14 Tips To Keep In Mind Before Visiting Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park was once the hunting reserve for the Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore. Established in the year 1974 as a forest tiger reserve under the Project Tiger, Bandipur is the most prominent national park located in the south Indian state of Karnataka and is best known for its varied wildlife boasting different biomes in the dry deciduous forest. It is considered as one of the best managed parks of India.

The park stretches across an area of 874 sq km with a great objective of protecting the endangered species like tigers and elephants in this region along with protecting and restricting the over-usages of the sandalwood trees in the reserve area. Around 80 kms of distance from the city of Mysore on the way towards Ooty, one of the major hotspots of the area, Bandipur National Park brings a warm and comfortable climate throughout the year with a normal temperature range of 24 to 28°C to enjoy the tourists for a marvelous wildlife tour. Monsoon is erratic here but it generally rains from June to September to bring more lushly varieties around the reserve areas.

Bandipur National Park is a very famous wildlife park and tiger reserve in Bandipur, Karnataka. A lot of people visit this national park every year. Before you plan on visiting this park, here are a few things that you need to know about Bandipur National Park.

* The park is opened from 9 in the morning till 6 in the evening. If you are visiting during summer season, it is better to avoid the afternoon time. The best time to visit is in the early morning so that you can spot a lot of animals here.

* You can find a lot of monkeys in this park. It is better to keep your windows closed while travelling to avoid any hazardous actions from monkeys. These monkeys just attack you for food. So, keep your distance from them and avoid eating during safari.

* Do not feed or even try to feed the animals here. This includes the food you leave on the ground as litter. Monkeys and other animals might use it to track you down for more food.

* The climate is warm almost throughout the year. If you are visiting between October and January, the temperature might drop during evening or early morning. Dress accordingly.

* Always skip the monsoon season. It rains from June to September. You cannot find a lot of animals during monsoon season and the place would be messy to get around.

* The park does not permit private vehicle inside the park. Thus, be prepared for shifting to the park’s car with a guard as the driver.

* If you are choosing bus for safari, it might be cost effective, but it would take about 20 people in one trip and it might be jam packed.

* You can camp inside the park with permission from the department. There are traveller bungalows inside the park but, check the water facility inside the house before renting it.

* If you are staying inside the park, keep the windows closed always and dispose food waste properly to avoid monkeys entering your place.

* Trekking inside the jungle is illegal. You can either choose jeep or car or, choose common transportation like bus. Elephant rides are available for children but, not as a part of safari.

* Each safari is for 45 minutes. If you are carrying an infant with you, be prepared for its water and food needs.

* Thick shoes are important even if you are not planning to get out of the vehicle during safari.

* Campfires are organized only by the park. You cannot make your own campfires inside the park. It is illegal.

* Always stick to the guidelines given by your driver. They are not just drivers. They are trained guards who are with you for your safety. You can rarely spot a tiger in this reserve and the park does not guarantee tiger spotting. Yet, it is always better to stick to the guard’s instructions.