My Jungle Junction

Bandipur National Park & Tiger Reserve

One of India's original Project Tiger reserves, Bandipur combines dry deciduous forest, Nilgiri hills and a high density of elephants, gaur and tigers, close to Mysuru.

Plan My Safari View Packages
15+ years of travel experience
Hosted by Amit (MJJ)

Plan Your Safari

Talk to a wildlife specialist.

By submitting, you agree to be contacted by My Jungle Junction.

By submitting, you agree to our Cancellation & Refund Policy and Privacy Policy.

Scroll

Plan Your Safari

Talk to a wildlife specialist.

By submitting, you agree to be contacted by My Jungle Junction.

By submitting, you agree to our Cancellation & Refund Policy and Privacy Policy.

My Jungle Junction's Guide to Bandipur Tiger Reserve

The Bandipur Tiger Safari Experience

Bandipur was brought under Project Tiger in 1973 and has a core of roughly 872 sq km, with a total of about 1,456 sq km including buffer. It forms part of the largest contiguous protected forest in southern India, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve landscape.

The tourism area is around Bandipur village, with safaris run by the Karnataka forest department. We recommend two nights, usually combined with Nagarahole (Kabini) and Mysuru. Gopalaswamy Betta temple hill is a scenic stop in the reserve.

Bandipur has no single famous tiger; the reserve's story is long-term conservation, including reduced fire and poaching problems and rising elephant and tiger numbers in the larger landscape.

1,456

sq. km reserve

1 + 1

Core + Buffer zones

1973

Declared National Park

Bandipur Safari Packages

My Jungle Junction's Bestselling Bandipur Safari Packages

We plan Bandipur itineraries around permit availability, travel time from the nearest airport or station, and the zones that suit your priorities, whether that is tigers, birds or a quieter forest. Amit and the My Jungle Junction team handle safari bookings, lodge selection and transfers, and can combine Bandipur with neighbouring reserves in Karnataka or a wider central India circuit.

How Many Safaris Should You Do in Bandipur?

Two or three safaris cover the reserve well

Bandipur's safari area is compact, so a few well-timed drives are enough to sample it. Most visitors do one morning and one evening on arrival day or the next, and a third if they have time. We add Nagarahole to extend the stay for a stronger tiger chance.

Two safaris, one morning and one afternoon, give you a good look at the dry forest and a decent chance at elephants and gaur. Three drives raise the odds of a leopard or tiger and give a margin for weather; this is our usual recommendation.

Four to six drives suit enthusiasts and photographers, ideally split between Bandipur and Nagarahole. Bandipur suits families, first-timers and anyone who wants a comfortable base close to Mysuru.

Best Safari Zones

Safari Zones in Bandipur

Bandipur is managed in ranges rather than numbered zones, and tourist safaris operate in the Bandipur range near Bandipur village on set routes by forest department vehicle. Other ranges include Moolehole, towards the Tamil Nadu border, and Gopalaswamy Betta, the highest point of the park, where visits are limited to the temple road. Exact routes, timings and booking arrangements change; we confirm them before your trip.

Bandipur Range

The main tourist safari area near Bandipur village, with forest department vehicles on set routes.

Moolehole Range

Range on the Tamil Nadu side of the reserve, known for wildlife along the road to Ooty.

Gopalaswamy Betta Range

The highest point of the park, topped by a temple; visits are usually limited to the temple road.

Core Area

About 872 sq km of critical tiger habitat with restricted access.

How to Reach & When to Visit

How to Reach & Best Time to Visit Bandipur

✈️

By Air

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru is the main airport, about 220 km away; Mysuru has a smaller airport with limited services. Onward travel is by road.

🚆

By Train

Mysuru Junction is the nearest major railhead, about 80 km away, with trains from Bengaluru, Chennai and other cities.

🚗

By Road

Bandipur is on the Mysuru-Ooty road, around two hours from Mysuru and about five hours from Bengaluru. Night traffic is restricted on parts of the highway.

