Established in 1974 as one of India’s original nine Project Tiger reserves, Bandipur National Park’s dry deciduous forest connects seamlessly across the state border to Tamil Nadu’s Mudumalai reserve, and its jeep safaris regularly turn up elephant herds, gaur and, less predictably, tiger and leopard, with the Gopalaswamy Betta hilltop temple offering a rare elevated viewpoint over the forest canopy. Bandipur sits at an elevation of 814 m and is typically explored in about 1-2 days. The most favourable months to visit are January, September, December, and November, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Bandipur Museum, Bandipur Nature Camp, and Bandipur National Park Safari. Other notable highlights include dawn safari for wild elephants and gaurs, moyar River gorges with crocodile sightings, and himavad Gopalaswamy Betta temple views. It falls within Karnataka, Chamarajanagar district, and Karnataka.
State: Karnataka
Ideal Duration: 1-2 Days
January, September, December, November
No separate permit is needed for Indian citizens, but you must carry a government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, driving licence, or passport) for safari booking and entry. Foreign nationals need their passport and visa, and all visitors must follow the forest department’s rules, like not carrying loudspeakers or drone cameras.
Carry light, layered clothing for early morning and evening chill, comfortable non-slip walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Also bring your regular medicines, a small first-aid kit, and a torch, as there are no ATMs or pharmacies inside the park; the nearest town, Gundlupet, is about 20 km away.
There are forest department lodges (like Bandipur Safari Lodge) and private resorts within a few kilometres of the park entrance. Most offer comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms, but check for ground-floor rooms or ramps if you have knee or back issues, as many older cottages have steps.
Yes, the park offers shared gypsy (jeep) safaris that are accessible, but you must book in advance online or at the forest office. Seats in the gypsy are limited, and while the ride can be bumpy on forest tracks, the driver and guide will assist you in boarding and alighting.
The park is closed from mid-June to mid-October due to the monsoon, so plan your trip between October and March. The winter months (November to February) are ideal for wildlife sightings as animals come out more during cooler mornings and evenings.