Bandipur National Park, located in Karnataka, is one of India’s most famous wildlife reserves, covering an area of 874 square kilometers. Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Mysore, it was later declared a protected area under Project Tiger in 1973. The park is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, along with Mudumalai, Wayanad, and Nagarhole wildlife sanctuaries, ensuring a vast and secure habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
The park is best known for its large population of Indian elephants and Bengal tigers, along with leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, and several species of deer. Birdwatchers can also spot a variety of birds, including peafowls, hornbills, and eagles. The dense deciduous forests, interspersed with grasslands, provide a stunning natural setting for jeep safaris, where visitors can witness wildlife in their natural habitat.
Bandipur is easily and accessible from cities like Mysore and Bangalore, making it a popular weekend getaway for nature lovers.