reception Ph: 08229236021.
  • 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.

    Get out

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