Best Time to Visit Bandipur

Winter and early summer give the best conditions for wildlife viewing.

🍂
Winter
Nov - Feb

Cool, comfortable weather and good visibility. Mornings are chilly; this is the most popular season.

☀️
Summer
Mar - Jun

Hot and dry; wildlife congregates at waterholes and sightings are often good. Afternoons are hot, so keep to early and late drives.

🌧️
Monsoon
Jul - Oct

Rain turns the forest green and visitor numbers fall. Safaris generally continue but tracks can be slippery and visibility lower.

MJJ Insight : Safaris here are run by the Karnataka forest department; book early for weekends and holidays, and let us handle lodge and safari bookings together.

The Wildlife of Bandipur

Beyond the Tiger: Bandipur's Wildlife

Bandipur is famed for its elephants, with large herds common near waterholes, and for gaur, which are often seen in the open forest. Tiger and leopard are present, with the reserve one of the better places to see them in southern India. Other mammals include dhole, sloth bear, sambar, chital, four-horned antelope, mouse deer, Indian giant squirrel and langur. Birds include crested serpent eagle, Malabar pied hornbill, grey junglefowl and many raptors. Mugger crocodiles and monitor lizards are seen near water.

Bandipur National Park & Tiger Reserve - wildlife sighting
Bandipur National Park & Tiger Reserve - wildlife sighting
Bandipur National Park & Tiger Reserve - wildlife sighting
Bandipur National Park & Tiger Reserve - wildlife sighting

Wildlife Highlights of Bandipur

Elephants, gaur and tigers in open forest

Bandipur does not have one celebrity tiger, but it has a strong record as one of India's original Project Tiger reserves. Elephants and gaur are the regular stars, and tigers and leopards are seen often enough to make every drive exciting.

Gopalaswamy Betta Moolehole Elephants Gaur Nilgiri Biosphere

Unlike some parks, Bandipur's fame is not tied to a single named tiger. Its reputation comes from reliable sightings of elephants and gaur, and from long-term conservation success.

As one of the original Project Tiger reserves, Bandipur has seen the recovery of its tiger population since the 1970s. Together with Nagarahole, Mudumalai and Wayanad, it forms one of the largest tiger populations in the world, and tigers move freely across the landscape.

Your Stay in Bandipur

Your Stay in Bandipur

Where to Stay in Bandipur

Most lodges are in and around Bandipur village, along the Mysuru-Ooty road, and range from the Karnataka Jungle Lodges and forest department accommodation to private resorts and homestays. Moolehole and Gundlupet offer more budget options. Choose based on how close you want to be to the safari gate, whether you want a pool and spa, and your budget. We pick lodges based on comfort and proximity and book safaris to match.

Plan My Stay

Safari Etiquette

Dos and Don'ts on a Bandipur safari

✓ Dos

  • ✓ Keep your voice low inside the forest.
  • ✓ Listen to your guide and naturalist.
  • ✓ Respect safari routes and forest regulations.
  • ✓ Carry water, sun protection and suitable clothing.
  • ✓ Keep your camera ready without disturbing wildlife.

✕ Don'ts

  • ✕ Ask the driver to break rules.
  • ✕ Request a driver to block an animal's movement.
  • ✕ Feed wildlife.
  • ✕ Throw anything from the vehicle.

Why Should You Visit Bandipur

Southern India's easiest introduction to tigers and elephants

Bandipur matters because it anchors a vast forest landscape in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and because it was part of the original Project Tiger programme. The open dry forest makes wildlife easier to see, elephants and gaur are common, and tigers and leopards are always possible. It is well organised, easy to reach from Mysuru and Bengaluru, and works as a stop on a southern circuit with Nagarahole, Mudumalai and Wayanad. For first-time visitors and families it is one of the most comfortable safari experiences in India, with a rewarding mix of scenery and wildlife.

Plan My Safari

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Bandipur

Get a Callback WhatsApp Us
✓ Request sent! We'll be in touch soon.