Destinations
Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka
Bandipur supports a rich variety of wildlife. Apart from tigers, it is home to leopards, Indian elephants, dholes (wild dogs), sloth bears, gaurs (Indian bison), chital (spotted deer), sambar deer, and several smaller mammals. The reserve is also a haven for birdwatchers, with more than 200 species of birds recorded, including the crested hawk-eagle, Malabar pied hornbill, Indian peafowl, and paradise flycatcher.
Located in the scenic foothills of the Western Ghats in southern Karnataka, Bandipur Tiger Reserve is one of India’s premier wildlife sanctuaries and part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Once the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Mysore, Bandipur was declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1973, and today it plays a vital role in the conservation of the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger and other key species.
Covering an area of over 870 square kilometers, Bandipur’s landscape is a diverse mosaic of dry deciduous forests, teak and sandalwood trees, open grassy meadows, and riverine habitats. It shares its borders with other important sanctuaries — Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu), Wayanad (Kerala), and Nagarhole (Karnataka) — forming one of the largest contiguous tiger habitats in the country.
Best Time To Visit
The ideal time to visit Bandipur Tiger Reserve is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent. March to May, the dry summer months, offer the best chances of spotting tigers and elephants near watering holes. The cooler months from November to February are perfect for birdwatching and nature walks. The park remains closed during the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall and conservation activities.