Bandipur Tiger Reserve And National Park

Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park, located in the Chamarajanagar district’s Gundlupet taluk, is about 12 kilometers from Masinagudi. It forms part of the Nilgiri Wildlife Sanctuary, making it Southern India’s largest wildlife reserve and boasting South Asia’s largest population of wild elephants.

Discover Wildlife Wonders at Bandipur Tiger Reserve And National Park

The park is teeming with endangered species, including elephants, hornbills, deer, sloth bears, panthers, and various trees like teak and sandalwood. Visitors can explore the park’s beauty through jeep, bus, or elephant safaris to witness its diverse array of animals and birds. Bandipur National Park is contiguous with the Nagarhole and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries and is located a short distance from Mudumalai National Park. To safeguard the park’s wildlife from vehicle-related accidents, a traffic ban has been enforced between 9 PM and 6 AM.

Established in 1941 as the Venugopala Wildlife Park, Bandipur National Park was officially designated in 1985, covering an area of 874.20 square kilometers. It was later extended and brought under Project Tiger in 1973, encompassing an area of 912.04 square kilometers. The park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, and shrublands, owing to its location at the confluence of the Deccan Plateau and the Western Ghats. It is home to a remarkable range of wildlife, from Asian elephants and Bengal tigers to gaurs and sloth bears.

Over 200 species of birds, including crested honey buzzards, kingfishers, and eagles, attract birdwatchers from around the world. Additionally, the park is inhabited by reptiles such as Indian rock pythons, crocodiles, and monitor lizards, along with a myriad of butterflies and arthropods, highlighting its rich biodiversity. Despite its natural wonders, Bandipur faces threats from traffic on national highways passing through the park, resulting in wildlife casualties and habitat destruction. Efforts are underway to mitigate these risks and preserve the park’s unique wildlife and ecosystems.

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